Collins Named VP/GM of MMPI Properties in D.C.

February 15, 2007  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in on February 2007 Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. has promoted Edward J. Collins to vice president and general manager of the Washington Design Center and the Federal Center Southwest in Washington D.C. In his new role, Collins will be responsible for all building support for the 60 design showrooms and office tenants housed at the 800,000-square-foot design and government office complex.

“Ed Collins is a highly experienced executive who has worked directly with leaders in the residential design industry as well as diverse office tenants throughout his career,” said Chris Kennedy, president of MMPI, owner of the WDC and FCS. “In both Chicago and Washington, D.C., Ed has demonstrated strong operational skills focused on serving the needs of the designers and their clients who shop our Design Center showrooms as well as the government agencies and businesses located in the office center.”

Collins has served as interim general manager of the Washington Design Center and Federal Center Southwest since May 2006. Previously, he was vice president and property manager of a high-end office complex owned in Chicago. Prior to that assignment, he was vice president of leasing for the residential and casual furniture industries at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago. Collins also was the executive responsible for four major trade shows produced by MMPI, including: the Architectural Digest Home Design Show in New York City; the Chicago International Antiques & Fine Art Fair; the Chicago Design Show; and the International Casual Furniture and Accessories Market at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago.