JT Magen Completes Wayfair’s First Store in Wilmette
JT Magen has successfully completed Wayfair’s first brick‑and‑mortar retail store at Edens Plaza, 3232 Lake Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois. The 150,000-square-foot, two‑story project repurposed a former Carson Pirie Scott department store and introduced a dynamic shopping destination for the home goods brand.
Working as a construction manager, JT Magen led the full gut renovation and outdoor expansion. The team overhauled facades, roofing, utility systems, vertical transportation, and interior finishes. They also added a 110,000-square-foot exterior extension featuring a plaza, parking lot, landscaping, storm detention center, and an indoor/outdoor café named The Porch at Wayfair.
The store interior offers interactive experiences, including a “Dream Center” for mattresses, a Design Studio for materials and furniture selection, and display areas for showers and faucets. Moreover, JT Magen executed extensive structural work to create a glass-enclosed, three-story atrium featuring a millwork-clad statement wall and a 20-foot by 20-foot display screen that greets and navigates visitors.
On the exterior, the team installed a custom terracotta rainscreen panel system in Wayfair’s signature purple, manufactured in Germany. The design also includes ACM-clad canopies and a dramatic 70‑by‑40‑foot backlit metal feature wall at the entrance.
This project reinforces JT Magen’s reputation as a leading general contractor in retail construction and experiential brand rollouts. By delivering Wayfair’s inaugural physical store on time and on budget, the firm demonstrates its ability to manage large-scale transformations and deliver standout tenant environments.
Inside Cartier of Chicago’s Flagship Built by JT Magen
JT Magen has completed the new Cartier of Chicago’s Flagship boutique at 15 East Oak Street in the city’s Gold Coast. The 6,460-square-foot, two-story retail store reflects Cartier’s Art Deco heritage while introducing modern elements that strengthen Oak Street’s reputation as Chicago’s premier luxury shopping corridor.
The centerpiece of the boutique is a custom white oak radius staircase with curved steel stringers and textured glass, designed to connect both levels with a sense of fluidity and craftsmanship. Gold leaf accents highlight the interiors, complementing bespoke furniture, wallpaper, art, and light fixtures. On the second floor, a rift-cut white oak mosaic floor and a custom elevator cab add further layers of detail.
JT Magen also rebuilt the façade with imported travertine and radius glass supported by an aluminum honeycomb system. The complexity of this work required careful structural planning and precise coordination to meet client standards.
As construction manager, JT Magen oversaw every phase of the construction process—including design coordination, scheduling, material procurement, subcontractor management, and budgeting. Collaboration with Atmosphere Design Group, Henderson Engineering, and Turner Townsend ensured the boutique’s technical and design requirements came together seamlessly.
With Oak Street home to many of the world’s leading fashion houses, the new boutique reinforces Cartier’s presence among international luxury retailers. The project demonstrates JT Magen’s ability to deliver flagship retail spaces that balance design excellence with practical execution.
Building on a portfolio that includes Hermès, Gucci, and Nike, JT Magen continues to establish itself as a trusted partner for luxury retail construction. The completion of Cartier of Chicago’s Flagship reflects the firm’s expertise in executing complex, high-profile projects with precision and craftsmanship.
Vinny Ryan’s Studio Construction
Vinny Ryan explains that the rapid expansion of streaming platforms has fundamentally reshaped the TV and film industry. This had led to driving unprecedented demand for production space beyond traditional studio hubs. To stay competitive, studios are evolving into self-contained “mini campuses” that prioritize soundproofing, operational efficiency, and convenience. Therefore, offering everything a production crew needs in one location.
Key features include acoustically sealed soundstages with heavy concrete construction, sophisticated HVAC noise-control systems, large exterior “elephant doors,” ample mill and support buildings, and outdoor backlots. In particular in suburban and rural areas where space allows. The article also highlights the growing importance of robust power infrastructure. Backup generators, and sustainability measures such as solar panels to mitigate outages and reduce environmental impact.
As studio occupancy rates soar and new markets emerge alongside Los Angeles and New York, Ryan emphasizes that thoughtful design, flexibility, and infrastructure reliability are now essential for attracting and retaining modern film and television productions.
Catherine Torsney Honored as a GlobeSt. 2024 Woman of Influence
Catherine Torsney, Senior Project Manager at JT Magen, has been recognized as a GlobeSt. 2024 Women of Influence winner in the Development Professional category. With over 25 years of industry experience, Torsney has made significant contributions to the field, exemplifying leadership and excellence in construction and development. This prestigious award highlights her dedication and impact within the industry, reinforcing JT Magen’s commitment to fostering top talent.
JT Magen Completes Owlchemy Labs Office Renovation in Austin, TX
JT Magen served as the construction manager for the Owlchemy Labs Office Renovation, an 8,079-square-foot project in downtown Austin, TX. The team managed every step of the process, from budgeting and material procurement to subcontractor oversight and final handover.
Owlchemy Labs is widely recognized for VR titles such as Job Simulator, Rick and Morty: Virtual Rick-ality, Vacation Simulator, and Cosmonious High. Yet the fully remote XR studio wanted more than a traditional office. Instead, they envisioned a creative gathering space that could also host community events for Austin’s growing gaming scene.
