Salt Lake City Downtown Farmers’ Market (2008, 2012, 2016-present)

The Downtown Alliance of Salt Lake City, which has successfully operated the open-air Downtown Farmers’ Market in Pioneer Park for 25 years, has work with Market Ventures for over 10 years to develop strategies for increasing the Market’s impact and move toward a year-round indoor public market facility.  In 2012, MVI proposed a phased development plan, including development of a winter market in the historic Rio Grande Depot and creation of permanent farmers’ market sheds.  Established the next year, the winter market has been a resounding success.

In 2016, MVI teamed with a local firm, GSBS Architects, to create a development concept for the Salt Lake City Public Market, which will be located in the Station Center District adjacent to the Rio Grande Depot.  MVI conducted extensive due diligence, including an internet survey that was completed by nearly 5,000 residents, as well as focus groups with farmers’ and other vendors. MVI led a research trip of community leaders to visit public markets in Michigan, including the Grand Rapids Downtown Market and Eastern Market in Detroit.  The development concept proposes a diverse market district, encompassing the farmers’ market, winter market, indoor market hall, restaurants, and indoor and outdoor event space.