Silver Room Design Lab Opens Mag Mile Store Featuring Chicago Artists

GOLD COAST — More than a year after its signature block party ended, the arts group The Silver Room is opening new doors.

The organization hosted a grand opening Thursday evening for its Silver Room Design Lab on the third floor at 900 N. Michigan Ave. Though it’s referred to as a lab, the new concept store is a “retail and community space,” according to a news release.

In addition to featuring art and clothing from Chicago artists, the space will also host performances and events, the release said.

“The concept and curation of the Silver Room Design Lab is all about bringing a fresh voice to the brand, shaped by my relationships with talented designers, artists, and architects I admire,” Eric Williams, founder and creative director of The Silver Room, said in the release. “This space focuses on limited edition items and whimsical pieces that invite a playful exploration of design.”

Designers and artists whose work is featured at the concept store include Brandon Breaux, Jeune Otte and Paul Smith Home Fragrance, among others.

The store aims to challenge “the notion of a traditional mall tenant and retail establishment” through its interior design, the release said.

Decorated and outfitted by architecture firm Gensler, the Silver Room Design Lab balances colors and reflective finishes to better showcase the works on display, according to the release.

The store also features a moveable installation called “The Beacon” and a tubular art installation hanging from the ceiling.

“We approached this as a collaborative concept from day one, bringing together perspectives and expertise from brand and retail while working closely with Eric to push his creative vision forward,” said Joey Lawton, brand creative director at Gensler Chicago.

The new store is the latest venture for The Silver Room, which has a shop at 1506 E. 53rd St. in Hyde Park. The Silver Room has supported local Chicago artists for more than three decades, and for 18 years it hosted an annual block party for thousands of people to celebrate Black culture and community.

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