THE Downtown Market updates

[GRDadof3]

I went to eat at Slow's yesterday. The line was obnoxious, and for 15 minutes, we didn't even move. So we went to Memphis Smoke House instead on Monroe. The place was empty, but man, the food was OUTSTANDING. And reasonably priced.

I went and it wasn't too long of a wait, but the pulled pork I got was dry and flavorless. Growing pains maybe? Too much volume for the number of smokers they have?  Horseshoe Smokehouse by Founders was a lot more flavorful, and I didn't even feel the need to use sauce. 

[arcturus]

Why we need to start talking honestly about the Downtown Market

http://therapidian.org/placematters-why-we-need-start-talking-honestly-about-downtown-market

[GRDadof3]

Why we need to start talking honestly about the Downtown Market

http://therapidian.org/placematters-why-we-need-start-talking-honestly-about-downtown-market

 

I was surprised that no one posted this when it came out a few weeks ago. I commented somewhere previously, either on Facebook or on the article itself. I think it falls flat with most in the pro-development crowd. It reads a lot like socialist entitlement to me. The market is not owned by the city, county or any other municipality, it's owned by a private entity. Saying that the entire thing should be scrapped and started over shows a complete lack of understanding of economics or business.

As for the market turning out differently than what was discussed in the planning process, I don't see it. Someone posted a link to this from Grand Action (which I remember and read a few times back then). 

http://www.grandaction.org/downloads/Background Urban Market 2010-03.pdf

The core of the Urban Market will be 16-20 vendor stalls that house independent, owneroperated businesses featuring a wide range of local fresh and prepared foods. These stalls have been designed to maximize food production within the Market, such as bread baking, butchering and sausage making, cheesemaking, ice cream/candy making, and pasta production. The tenant mix will also include produce, seafood, flowers, and a variety of ethnic foods. Tasting rooms for Michigan wineries and beer makers will complement several restaurants that feature Michigan food and drink. 

Sounds like they created exactly what they envisioned. They may have envisioned more local farmer/public interaction or classes, but I think they do offer classes? 

Most of the complaints seem to center around the fact that the complainers can't afford a lot of the offerings there, which is understandable but hardly an indicator of "failure." There are a lot of things I can afford at the market (the prices at the outdoor market are basically the same as FSFM) and there are things I can afford and can't afford inside the market. Just like life. 

Buying locally usually is more expensive than buying at a major retailer like Meijer or Walmart, for a variety of reasons. If people were expecting a glorified flea market, thank god that didn't happen. 

I had heard there were a lot of conflicts around the board and decisions made, but I think the staff at the market has done a phenomenal job under the circumstances. 

In other news, "Social Kitchen and Bar" is plastered on the outside windows of the seating area. Anyone heard anything about when work will commence? I thought they were working through liquor license approvals about a month ago..

 

 

Edited August 31, 2015 by GRDadof3

[organsnyder]

I agree that much of the perceived "failure" is due to differing expectations. Many people thought that it would be an answer to the "food desert" in Heartside, but I don't see this as having been an official goal of the project. As a tourist attraction and development catalyst, it seems to be performing very well: There's quite a bit of new development happening nearby, and a recent article cited the market making a big impression on an out-of-state business's decision to open a subdivision headquarters in downtown GR.

The one part that does seem to be underperforming is the outdoor market. It's now just open on Saturdays from 9-2, and is nowhere close to competing with Fulton. I had hoped that it would be the beginning of a trend away from the centralized, inconvenient Fulton Market, toward smaller markets spread around the city—or at the least, toward two healthy centralized markets. Alas, Fulton's stranglehold shows no signs of waning.

[GRDadof3]

I agree that much of the perceived "failure" is due to differing expectations. Many people thought that it would be an answer to the "food desert" in Heartside, but I don't see this as having been an official goal of the project. As a tourist attraction and development catalyst, it seems to be performing very well: There's quite a bit of new development happening nearby, and a recent article cited the market making a big impression on an out-of-state business's decision to open a subdivision headquarters in downtown GR.

The one part that does seem to be underperforming is the outdoor market. It's now just open on Saturdays from 9-2, and is nowhere close to competing with Fulton. I had hoped that it would be the beginning of a trend away from the centralized, inconvenient Fulton Market, toward smaller markets spread around the city—or at the least, toward two healthy centralized markets. Alas, Fulton's stranglehold shows no signs of waning.

