The Merchandise Mart

Paper Summary:

A modern monolith among many in Chicago, the Merchandise Mart was the world's largest building in the 1930s at four million square feet. This paper examines this sprightly combination of commerce and transportation, which makes the Merchandise Mart a dynamic, energetic example of functional architecture. The paper traces the history of this building from the 1930s until the present day, focusing on its unique Art Deco architectural features.

From the Paper:

"Just as the terrazzo floors flow through the interior of the Merchandise Mart, adding softness and color to what could be an imposing, cold structure, the Chicago River offers a similar sense of softness to the building's exterior. The Merchandise Mart transforms its immediate surroundings into an aesthetically appealing industrial and commercial hub. One of the most striking visual features of the Chicago Merchandise Mart is its proximity to the Chicago River, which often reflects the edifice in its rugged cool waters. A strategic location for an industrial-commercial building that is not only serviced by railroad but river transport, the Merchandise Mart stands as testimony to Chicago's rich financial and architectural history, blending into the environment and skyline seamlessly."

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