THE 2007 PREVIEW PARTY FOR THE FALL MERCHANDISE MART

INTERNATIONAL ANTIQUES FAIR™ TO BENEFIT LINCOLN PARK ZOO

CHICAGO (September 6, 2007) – For the first-ever Merchandise Mart International Antiques Fair^™ Fall Fair, October 12-15, 2007, Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI) will host a Preview Party on Thursday, October 11 to benefit Lincoln Park Zoo.

With an exclusive opportunity to shop the world-class antiques from nearly 100 of the world’s top dealers before the general public, the Preview Party will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a champagne toast, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, with shopping lasting until 9 p.m. The first 100 guests will be given a complimentary autographed copy of architect and product designer Michael Graves’ book, Images of a Grand Tour. A reception in honor of Graves, also keynote speaker for the Fair, will follow from 6-7 p.m. For pricing and ticket information, please visit www.merchandisemartantiques.com. All proceeds will benefit the Annual Fund of Lincoln Park Zoo.

“We are thrilled to partner with an organization that shares our passion for conserving natural resources,” said Joan Ulrich, senior vice president, MMPI, located in The Merchandise Mart, which recently applied for LEED-EB status from the United States Green Building Council. “Lincoln Park Zoo is a tremendous asset to Chicago, and we are happy to help preserve such a beautiful place.”

“The Annual Fund not only helps Lincoln Park Zoo remain open and free every day of the year, but also supports its many wildlife conservation programs around the world,” said Courtney McEniry, President of the Women’s Board of Lincoln Park Zoo. “We are excited to partner with The Merchandise Mart to help kick off such an exciting event.” 

The Merchandise Mart International Antiques Fair, held every April since 1998, is recognized as the premier antiques show in the Midwest. The new Fall Fair provides an additional opportunity for collectors to shop from the world’s top dealers. A highlight of the Fall Fair, The Americana Pavilion, will showcase dealers with rare antiques of American origin. Everything from weather vanes to Federalist furniture will be featured at the inaugural Fair.

The Merchandise Mart International Antiques Fair held on the 8^th floor of The Merchandise Mart Chicago will be open Thursday 7 p.m.-9 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.– 6 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.– 5 p.m.; and Monday 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Tickets are $15. For more information, please call 800.677.6278 (MART) or visit the event website, www.merchandisemartantiques.com.

ABOUT LINCOLN PARK ZOO

With the modest gift of two swans more than 135 years ago, Lincoln Park Zoo was born. It is one of the nation’s oldest zoos and the only free privately managed zoo in the country. Today, thanks to the vision of its leaders, the support of the metropolitan community and the talents of zoo staff, Lincoln Park Zoo is considered among the finest urban zoos in the world. Open 365 days a year, Lincoln Park Zoo depends on philanthropic gifts and corporate donations to maintain the quality of its educational and conservation programs.

ABOUT THE WOMEN’S BOARD OF LINCOLN PARK ZOO

Established in 1970, the Women’s Board is comprised of approximately 120 dedicated members that support Lincoln Park Zoo through its fundraising activities. Members of the Women’s Board are civic, social and business leaders and are able to reach a prominent and affluent demographic to help in their effort to support the zoo.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Maura Bruton

Director of Public Relations

Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc.

Phone: 312.527.7555

E-mail: mbruton@mmart.com

Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI) is a trade show and property management firm, specializing in managing buildings devoted to wholesale showrooms and commercial office space. MMPI produces more than 300 trade shows, market events and conferences each year.

MMPI manages The Merchandise Mart and 350 West Mart Center in Chicago; Market Square, the Suites at Market Square, Hamilton Market, Plaza Suites, Furniture Plaza and the National Furniture Mart in High Point, N.C.; the Architects & Designers Building and 7 W New York in New York; the Boston Design Center in Boston; the L.A. Mart in Los Angeles; and the Washington Design Center and Federal Center Southwest in Washington D.C.

Vornado Realty Trust, owners of MMPI, based in New York City, is a fully integrated equity real estate investment trust. Vornado’s common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and are traded under the symbol VNO.

# # #