 

There are only a certain number of farmers in West Michigan who participate in farmers markets. Some farms have a presence at both markets, but obviously you're going to get more traffic at FSFM because it's way bigger and closer to more households. In addition, many of the surrounding communities have farmers markets, including Ada, Rockford, Hudsonville, Grandville, Caledonia, etc.. Even Metro Health's campus out in Wyoming has a farmers market now. There is no shortage of farmers markets in the region, but yes there are shortages in the inner city. In the Grand Action's vision, the outdoor farmer's market is not even mentioned (after scanning it a couple of times, maybe I'm missing it) so I would guess it was just meant at a compliment to the indoor market. There's also no mention of it helping with the "food desert" situation. The Y is helping a lot in that regard, but they're a non-profit. 

Edited August 31, 2015 by GRDadof3

[egrguy]

Maybe they've realized that too?  I think they've done some events this year with food trucks and in my opinion the Vintage Market they've had several times throughout the summer has been very successful. 

I even sometimes wonder if they thought too small with the market. (with hindsight, as the last several times I have been there its been packed)

[The ATX]

Why we need to start talking honestly about the Downtown Market

http://therapidian.org/placematters-why-we-need-start-talking-honestly-about-downtown-market

The comments for that article are very good and add a lot of insight to the article which is highly unusual these days. 

[GRDadof3]

The comments for that article are very good and add a lot of insight to the article which is highly unusual these days. 

The news source (Rapidian) is a small community-driven online news site. Pretty engaged audience, and probably a bit more educated about the community than your typical newspaper reader. They do a pretty good job.

Maybe they've realized that too?  I think they've done some events this year with food trucks and in my opinion the Vintage Market they've had several times throughout the summer has been very successful. 

I even sometimes wonder if they thought too small with the market. (with hindsight, as the last several times I have been there its been packed)

I think the market leadership is totally interested in public feedback and new ideas. Everyone I know there is pretty passionate about it being successful. Maybe part of that is closing in the outdoor market for more indoor vendors? The vintage market is wildly popular though.

[mpchicago]

I think everyone has already been talking honestly about the market.  Some love it, some hate it, some have a love/hate relationship with the market.  As Dad said, I can afford some things, others I can't or choose not to because of cost.  Is it perfect, no, it's kind of an organic work in progress, but overall I would say that it is working.  

Some vendors have left, but others fill the spaces quickly.  For example, Thornburg is out, and this shop is replacing it. I see this as a better fit over Thornberg:

http://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/index.ssf/2015/08/new_shop_in_downtown_market_wi.html#incart_river  

The vacancy rate appears to be very low.  Only a couple of open spots, right?

Also, it was my understanding the Social Kitchen was suppose to be open for ArtPrize, sounds like that won't be the case.

I know I will be visiting the market when I return for ArtPrize in a few weeks.

[GRDadof3]

I think everyone has already been talking honestly about the market.  Some love it, some hate it, some have a love/hate relationship with the market.  As Dad said, I can afford some things, others I can't or choose not to because of cost.  Is it perfect, no, it's kind of an organic work in progress, but overall I would say that it is working.  

Some vendors have left, but others fill the spaces quickly.  For example, Thornburg is out, and this shop is replacing it. I see this as a better fit over Thornberg:

http://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/index.ssf/2015/08/new_shop_in_downtown_market_wi.html#incart_river  

The vacancy rate appears to be very low.  Only a couple of open spots, right?

Also, it was my understanding the Social Kitchen was suppose to be open for ArtPrize, sounds like that won't be the case.

I know I will be visiting the market when I return for ArtPrize in a few weeks.

 

The only open spot I can think of is the one little spot by Grand Traverse Distillery and Slow's, and a spot (or two) out on that sidestreet (which will be hard to fill anyway). So yes, a 95% occupancy rate is considered a success by any measure.

If you wanted the market to be a food pantry solving hunger issues and homelessness, it's a complete failure.

I actually think a culinary school with a test kitchen/restaurant would have been cool for the market, which I think I mentioned while the building was under construction. I do admit that I'm not as familiar with what the classes and uses of the test kitchen are. The greenhouse seems underused for greenhouse uses, but I hear it's booked out for over a year with events and weddings.

Edited August 31, 2015 by GRDadof3

[GR_Urbanist]

I honestly had to break out a beer while reading this because it is so full of goofy statements.

It has not met what’s needed for an economy based on place over profit, soil over concrete and human beings over consumers. On these accounts, it has been an abysmal failure.

What? Who runs a business where they make no money?

While the market has become a hotspot for weddings and other high-dollar events, its almost cloying gentrification and use of good food as a public messaging platform explicitly ignores local-food economic value. There is an enormous disparity between who it markets to and who its Heartside Neighbors are.

I have to ask...so what?

I am 30 years old. I live in Midtown and have two young children. I love Grand Rapids and I have a tattoo of the state on my forearm. I have a master’s degree in community sustainability and food systems. For all intents and purposes, I should love everything about the Downtown Market. But I don’t. Not because of all of the aforementioned reasons - but mostly because it isn’t a warm invitation.

I'm not even sure why it isnt. He doesn't really explain nor what those things have to do with liking the market.

...First, public recognition of its failure and shortsightedness. I’m not looking for an apology, but rather some acknowledgment that the vision was ill-developed and rooted in an quickly antiquated business model that ignores the rich socio-economic, intellectual and ecological capital that makes West Michigan so incredibly amazing.

...

...It needs to become as accessible and inviting for those who use EBT cards as it is to those who can afford the po’boy sandwich that currently costs $16. It could become a veritable hub of classes on cooking, preserving, growing, teaching and gastronomical resiliency that is not informed by the excessive price tag, but rather one that forgives the poorly designed business strategy and practices the time-tested mantra: begin again.

These are entrepreneurs that are trying to keep going and pay their staff. What does this guy want? For the market to stock junk food and processed stuff in boxes? Someone is having too much of a first world guilt trip. Not to mention coming off as a bit of a know-it-all.

No one ever said this was going to be a food charity for the homeless or some sort of downtown Save-A-Lot. If you want cheap and in a box or bag, then go to Family Fare or Meijer. But you cant expect these people to build this expensive new facility and have these independent local business people sell their product at a loss so this unnamed, aggrieved Heartside resident with an EBT can feel "welcome".

 And the comments? These are supposed to be the "educated" people? They come across as entitled cheapskates that hide behind some paternal clap-trap of seeking "food justice" (that is actually a thing apparently) for the "impoverished" surrounding neighborhood in order to lambaste the vendors of being akin to robber barons because they dont have something like a dollar menu as if they are McDonalds! These people dont deserve this.

 

You just cant win with this town!

Edited September 1, 2015 by GR_Urbanist

[GRDadof3]

I honestly had to break out a beer while reading this because it is so full of goofy statements.

What? Who runs a business where they make no money?

I have to ask...so what?

I'm not even sure why it isnt. He doesn't really explain nor what those things have to do with liking the market.

These are entrepreneurs that are trying to keep going and pay their staff. What does this guy want? For the market to stock junk food and processed stuff in boxes? Someone is having too much of a first world guild trip. Not to mention coming off as a bit of a know-it-all.

No one ever said this was going to be a food charity for the homeless or some sort of downtown Save-A-Lot. If you want cheap and in a box or bag, then go to Family Fare or Meijer. But you cant expect these people to build this expensive new facility and have these independent local business people sell their product at a loss so this unnamed, aggrieved Heartside resident with an EBT can feel "welcome".

 And the comments? These are supposed to be the "educated" people? They come across as entitled cheapskates that hide behind some paternal clap-trap of seeking "food justice" (that is actually a thing apparently) for the "improvised" surrounding neighborhood in order to lambaste the vendors of being akin to robber barons because they dont have something like a dollar menu as if they are McDonalds! These people dont deserve this.

 

You just cant win with this town!

 

I furrowed my brow the entire time I read the opinion piece (it's not a reporter's "article" as some commenters have suggested). It's written from the viewpoint of a complete outsider who really did not talk to anyone at the market to form his opinion.

 

Edited September 1, 2015 by GRDadof3

[wingbert]

... yeah!  And the name sucks too!!!

 

[joeDowntown]

Yeah, I thought the article was jaded and the comments were the typical "trying to be like Chicago" and "down with the rich!" sort of B.S statements I was used to seeing on Salon GR (before I couldn't take it anymore and quit). It serves a purpose, just not THEIR utopian purpose (no profits necessary, appeal to the masses, screw the tenants for charging so much). I was pretty worried about the market the first few times I visited but have been really impressed with it the last two times I've been there.

