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Originally Posted by RocketSurgeon
I'm not sure exactly how many millions it cost to renovate that building, but I am sure it's more than a few local organic farmers could spare in rent. Markets like you describe are usually outdoors or in older buildings like the Sweet Auburn market. New construction is expensive and they have to make that money back somehow.
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Back in the 1950's there was a farmer's market affiliated with Sears across North Ave by the Southern Dairy's building. I think it would spill into the flat areas on the north side of North Ave. So, good point, it was in far more temporary structures than the Sears building. The related Chelsea Market in Manhattan does not have anything like a farmer's market either. Bagel shops, their version of King of Pops (Peoples' Pops) but I don't remember any place that would have, say, a fresh melon or corn in husks or vine-fresh tomatoes.
Until the early 60's (IIRC) North Ave ended at the Beltline, so imagine someone going to a Crackers' game if they took North it would just end at the rail berm with lots of random parking and a farmer's market. They'd walk through the Sears retail portion and go watch the game; then after, walk through again, perhaps picking up a purchase or two then grab some fresh veggies then head home.
I know people who took the streetcar to games in the 1940's and they described the scene around the ball park as almost a Greek Agora, with lot's of mixing, meeting, talking and fellowship around there. The games would be over before 5pm most days.
Anyways Ponce City Market can fulfill much of this function but I don't think a produce market would work. It's amazing that as recently as 5 years ago, I had already toured the building half a dozen times (some unofficially) and the power room was still in situ and the giant sorting bins (think 2 shipping container sized) and the giant red box sorting spiral was still mounted to the outside. They have done amazing work.