Plans for a new building at the Rochester Public Market could offer visitors new places to eat, shop and possibly live.
City officials are looking for a developer to help expand the public market’s offerings by building a new storefront on a small, city-owned parking lot near the North Union Street entrance.
While the building would be privately owned and operated, a request for proposals emphasized the city is looking for a developer eager to support small business.
The public market currently houses 300 indoor and outdoor stalls, mostly composed of small-scale food producers and businesses. Storefronts across the northern end of the market include bakeries, coffee roasters and independent restaurants.
Director Jim Farr said he frequently gets questions about available space from current clients looking to expand and other small businesses hoping to move into the area. “What this does, is it fills a need,” Farr said about the project. “Small businesses need that space.”
Project proposals are due Feb. 12. Farr said he believes construction could start sometime next year, with a potential 2026 opening.