I did like hearing from some of the farms. Sounds like maybe the market was a bit cocky in the beginning and didn't have their purpose fully vetted out but I hope they;ve fixed that and I'm really happy it is downtown. 

Haters gotta hate.

Joe

[organsnyder]

Looks like the Downtown Market is upping their PR game:

http://therapidian.org/placematters-behind-scenes-downtown-market

[MJLO]

The market was implemented by what is more or less a downtown development generator no?  For whatever reason I thought the facility was designed for a target demographic that had not yet established itself in that area, and certainly not the existing transient crowd.  The whole point was to inject life and transform a dead section on the fringe of downtown into the next "arena district", turn a bunch of old empty warehouses into "trendy" loft style apartments, and give a super boost to the population influx of young educated millenials that every city is clamoring to attract.  Isn't that what it's doing?  

Everyone I know that have earned "a master’s degree in community sustainability and food systems" have this same kind of idealistic socialist mindset, they make fantastic baristas.

[GRDadof3]

The market was implemented by what is more or less a downtown development generator no?  For whatever reason I thought the facility was designed for a target demographic that had not yet established itself in that area, and certainly not the existing transient crowd.  The whole point was to inject life and transform a dead section on the fringe of downtown into the next "arena district", turn a bunch of old empty warehouses into "trendy" loft style apartments, and give a super boost to the population influx of young educated millenials that every city is clamoring to attract.  Isn't that what it's doing?  

Everyone I know that have earned "a master’s degree in community sustainability and food systems" have this same kind of idealistic socialist mindset, they make fantastic baristas.

 

Fair trade coffee baristas.

Looks like the Downtown Market is upping their PR game:

http://therapidian.org/placematters-behind-scenes-downtown-market

 

Reads a bit like a resume', but good for them. They do a lot more programming than I thought, but I think the programming is upstairs where it's not readily visible to the casual shopper.

 

 

Edited September 2, 2015 by GRDadof3

[x99]

I furrowed my brow the entire time I read the opinion piece (it's not a reporter's "article" as some commenters have suggested). It's written from the viewpoint of a complete outsider who really did not talk to anyone at the market to form his opinion.

There's a little bit of hippie-esque entitlement agrosociojustice whining in the piece, but there are a few valid points that can be sussed out of the whole thing.  It is not untrue that the Downtown Market was a very expensive project that did not do a whole lot for anyone in terms of providing useful food options.  I know more than a few people with plenty of money who will not go back there because they were appalled by the prices.  No one in their right mind would shop there for food on any sort of regular basis.  If you look at it from that perspective, the whole project was a stunning failure.  The comments to the article cut to the heart of it:  "One must ask 'Why was this conceived and what does it take to lure consumers to come here?'"  

If Grand Action's website is to be believed, Downtown Market consumed $15 million in public funds and cost over $30 million.  Much of the salesmanship in fact did revolve around supporting local agriculture and acting as a business incubator (probably to justify the public funds with minimal duck-and-cover) but that was a pretty thin veneer on the real purpose.  MJLO is right, I suspect, in that the the real idea was to build something--anything--flashy and shiny that would attract yuppies and Millenials to a crappy area.  If the Market happened to sell food and brought in a few businesses, then fine, but I don't think that was ever the point at all.  Looking good enough to suck in re-investment dollars was the point.  But they did not talk about that much.  So, it's easy to see why this guy feels a bit cheated.  They sold food justice and local-farmy-organic-trendy nonsense out of the front door while running a gentrification mill in the back.  Pretty smart, actually.

The real test of the Downtown Market's success will be its success at sucking in enough Millenials to raise the median income enough to support an actual grocery store.  Now, is that worth $30 million?  I'm not sure I know the answer to that.

NOTE:  If this whole thing was anything other than an excuse to burn a bunch of money to try to bring in other development (i.e. they actually thought this would be economically or achieve its publicly promoted purposes), it was a horrible miscalculation.  When you have rich people and true believers that won't buy yuppie food from a yuppie place because it is too expensive for yuppies, you've totally missed the boat.  

Edited September 2, 2015 by x99

[GRDadof3]

There's a little bit of hippie-esque entitlement agrosociojustice whining in the piece, but there are a few valid points that can be sussed out of the whole thing.  It is not untrue that the Downtown Market was a very expensive project that did not do a whole lot for anyone in terms of providing useful food options.  I know more than a few people with plenty of money who will not go back there because they were appalled by the prices.  No one in their right mind would shop there for food on any sort of regular basis.  If you look at it from that perspective, the whole project was a stunning failure.  The comments to the article cut to the heart of it:  "One must ask 'Why was this conceived and what does it take to lure consumers to come here?'"  

