Art Van to open in Downers Grove

WARREN, Mich. - Art Van Furniture said it will open a store in Downers Grove on Aug. 1.

It is the company's eighth and largest location in the 55 year history of the 92 store chain. The 112,000 square foot, two-story store at 1021 Butterfield Road is located in the former Home Depot Expo Center. The $13 million renovation includes a contemporary stone exterior and 12,000-square-feet of windows. The store's main entrance will feature a cascading fiber optic light shower installation by British artist and lighting designer, Bruce Munro.

Another interior space will showcase flickering lights mimicking floating fireworks. Vignettes with drop ceilings, arched openings, fireplaces and windows will recreate the ambience of home, while showcasing Art Van Furniture's signature Lifestyle Collection, AV Modern, Art Van Urban and Thread & Feather galleries. Guests will also be able to shop exclusive national brands like Stanley Furniture, which is not sold in other Art Van Furniture markets.

The upper level will house Art Van PureSleep, bedroom and dining room sets, seasonal product lines, and name brands including Natuzzi and Motion Furniture, as well as Café Fifty-Nine, a first for the company, where guests can relax and recharge with complimentary refreshments. Art Van Furniture in Downers Grove will also mark the Chicago debut of Scott Shuptrine Interiors, a luxury home furnishings gallery. Before opening to the public.

Art Van Furniture will host an official ribbon cutting ceremony and private grand opening gala in Downers Grove on July 30 for 1,000 VIP guests featuring a live performance by Chicago's own Grammy Award-winning recording artist and Academy Award-winning actress, Jennifer Hudson.