CONSTRUCTION’S IMPACT
What the North Market development work could mean to market visitors
Construction has begun on the 32story, $345 million development called The Merchant Building on the parking lot next to the North Market at 59 Spruce St.
Fences have gone up around the lot as crews begin work on what will eventually include a 212-room hotel with event space, 172 residential units, 68,000-square-feet of offices, a 353space parking deck, multiple restaurants and bars, and an expansion of the North Market itself.
Here’s how the construction will impact visitors to the North Market, the collection of 35 mostly food vendors flanked by Spruce, Vine and Park streets Downtown:
Is the North Market still open?
Emphatically yes, said North Market CEO Rick Harrison Wolfe. In fact, the first two weeks since the fence went up saw strong traffic to the market. Last year, an estimated 1.5 million people visited the market, nearly reaching PRECOVID levels, Wolfe said.
What does this mean for North Market parking?
The construction eliminates about 120 parking spaces on the lot immediately east of the market. Visitors can, however, park in the Vine Street garage south of the market. North Market merchants can validate parking receipts in the garage.
Are the entrances to the market impacted?
Yes. The main entrance to the market on the east side is closed, although an entrance remains on the northeast corner. Entrances on the Park Street side of the market are unaffected.
What does the construction mean to outdoor dining?
The covered pavilion with picnic tables on the east side of the market has been closed for construction. Visitors can still eat on tables outside the west entrance of the building, and Wolfe said he plans to expand that seating when the weather warms.
How are tenants impacted?
Tenants are not impacted, although the closing of the east entrance leaves an empty spot in the market that Wolfe plans to fill with small tables. The market also plans to soon add three new tenants including a donut shop and butcher, to replace recent vacancies left by tenants including Preston’s: A Burger Joint, which is moving to Clintonville.
How long will construction last?
Construction is expected to take nearly three years, or until the end of 2025 — just in time for the market’s 150th anniversary in 2026
What happened to the rooster sign?
The sign featuring “Rudy” the Rooster, the North Market mascot, has been removed from the east side of the building but will be installed on the southwest part of the building. A new sign will be placed on top of the market facing east when construction is completed.