If Grand Action's website is to be believed, Downtown Market consumed $15 million in public funds and cost over $30 million.  Much of the salesmanship in fact did revolve around supporting local agriculture and acting as a business incubator (probably to justify the public funds with minimal duck-and-cover) but that was a pretty thin veneer on the real purpose.  MJLO is right, I suspect, in that the the real idea was to build something--anything--flashy and shiny that would attract yuppies and Millenials to a crappy area.  If the Market happened to sell food and brought in a few businesses, then fine, but I don't think that was ever the point at all.  Looking good enough to suck in re-investment dollars was the point.  But they did not talk about that much.  So, it's easy to see why this guy feels a bit cheated.  They sold food justice and local-farmy-organic-trendy nonsense out of the front door while running a gentrification mill in the back.  Pretty smart, actually.

The real test of the Downtown Market's success will be its success at sucking in enough Millenials to raise the median income enough to support an actual grocery store.  Now, is that worth $30 million?  I'm not sure I know the answer to that.

NOTE:  If this whole thing was anything other than an excuse to burn a bunch of money to try to bring in other development (i.e. they actually thought this would be economically or achieve its publicly promoted purposes), it was a horrible miscalculation.  When you have rich people and true believers that won't buy yuppie food from a yuppie place because it is too expensive for yuppies, you've totally missed the boat.  

I think your friends are just too snobby x99. 

[joeDowntown]

There's a little bit of hippie-esque entitlement agrosociojustice whining in the piece, but there are a few valid points that can be sussed out of the whole thing.  It is not untrue that the Downtown Market was a very expensive project that did not do a whole lot for anyone in terms of providing useful food options.  I know more than a few people with plenty of money who will not go back there because they were appalled by the prices.  No one in their right mind would shop there for food on any sort of regular basis.  If you look at it from that perspective, the whole project was a stunning failure.  The comments to the article cut to the heart of it:  "One must ask 'Why was this conceived and what does it take to lure consumers to come here?'"  

If Grand Action's website is to be believed, Downtown Market consumed $15 million in public funds and cost over $30 million.  Much of the salesmanship in fact did revolve around supporting local agriculture and acting as a business incubator (probably to justify the public funds with minimal duck-and-cover) but that was a pretty thin veneer on the real purpose.  MJLO is right, I suspect, in that the the real idea was to build something--anything--flashy and shiny that would attract yuppies and Millenials to a crappy area.  If the Market happened to sell food and brought in a few businesses, then fine, but I don't think that was ever the point at all.  Looking good enough to suck in re-investment dollars was the point.  But they did not talk about that much.  So, it's easy to see why this guy feels a bit cheated.  They sold food justice and local-farmy-organic-trendy nonsense out of the front door while running a gentrification mill in the back.  Pretty smart, actually.

The real test of the Downtown Market's success will be its success at sucking in enough Millenials to raise the median income enough to support an actual grocery store.  Now, is that worth $30 million?  I'm not sure I know the answer to that.

NOTE:  If this whole thing was anything other than an excuse to burn a bunch of money to try to bring in other development (i.e. they actually thought this would be economically or achieve its publicly promoted purposes), it was a horrible miscalculation.  When you have rich people and true believers that won't buy yuppie food from a yuppie place because it is too expensive for yuppies, you've totally missed the boat.  

I never understand your point x99 but I digress. I don't think anyone sat in a back room planning a "gentrification machine". An economic engine, maybe. I think there have been a few hiccups but it seems to be doing well. It definitely adds life to a former abandoned industrial area (was there anything in that area to gentrify? It didn't exactly displace residents- there weren't any). New apartments are popping up around the market (income restricted). People are excited and eager to visit and eat at the market.  

So what exactly is your (effing) point?!

Joe

 

[egrguy]

I really don't understand the pricing bit at all unless your discount shopping in which no one should confuse the market with Aldi, Save a lot, etc.

What is that expensive? I've not ever felt I got charged more then the quality I've got. Is it th coffee shop? sympatico coffee - pricing is equal to any coffee shop in GR not bought at a gas station. 

