Park at The Mart
After having installed numerous temporary park-lets outside of the Chicago Merchandise Mart since 2010, building ownership at The Mart became interested in realizing a permanent outdoor park that could serve a variety of purposes and be operational by Spring 2020. Part linear park, part outdoor event space, the new park was envisioned as an amity for downtown Chicago, open to the public but privately owned.
In addition to making its own version of the Chicago Riverwalk, theMART wanted a flexible outdoor area that could be used during its annual NeoCon design convention held every summer in June. Removable steel planters were custom-made for this project, along with several outdoor furniture pieces by StreetLife.
Despite setbacks caused by the outbreak of COVID-19, construction completed ahead of scheduel before June 2020 to a very receptive public.
