Fulton Market Just Lured Two Design Giants Away From the Mart — And the Neighborhood's Transformation Is Complete
By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/West Loop ·
West Loop neighbors, the design world's center of gravity has officially shifted — and it's landed right in your backyard. In a landmark move this week, Mannington Commercial relocated its Chicago showroom from the Merchandise Mart to 1045 W. Fulton St., ending a 40-year run at its former address. The new Fulton Market space, which opened June 8 alongside Design Days, offers something the old location never could: natural light, running water, and room to actually host events year-round — not just three days a year during NeoCon. It's a signal that Fulton Market isn't just a dining destination anymore; it's becoming the city's premier hub for the design industry.
Mannington isn't alone in making the leap. Furniture innovator KI — including its KI Wall and Pallas Textiles brands — also opened its new state-of-the-art showroom on the eighth floor of 1045 on Fulton this month, trading in its longtime Merchandise Mart home for a WELL-certified building at the heart of the neighborhood. Together, these moves represent a seismic shift in Chicago's design geography, with Fulton Market cementing itself as the new address for world-class creative businesses.
And if you're looking for something a little more spirited to celebrate, Froth Coffee has quietly opened Bar None on Madison Street — reportedly one of the city's first THC cocktail lounges. West Loop is clearly not done surprising us. Which of these new neighborhood additions are you most curious to explore? Share your thoughts and tag your neighbors right here on Socialhood!
Sources:
1. https://www.floordaily.net/flooring-news/mannington-commercial-opens-new-chicago-showroom-in-fulton-market/
2. https://www.ki.com/about/pressroom/press-releases/2025/ki-to-anchor-design-innovation-in-chicago-fulton-market/
3. https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/14/fulton-market-mendocino-prasino-do-rite-pizza-lobo-labriola