Jan 30, 2008

Ancient Mosaic Studios Opens Showroom at the Chicago Merchandise Mart

CHICAGO, IL – Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI) is proud to announce that Ancient Mosaic Studios, a manufacturer of unique Italian marble tabletop alternatives, is opening its first ever showroom on the 15th floor of Chicago’s Merchandise Mart as a Casual showroom on Market Square. Market Square is a one-stop resource for retailers and designers that offers a diverse, affordable selection of on-trend home furnishings and decorative accessories. Formerly a temporary exhibitor at the International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market, Ancient Mosaic Studios’ new showroom opens this month.

Ancient Mosaic Studios will be showcasing vignettes of their Italian marble tabletops and table bases. Also on display will be various products from its sister company, Piage & Pieta Art Stone, an exquisite line inspired by classic and neoclassic Greco-Roman, Persian and Mediterranean architectural design. The Piage & Pieta line includes cast stone urns, pedestals, table bases and outdoor accessory items.

“We are ecstatic about having a permanent showroom at the Merchandise Mart,” said John Wasylenko, director of sales and marketing, Ancient Mosaic Studios. “Moving from the temporary spaces of the Casual Market to a permanent showroom on the 15th floor is a tremendous step for us and reflects the success and growth of the company. Ancient Mosaic is now a ‘must see’ destination for both retailers and the design trade.”

Ancient Mosaic Studios brings elegance to any setting with hand-crafted Italian marble in a variety of custom-made colors, shapes and sizes. As the originator of the all-weather marble mosaic tabletop, Ancient Mosaic offers a beautiful and durable alternative to traditional glass tops for indoor and outdoor spaces.

Due to increased consumer demand for outdoor rooms and casual furnishings and accessories, MMPI recently announced it expanded the casual industry at The Merchandise Mart. The expansion included adding several new resources and many current tenants relocated in order to increase their space to showcase more collections. Ancient Mosaic Studios is one of several exciting additions and relocations to come in 2008.

Ancient Mosaic Studios’ new showroom is located in Suite 15-116. The showroom will reach the design trade and their clients shopping Market Square on a daily basis. Ancient Mosaic Studios will continue to be a part of the International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market on September 15-18, 2008, and will now be open during The Chicago Market: Living and Giving quarterly gift shows. For more information about Ancient Mosaic Studios and its products please visit ancientmosaic.com.

Ancient Mosaic designs reflect classic Italian designs used in architecture, flooring, wall or eve ceiling cover. These designs have been used for centuries and are timeless. Classic Italian Country motifs and mosaics from old European buildings inspire many designs. Also offered is a very contemporary look more compatible with modern design. For more information, please visit www.ancientmosaic.com.

Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI) is a trade show and property management firm, specializing in managing buildings devoted to wholesale showrooms and commercial office space. MMPI produces more than 300 trade shows, market events and conferences each year.

MMPI manages The Merchandise Mart and 350 West Mart Center in Chicago; Market Square, the Suites at Market Square, Hamilton Market, Plaza Suites, Furniture Plaza and the National Furniture Mart in High Point, N.C.; the Architects & Designers Building and 7 W New York in New York; the Boston Design Center in Boston; the L.A. Mart in Los Angeles; and the Washington Design Center and Federal Center Southwest in Washington D.C.

Vornado Realty Trust, owners of MMPI, based in New York City, is a fully integrated equity real estate investment trust. Vornado’s common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and are traded under the symbol VNO.