When I first walked into THE MART, I felt a real connection between the past and the present of this legendary building. The design team behind this new mart building renovation project is not just modernizing old walls; they are honoring the building’s history while creating a lifestyle-centered environment that keeps the roots of Art Deco style alive. This project sits at the core of Chicago’s design world, and I think this mix of old and new uses is what makes the whole space feel like a true hub, welcoming every visitor with fresh styles that still feel like home.
What’s Actually Changing at the New Mart Building
From what I have seen in the planned updates, the team is redesigning both the first floor and the second floor to make the whole arrival experience feel new. They are opening the northeast entrance of the new mart building to make the lobby more accessible, and reworking the south plaza so it feels inviting from the moment visitors step inside. On top of that, this renovation brings a proper tenant fitness center, a design-focused lounge, and a hospitality-style conference center, all built to lift the overall visitor experience and keep every guest feeling welcome from start to finish.
The Aesthetic Evolution of the New Mart Building
Gensler calls this whole plan a modern legacy, and after reading about it, I understand why that name fits so well for this landmark. The material palette for the new mart building mixes modern finishes with the historic bones of the structure, keeping the ornate, geometric patterns of the original Art Deco details in place while adding new materials for a distinctive look. This design-forward approach shows how a landmark in the design industry can move ahead without losing what made it special in the first place.
Global Design Trends and the New Mart Building Concept
This kind of change is not only happening at THE MART; it is part of a bigger trend across the whole industry, where large-scale buildings once built for commerce are being reimagined instead of torn down. To see how far this concept reaches, you can look at Ulverston, England, where a small community group is running a fundraising drive to turn an aging structure called The Old Mart into a shared community space, no matter its size or budget. Their plan includes modular interior units for sports groups, food groups, and even an event space for the local lantern festival, and these hospitality-oriented spaces give this historic building a new purpose that serves the whole community.
In simple terms, this is a redesign of THE MART building in Chicago, led by the design firm Gensler. The whole project focuses on installing features meant for a new mart building experience including upgraded tenant amenities and public spaces while preserving the Art Deco character that makes this historic landmark so special.
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The New Mart Building Renovation
Project Timeline
The transformation of the property kicked off in the summer of 2022, with the construction team fast-tracking the timeline. The entire project is strategically aimed for completion in time for the 2023 edition of NeoCon, ensuring the updated space is ready for one of the industry’s premier design events.
New Tenant Amenities
This extensive renovation goes far beyond structural updates, introducing a host of premium spaces designed to elevate the daily experience for everyone in the building. Inside, tenants will soon have access to a fresh, fully equipped fitness center, a design-forward lounge for casual meetings or downtime, and a hospitality-driven conference center tailored for professional events. The welcoming experience is also getting a major lift, with comprehensive updates coming to the northeast entrance, the main lobby, and the south plaza to create a much more inviting environment for daily visitors.
The “Modern Legacy” Design Concept
To tie the past and the future of the property together, the design team anchored their vision around the concept of a “modern legacy.” In practice, this means treating the property’s history with deep respect rather than erasing it. The design preserves the building’s striking original Art Deco details in their true, authentic style, while seamlessly weaving in contemporary materials and finishes that feel completely fresh for today’s businesses.
A Growing Urban Trend
This transformation isn’t happening in a vacuum it is part of a massive, widespread shift in architecture and urban planning. Across the country, developers are choosing adaptive reuse over demolition, turning old industrial and commercial buildings into vibrant, hospitality-focused or community-centered spaces. This movement is making waves everywhere, from massive urban landmarks in major cities to small, community-led efforts. Even smaller towns are getting in on the action, with projects like The Old Mart in Ulverston proving that historic preservation and modern utility can thrive anywhere.
Environmental Focus for the New Mart Building
As the architecture world shifts toward eco-friendly practices, the new mart building is stepping up to set a green standard. The renovation includes advanced energy-efficient lighting and modern HVAC systems designed to drastically lower the carbon footprint of the massive structure. By prioritizing sustainable materials and reducing waste during construction, the new mart building demonstrates that historic preservation and environmental responsibility can beautifully go hand in hand.
How the New Mart Building Uses Technology
Beyond the beautiful Art Deco aesthetics, the digital infrastructure of the new mart building is getting a massive overhaul. Tenants and visitors will experience seamless connectivity with high-speed internet zones and smart building controls integrated directly into the lounge and conference areas. This tech-forward approach ensures the new mart building is not just a visual masterpiece, but a highly functional, future-proof hub for modern businesses and events.
Economic Benefits for the City
The New Mart Building and Chicago’s Economy
With its refreshed public plazas and upgraded hospitality features, the new mart building is expected to draw even larger crowds for international events like NeoCon and everyday retail shopping. Increased foot traffic naturally translates to more business for surrounding restaurants and shops, making the new mart building a vital economic engine for Chicago’s downtown district.
Outdoor Spaces at the New Mart Building
One of the most exciting aspects of this redesign is how it embraces its waterfront location. The design seamlessly integrates the south plaza of the new mart building with the vibrant energy of the Chicago Riverwalk, encouraging people to gather, network, and relax outdoors. By blurring the lines between indoor lounges and outdoor seating, the new mart building offers a spectacular urban oasis where professionals and tourists alike can enjoy the riverside views.
The New Mart Building as an Office Destination
In an era where companies are trying to attract employees back to physical offices, the layout of the new mart building provides the ultimate incentive. Gone are the days of dull cubicles; instead, workers are greeted with wellness centers, chic collaborative spaces, and museum-quality art installations. By blending hospitality with daily work life, the new mart building creates an environment where people actually want to spend their time, setting a new benchmark for commercial real estate everywhere.
FAQs
. Where is the New Mart Building located?
The New Mart Building is located at 127 E 9th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015, in the heart of the Downtown LA Fashion District near the California Market Center.
What is inside the New Mart Building?
It is a wholesale apparel showroom hub housing over 100 independent showrooms that represent hundreds of contemporary fashion brands for retail buyers.
Where can I find New Mart Building parking?
There is an on-site direct-entry parking lot and loading dock, as well as multiple public surface lots surrounding 9th Street.
Can the public shop at the New Mart Building?
It is typically restricted to wholesale industry buyers, but select showrooms open to the public during “Sample Sale Fridays”.
What is the history of the New Mart Building?
Built in 1926 as the Harris Newmark Building, it was LA’s first high-rise garment facility and has since evolved into a premier wholesale design center.
