MAKING HISTORY
By Michelle Crowe
CD Peacock Mansion at Oakbrook Center
By Michelle Crowe
CD Peacock Mansion at Oakbrook Center
Starting out at 1937 Lake Street, and then moving to Madison Street and the Palmer House Hilton in the years following the Great Chicago Fire, CD Peacock now introduces its most luxurious store to date, The CD Peacock Mansion at Oakbrook Center.
The Mansion represents the vision of Steven Holtzman, Vice Chairman of CD Peacock, for building the United States’ premier jewelry and watch shopping destination. Holtzman says, “CD Peacock is a family-owned and operated business. After moving back to the US from Switzerland, my wife and I joined my father in our family business. The move to Chicago has been extraordinary, and we have never looked back. I love the Midwestern hospitality and the energy of Chicago. The new flagship store represents a combination of my life experiences in the watch and jewelry industry throughout the world, and it’s a great pleasure to share it.”
By bringing 187 years of history-making moments to life, the team has rethought the jewelry store shopping experience. Inspired by lenticular cloud formations, the one-of-a-kind modern structure incorporates a serpentine glass facade that gives way to ample sun-drenched interiors featuring organic forms, custom furnishings, and an environment like no other.
Holtzman describes the approach by saying, “We wanted to be completely experiential by doing what’s not expected with sound, sight, and taste. This isn’t a typical jewelry store experience.”
An array of private and semi-private rooms with intimate seating areas welcome clients, including a Bridesmaid Room and Proposal Room.
Beyond design is the spirit of hospitality. A full-service, circular bar provides a comfortable haven to take in the vibes. “The beverage menu features cocktails that pay homage to our history, such as Elijah’s Old Fashioned, or are gem-inspired, such as our Emerald Mojito. The idea of including a bar was to provide our clients with an elevated level of hospitality,” says Holtzman, adding, “It is a space for friends to gather and a relaxed way for clients to view product selections.”
For those who feel so at home, they’d like to share the experience, The Mansion also features a commercial kitchen and event spaces for hosting private events, charity functions, and exclusive culinary experiences.
All of this thoughtful beauty sets the scene for relaxed shopping. Since Mary Todd Lincoln, CD Peacock has understood that each customer defines luxury differently. This tradition carries on at The Mansion where the world’s finest jewelry and watches glitter in every case. Marquee collections include Rolex, Omega, Tudor, Cartier, Chanel, Breguet, Vhernier, Roberto Coin, Anita Ko, and Fope.
And for something one-of-a-kind, clients are encouraged to bring their creativity to The Mansion. An in-house jewelry designer will listen to their jewelry dreams and create bespoke jewelry or perhaps sketch a new piece to refresh an existing treasure. “Clients often have jewelry that they no longer wear for various reasons. Our in-house design team can assist them in updating their personal jewelry items, giving them a new life. We also offer bespoke services, where our clients can collaborate with our designers to create one-of-a-kind pieces. Using state-of-the-art equipment, we transform their ideas into custom-created jewelry designs in real time, from concept to reality,” says Holtzman.
Watch collectors and enthusiasts are sure to be left in awe. A planned in-depth horological library will encourage watch collectors and enthusiasts to delve deeper into the study of time and the art of measuring it. Horology is a fascinating field that combines the science of measuring time and the art of making timepieces. Holtzman details many of the options, saying, “Our strap selection is unparalleled. We offer every customizable option you can imagine—the material, the stitching, the color or combination of colors, the pattern. We can emboss a symbol or logo or engrave your initials, message, or mantra. You can determine the fit of your watch strap by deciding its width and length, hole placement, keeper, and padding. We also take pride in offering a wide range of handmade Horween leather straps crafted in Chicago.”
Anyone who loves jewelry, appreciates timepieces, or just wants to feel inspired by beauty, must visit CD Peacock.
The Mansion, one of the largest jewelry and watch stores in the country, is a testament to this important retailer’s commitment and ingenuity.
The CD Peacock Mansion at Oakbrook Center is located at 298 Oakbrook Center in Oak Brook, cdpeacock.com.
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