Rochester Public Market could add storefronts, maybe apartments

Developers are eying the Public Market for a new storefront building near the North Union Street entrance.

This would be the first new private construction at the market in decades.

The building would rise on what today is a small parking lot and offer storefront space for small-scale food producers and food service businesses.

“So you’d have a line of stores along there with probably a wider sidewalk and some tables and things as you come in from Union Street,” said Jim Farr, who oversees the market. “Kind of matching the Commission Row, the other row of buildings on the other side.”

The project has been on the drawing board for years and this is the third time the city has sought proposals. Those earlier attempts stalled or failed because of the pandemic and, before that, because the interested developer died.

Initial interest this time around has been good, Farr said. Proposals are due Feb. 12.

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0llQCT_0r1DlYmO00
A red arrow points to where a new storefront building – possibly with upper floors of apartments – could be built at the North Union Street entrance to the Rochester Public Market. The areal rendering looks west over the market with North Union Street in the background. (Provided image / City of Rochester)

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