Slows BBQ is similar to both Horshoe and Two Scott's BBQ. I haven't been to all three but what I have had they are leagues above Famous Daves and Smokey Bones.

yes, tacos el cunado is more money then Taco Bell, buts a lot better then Taco Bell. 

Do the folks that hate the market's pricing dislike the cherry st area? BV's $14 burgers or $2 dollar macaroons are expensive. Furniture city creamery has pricing similar to loves in the market.

i don't get it as a whole. I think people are upset that the market is a success this early in the game and will only continue to grow in its influence as a Grand Rapids destination.

 

[GRDadof3]

I think your friends are just too snobby x99. 

Plus, it wasn't ever meant to be a place where you could do your grocery shopping. I remember at a huge press conference for the unveiling of the plans and several reporters/people asked if this was going to fill the downtown "grocery market" need, and they definitely said "NO." It's a foodie destination, and a way to get more people interested in local food businesses.

The Rapidian article that the Downtown Market filed says they've helped over 200 businesses get started outside of the market.

[organsnyder]

I really don't understand the pricing bit at all unless your discount shopping in which no one should confuse the market with Aldi, Save a lot, etc.

What is that expensive? I've not ever felt I got charged more then the quality I've got. Is it th coffee shop? sympatico coffee - pricing is equal to any coffee shop in GR not bought at a gas station. 

Slows BBQ is similar to both Horshoe and Two Scott's BBQ. I haven't been to all three but what I have had they are leagues above Famous Daves and Smokey Bones.

yes, tacos el cunado is more money then Taco Bell, buts a lot better then Taco Bell. 

Do the folks that hate the market's pricing dislike the cherry st area? BV's $14 burgers or $2 dollar macaroons are expensive. Furniture city creamery has pricing similar to loves in the market.

i don't get it as a whole. I think people are upset that the market is a success this early in the game and will only continue to grow in its influence as a Grand Rapids destination.

If the objective was to build the "Downtown Food Court" (as I've seen it derisively labeled), then I agree that it is a stunning success. My office is a 10-minute walk from there, and I very much appreciate the variety of options, for the most part at competitive prices.

However, its name is the Downtown Market. In that regard, I think it's somewhat of a disappointment. Almost all of the goods there—meat, fish, spices, bread—are extremely expensive compared to what most shoppers (of any income level) are used to. Are the goods worth the price? Absolutely, IMHO—the fish is flown in direct from fisheries, the quality and curing of the meat is exceptional, etc. However, there's no disputing the fact that for the most part those goods are luxury items rather than staples. It's the place where you go to buy that one stand-out ingredient for that once-a-month meal—not the place that you regularly go to shop.

I have no problem with this—it brings to the area a level of quality that was lacking for many products—but I am concerned about whether there are enough customers to sustain the business models of those merchants. For an area so historically steeped in "thriftiness" over quality, it seems like a tough hurdle to overcome.

One thing that I think would help a lot with this would be if there is a more "normal" grocery option nearby—if not in the market, within a few blocks. Right now, I often need to make a trip to Meijer/Ken's/whatever to get the staples, and then a special Downtown Market trip for the special luxury ingredient(s). It would be much more convenient if I could do both of those without traveling to stores miles apart from each other.

[GRDadof3]

If you look at Social Kitchen and Bar's menu, it's pretty similar to Bistro Bella Vita's:

I don't know why but when I try to just drop a link into the post, it turns it into a mini window. Weird. Anyway, socialkitchenandbar.com

 

 

Edited September 3, 2015 by GRDadof3

[GR_Urbanist]

 

One thing that I think would help a lot with this would be if there is a more "normal" grocery option nearby—if not in the market, within a few blocks. Right now, I often need to make a trip to Meijer/Ken's/whatever to get the staples, and then a special Downtown Market trip for the special luxury ingredient(s). It would be much more convenient if I could do both of those without traveling to stores miles apart from each other.

That's going to be the deciding factor on what the market's future success is going to hinge on.

Right now the market is a star without an outstanding supporting cast.

 

The loft apartments next door are income-restricted. That is already strike one. Heartside's homeless facilities are cementing themselves into place, almost ruining any chance that complementary business will form a retail bridge between the central DT area and the market (strike two). The only hope is that the currently empty lot directly across the street scores a development like a City Target with a Grocery department.

Or that the corner of Wealthy and Division gets a decent grocery with a non low-income development attached.