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.