JT Magen partnered with Revel Architecture to achieve this vision. Together, they transformed a compartmentalized workplace into an open, engaging environment. The redesign removed high partitions that once blocked natural light. In their place, the team introduced open group areas, intimate breakout zones, and casual gaming lounges.The project team carefully preserved the private meeting rooms to support focus and productivity.
The design choices highlight Owlchemy’s playful identity while maintaining polish. Neutral white walls provide balance, while teal and blue accents add vibrancy. In addition, polished concrete floors offer contrast, and floor-to-ceiling windows invite daylight into the space. Dark pendant lighting complements the natural light and brings a modern industrial edge.
Dan Longshore, JT Magen’s Southwest Regional Director, expressed pride in the outcome, noting that it was rewarding to deliver a space aligned with both current and future goals. Moreover, industry outlets such as REjournals and CityBiz emphasized that the project reinforces JT Magen’s expanding role in Austin’s commercial interiors market.
Ultimately, JT Magen delivered more than a renovation. They created a flexible, light-filled destination that supports collaboration, creativity, and community. The Owlchemy Labs Office Renovation now stands as a benchmark for how construction and design can amplify brand culture.
Emma Flynn, JT Magen Superintendent is Featured in Commercial Observer’s 2024 Top Young Professionals List
JT Magen proudly announces that superintendent Emma Flynn has been named on Commercial Observer’s 2024 Top Young Professionals List as one of it’s 20 AEC Professionals under 35. Emma’s exceptional leadership and contributions have been critical to JT Magen’s success. Congratulations, Emma, on this well-deserved recognition!
JT Magen Revamps JBGoodwin’s Office Space in Austin, TX
JT Magen revamped JBGoodwin’s office for their renovation project in Austin, TX. The renovation aimed to modernize and enhance the functionality of JBGoodwin’s workspace while aligning with the company’s brand identity. The project involved upgrading workstations, communal areas, and facilities to accommodate the growing workforce and evolving business needs. Despite the challenges, JT Magen delivered the project within the scheduled timeframe and budget, showcasing their expertise in tailored construction solutions. The successful transformation of JBGoodwin’s office space underscores JT Magen’s commitment to excellence and client satisfaction.
JT Magen Completes Wayfair’s First Standalone Retail Store in Chicago Suburb
JT Magen is proud to announce the successful completion of Wayfair’s inaugural standalone retail store in Wilmette, Illinois. Spanning 150,000 square feet, this innovative retail space marks Wayfair’s entry into physical retailing, blending its renowned online presence with a tangible shopping experience.
Throughout the project, JT Magen demonstrated expertise and dedication, ensuring the timely and efficient completion of the retail space. The store’s design prioritizes customer engagement and convenience, with carefully curated displays and seamless navigation.
The opening of Wayfair’s retail store signifies a strategic move to further connect with customers and expand its market presence. JT Magen’s role in bringing this vision to life underscores its commitment to delivering tailored construction solutions that meet the unique needs of clients in the retail sector.
This milestone project strengthens JT Magen’s reputation as a leading construction management firm, trusted by industry giants like Wayfair to execute innovative and impactful retail initiatives.
Vinny Ryan, EVP of JT Magen, Honored as Industry Leader in NY Real Estate Journal’s 2024 Ones to Watch
JT Magen is proud to announce the prestigious recognition of Executive Vice President Vinny Ryan as an Industry Leader in the New York Real Estate Journal’s 2024 Ones to Watch. Vinny’s exceptional leadership and profound impact on the industry underscore JT Magen’s commitment to excellence. This accolade reaffirms Vinny’s position as a trailblazer and leader in the construction industry. Congratulations, Vinny, on this well-deserved honor!
JT Magen Prioritizes Safety with Advanced Technology
JT Magen prioritizes safety through adopting cutting-edge technologies and innovative practices to advance jobsite protection across all projects. The firm views safety to be essential in order to drive efficiency, collaboration, innovation, and ultimately, success.
Lena Kenny, JT Magen’s in-house Safety Officer, explained how new tools are reshaping the way teams manage risk. Wearable devices track worker movement and fatigue, alerting supervisors to potential hazards before they escalate. Drones survey sites quickly and provide real-time views of hard-to-reach areas, while AI-powered analytics detect unsafe patterns that human observation might miss. In addition, Building Information Modeling (BIM) offers advanced planning features that allow teams to visualize and resolve conflicts prior to construction.
Yet technology is only part of the approach, as JT Magen reinforces innovation with comprehensive training and a strong safety culture. Crews are encouraged to speak up, share insights, and participate in collaborative planning sessions that address potential risks early. This integration of technology and teamwork creates accountability and responsibility for maintaining a safe work environment.
Industry experts point to wearables and exoskeletons as future growth areas for construction safety. JT Magen continues to evaluate these technologies while refining its current practices. As Kenny emphasized, the goal is not only to react to hazards, but to anticipate and prevent them.
Ultimately, JT Magen prioritizes safety as a cornerstone of project success. Utilizing innovative technology and implementing training methods, the company creates safer environments that protect workers and improve outcomes for clients. This ongoing commitment positions JT Magen at the forefront of construction safety innovation and sets a standard for the industry.