U.S. Equities Realty Signs Lavazza to MetraMarket

CHICAGO – U.S. Equities Realty has announced that Lavazza will lease a 2,045-square foot space at MetraMarket, a unique 100,000-square foot restaurant and retail development now under construction and poised to energize and enliven Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood.

Lavazza, Italy’s leading coffee company and one of the preeminent roasters in the world, will open a unique concept café named Espression by Lavazza at MetraMarket in the fall 2009. It will be the third of its kind in North America, joining Espression by Lavazza’s other Chicago locations at the John Hancock Observatory and the Drake Hotel. It will be accessible directly from MetraMarket’s Clinton Street frontage and from the Ogilvie Transportation Center’s suburban commuter concourse around which MetraMarket is developed.

Espression by Lavazza features world-class Italian espresso and coffee innovations such as Espessone™, a shot of espresso topped with a delicious light flavored mousse and Sorbetto Cremespresso, a smooth and creamy frozen espresso treat, in addition to traditional cappuccinos and lattes.

Lavazza collaborated with world-renowned chefs Ferran Adria? of El Bulli in Spain and Moreno Cedroni of Italy to develop some of the creative menu items, featuring healthy and affordable selections of made-to-order salads, sandwiches and home-made Torta Salata (Italian-style quiche). An assortment of freshly baked croissants, muffins, and cookies will be offered daily, in addition to pastries, artisan-made gelato and fresh-squeezed orange juice.

“Whether en route to work, hosting a business lunch or enjoying a leisurely afternoon, Lavazza’s delicious offerings and comfortable, yet elegant atmosphere will appeal to everyone” said Joerg Oberschmied, chief operating officer of Lavazza. “We’re certain that Lavazza’s enticing ambience and innovative Italian menu selection will further position MetraMarket as a vibrant social and culinary hub for Chicagoans.”

Encompassing two city blocks between Lake, Canal, Washington and Clinton Streets, MetraMarket will create a bustling epicenter of shopping and dining for downtown workers, residents, Metra commuters and tourists. Lavazza joins fellow MetraMarket tenants, CVS, the nation’s largest pharmacy retailer, and the French Market, Chicago’s first year-round market.

The 15,000-square foot authentic French Market will feature dozens of local vendors providing fresh produce, meats, cheeses and baked goods, as well as an assortment of prepared meals. In addition to its café space within MetraMarket, Espression by Lavazza will also have a presence as a vendor within the French Market. This will enable French Market visitors to purchase select items of the café’s menu as they peruse the French Market’s dozens of other vendors and culinary artisans.

“Lavazza will attract those who work, live and commute to the area with the cafés authentic espresso and coffee creations, savories and sweets, and stylish setting,” said Camille Julmy, vice chairman of U.S. Equities. “Moreover, the combination of MetraMarket’s Italian Lavazza and the Parisian-inspired French Market will create the ultimate European escape for Chicagoans, right in the heart of downtown.”

Since U.S. Equities Realty first conceived MetraMarket, the area has experienced robust commercial and residential growth. Currently, more than 500,000 people work and 40,000 people live within one mile of MetraMarket. The area includes dozens of office buildings and corporate headquarters within easy walking distance to MetraMarket.

The booming West Loop neighborhood also includes many large residential complexes including the Presidential Towers, Kinzie Street Station, Randolph Place and more than a dozen other condominium buildings. Additionally, more than 105,000 Metra commuters pass through Ogilvie Transportation Center each day, while another 3,000 use the nearby Chicago Transit Authority Green Line station at Lake and Clinton.

MetraMarket, which began construction in fall 2008, is expected to open in fall 2009. For leasing inquiries, please contact Camille Julmy at 312-456-7000.