The Magic Lives On: Redmond Delivers Chicago's Harry Potter Shop
We’re still feeling the magic from last month’s grand opening of the Harry Potter Shop! Months of dedication, coordination, and teamwork culminated in the exciting debut of this iconic brand’s newest retail experience on Michigan Avenue. This high-profile project showcases a range of intricate and interactive construction elements, including a maze-patterned floor, prop replicas, a wand shop, a full-service Butterbeer bar, and a Goblet of Fire.
Applying International Design Standards
To maintain international standards, our team incorporated details previously established for the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo, while also coordinating with the New York store for interchangeability for merchandising shelving and systems. This involved converting metric measurements and accurately adapting design and construction documents to ensure flawless execution.
Coordinating the World's Largest Butterbeer Bar
A focal point of the experience is the world’s largest Butterbeer bar, which blends food and beverage operations into a highly immersive retail environment. The bar’s suspended ceiling and vibrant backdrop were designed and shipped from London. Millwork and MEP coordination across multiple vendors made this a true feat of collaboration.
A Must Hit Deadline
With a very public grand opening date and various private events leading up to it, the project operated under an extremely tight deadline with little to no room for error. Exterior work added pressure, requiring careful facade installation to protect the building’s historic stonework. Thanks to our team’s relentless commitment, communication, and attention to detail, the shop opened to global media attention and lines stretching down the block.
All in all, Brian Sanders, Susy Figueroa, Brendan Gallo, and Luke Miller delivered an extraordinary space, marking just the third Harry Potter Shop of its kind in the world. Team Redmond is proud to have been part of this monumental project, and grateful to our partners at Partners by Design, Lumsden, Warner Brothers, CodSteaks, and McGuire Engineering for making it a success.
As the future of tourism and retail in Chicago continues to transform, Team Redmond is equipped to provide the service and attention to detail required to bring these immersive and world-class experiences to life.
Read more about the store here: https://lnkd.in/einezY8s
