You`ve checked out the new shopping mall at Chicago`s Merchandise Mart, but what you`re really hankering to see are some of the wholesale showrooms upstairs, normally open only to designers and architects.
No problem. After an 18-month hiatus during renovation, public tours of what is billed as the ”world`s largest commercial building” have resumed recently.
Lace up those walking shoes and head for the south lobby at 10 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. on any Monday, Wednesday or Friday.
During the 90-minute visit, conducted My Kind of Town Tours Inc., visitors learn about the history of the building (built in 1930 by Marshall Field, purchased at a bargain-basement price in 1946 by Joseph P. Kennedy) and the art and architecture of one of the city`s most venerable edifices.
There are also stops at three or four furniture showrooms on the upper floors. On the morning tour of the first Wednesday of each month, special theme tours, such as ”Europe at the Mart,” ”Kitchen and Bath Ideas,” and
”Decorator Discussions with High Tea” can be arranged for groups.
Tours are $7 for adults and $5.50 for students 16 and older and senior citizens. No children under 16. Group rates are available for 20 or more. For details call 312-644-4664.