Peek Inside Fulton Market’s Highly-Anticipated ‘Hollywood Glam’ Restaurant & Lounge

Fulton Market’s long-dormant Chromium space has been transformed since new ownership Sancerre Hospitality took it over around 16 months ago. Major construction is moving along at 817 W. Lake St., and BLVD, the highly-anticipated bi-level “1950s Hollywood glam”-themed restaurant and lounge, is taking shape. The concept, with a kitchen helmed by former Pump Room chef Ross Mendoza, is slated to open in early June.

The large 10,000 square-foot space will hold the main dining room and main bar on the ground floor, while a second dining room and second bar will live on the second floor, which could also be used for private dining. A second-floor balcony will house lounge seating.

Renowned designer Karen Herold of Studio K, who is behind the look of a multitude of Chicago restaurant and bar stalwarts, is also behind BLVD. Her mission is to create a space that evokes the Art Deco and Hollywood Regency eras of Los Angeles luxury — which means lots of “clean lines, geometric shapes, opulent fixtures, grandiose décor, and sleek curves,” according to partner Kara Callero. A centerpiece should be the grand staircase that wraps around the main bar on the first floor, as well as gold mirrors and other swanky design pieces.

Ownership is excited about the progress they’ve made since beginning the complete gut rehab of the long-vacant building in July 2016. “There's a lot going on this week — the staircase is being built, plaster is going up in those niches downstairs, and the bones of the bar are being installed,” Callero says. “No furniture or fixtures are in yet, though.” Take a sneak peek of the space in the photos below, which show a visual timeline of construction and are ordered chronologically.