Merchandise Mart facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Merchandise Mart |
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| General information | |
| Type | Mixed |
| Architectural style | Art Deco |
| Location | 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago, Illinois |
| Coordinates | 41°53′18″N 87°38′08″W / 41.8884°N 87.6355°W |
| Construction started | August 16, 1928 |
| Completed | 1930 |
| Opening | May 5, 1930 |
| Owner | Vornado Realty Trust |
| Height | |
| Roof | 340 ft (100 m) |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 18 base, 25 tower |
| Floor area | 4,000,000 square feet (372,000 m2) |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Graham, Anderson, Probst and White |
| Main contractor | John W. Griffiths & Sons |
The Merchandise Mart, also known as the Merch Mart or just The Mart, is a very large building in Chicago, Illinois, United States. When it first opened in 1930, it was the biggest building in the world! It has a huge amount of space inside, about 4 million square feet. That's like having 92 football fields under one roof! For a short time, the building was so big that it even had its very own zip code. The famous Kennedy family once owned this amazing building.
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About the Merchandise Mart
The Merchandise Mart is a massive building located right in the heart of Chicago. It sits on the Chicago River and is a very important part of the city's history and business world. It's not just an office building; it's a place where many different kinds of businesses come together.
A Giant Building
The Merchandise Mart is truly enormous. It covers two full city blocks and has 25 floors in its tower section, plus 18 floors in its base. Imagine a building so big that it could fit thousands of people working inside every day! Its size made it a landmark from the moment it was built.
History of the Mart
The Merchandise Mart was built by Marshall Field & Company, a famous department store. It was designed by the architectural firm Graham, Anderson, Probst and White. Construction started in 1928 and finished in 1930. The idea was to create a central place where companies could show and sell their products to stores. This was a big deal for businesses all over the country.
Why it was Built
In the early 1900s, many companies sold their goods through traveling salespeople. The Mart changed this by bringing many different types of merchandise together in one place. Buyers from stores could visit the Mart to see new products and place orders. This made buying and selling much easier and more efficient.
Art Deco Style
The building's design is in the Art Deco style. This means it has a very distinct look with geometric shapes, bold lines, and decorative details. The Art Deco style was very popular in the 1920s and 1930s. The Mart's design makes it stand out as a beautiful and historic piece of architecture in Chicago.
What's Inside Today?
Today, the Merchandise Mart is still a busy place, but its purpose has changed a bit. It is now home to many different businesses, including:
- Design Showrooms: Many floors are filled with showrooms for furniture, lighting, and home decor. Designers and architects visit these showrooms to find items for their projects.
- Tech Companies: Some of the world's leading technology companies have offices in the Mart. It has become a hub for innovation and new ideas.
- Restaurants and Shops: There are also places to eat and shop inside the building. It's like a small city within a city!
- Events: The Mart hosts many events, trade shows, and conferences throughout the year.
Fun Facts About the Mart
- Its Own Zip Code: For a while, the Merchandise Mart was so large that it had its own unique zip code, just like a small town!
- Kennedy Family Ownership: From 1945 to 1998, the building was owned by the Kennedy family. This famous American family includes John F. Kennedy, who became president of the United States.
- Green Building: The Merchandise Mart has been recognized for being an environmentally friendly building. It has earned a "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design" (LEED) certification for its efforts to be sustainable.
Images for kids
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Merchandise Mart under construction, 1929
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Merchandise Mart in late 1969
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Night view of the building's surroundings along the Chicago River: Among the buildings and structures shown are (left to right) Left Bank at K Station (300 North Canal), 333 North Canal, Kinzie Street railroad bridge, 350 West Mart Center, Merchandise Mart, 300 North LaSalle, Franklin Street Bridge and part of 333 Wacker Drive.
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From the Chicago River, looking west
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Plaza in front of the Merchandise Mart
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A display inside the Merchandise Mart
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Merchandise Mart 'L' station
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See also
In Spanish: Merchandise Mart para niños
