Merchandise Mart is the world’s largest wholesale buying center and the largest commercial building in the world. The Merchandise Mart stands on the north bank of the Chicago River in downtown Chicago. It is also known as the Mart or theMART.
Every year, millions of visitors come to the Merchandise Mart from all parts of the world to purchase new goods. These visitors include architects, interior designers, and gift, floor-covering, and home-furnishing retailers. Thousands of manufacturers have permanent displays in the Merchandise Mart. Special “markets” or shows for buyers are held throughout the year.
The Merchandise Mart is 25 stories high. The building covers two city blocks, and its total floor space equals almost 95 acres (38 hectares).
Marshall Field and Company built the Merchandise Mart in 1930 at a cost of $32 million. In 1945, the Mart was purchased by Joseph P. Kennedy, former United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom and father of President John F. Kennedy. In 1998, the Kennedy family sold Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc., and its holdings to Vornado Realty Trust of Saddlebrook, New Jersey.
