Chicago's Merchandise Mart Debuts Frank Lloyd Wright Showroom

Wright designed more than 100 buildings in the Chicago area, including the Coonley House and Robie House.

Mairi Beautyman -- Interior Design, 8/26/2008

A showroom in Chicago seems appropriate for Frank Lloyd Wright, who left an undeniable mark on the cityscape with more than 100 buildings, including the Coonley House and Robie House. In October, products by legendary architect and designer will be available for the first time at Chicago's Merchandise Mart Design Center.

Dubbed Frank Lloyd Wright Furniture by Copeland Furniture, the space will offer Wright designs manufactured by Vermont based-Copeland Furniture. Copeland purchased the exclusive rights to manufacturer Wright's designs from the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation in 2006.

Furnishings will include dining, bedroom, and living room collections, as well as some classics. Some pieces are exactly as Wright designed them. A few -- such as the twin Meyer May Bed now available in three larger sizes and the built-in Dana-Thomas Buffet now available as freestanding -- have been slightly altered to address modern demands. The collection also includes select new pieces based on Wrights designs.

"Tim Copeland remains true to his philosophy of creating Wright’s signature furniture with uncompromising attention to quality," says John H. Brennen III, executive vice president of Merchandise Mart Properties.