Now that it has been open for a little while, we can safely say that the Boston Public Market has been a smashing success. If you live in Boston and haven't been over to check it out yet, make it a priority. Since opening in July 2015, the new market has become a favorite among locals. Recently, however, there have been some complaints about the dearth of seating. A bit of a controversy is currently playing about regarding the issue, but we will get back to that later. For now, here's everything that you need to know about the new market.
The new market is located adjacent to the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway in downtown Boston. It's in the same area where markets have been held in the city for centuries, so it's a very fitting location. One of the most unique things about the market is that it is first one in the country that only allows products that were produced in or that originated in New England. Therefore, regardless of what you purchase, you can rest assured that it comes from the local area.
Fittingly, Boston Public Market is located next to a popular farmer's market that is held on Sundays and Wednesdays from May through November. The farmer's market is held in an adjacent plaza. Since starting in 2014, it has become a major fixture in this part of the city. Now that Boston Public Market is right next day, it's easy to make a day of shopping for great food when the farmer's market is open too. Conveniently, many of the vendors in the market offer prepared foods, so you can even grab a bite to eat while doing your shopping.
As mentioned earlier, the area of the city where Boston Public Market now stands has been a market district for centuries. In fact, researchers believe that the first market opened in this area way back in 1743, which is when the ground floor of Faneuil Hall was built. In 1826, the Quincy Market buildings were added. The site was then called Faneuil Hall Marketplace from that point forward. Street vendors have also long been a fixture in this part of the city. Records indicate that they have operated there since at least 1830. Today, those vendors are collectively known as the Haymarket.
The land on which the Boston Public Market sits was known as Parcel 7 for many years. Parcel 7 was actually built during the Big Dig. Before that, though, several old buildings that were once on the site were cleared away during the building of Government Center during the 1960s. However, nothing was built there after, so the land was used as a parking lot for many years. As a part of the Big Dig, a mixed-use building was constructed on the site. Designed by Arrowstreet, it now serves as the building in which the new market is now located.
The Boston Public Market Association was formed to help plan and develop the new market. The organization submitted its original plans for the market to the Boston Redevelopment Agency in 2014. It was approved in April of that year for a total cost of $15 million.
There is no question about the popularity of Boston Public Market. From the time that it opened through March 2016, the market generated more than $9 million in sales. More than one million people streamed through during that time too. Given that, it would seem like no one had any complaints about the market, but that's not the case. As its popularity has soared, many who have visited have complained about the lack of seating. Indeed, very few tables and chairs are available. This was done partly by design, however, as the developers intended for this to be a market as opposed to a dining area.
Indeed, many vendors in the market are opposed to adding more seating or more tables, as they fear that it will turn the market into more of a food court. However, many vendors sell prepared foods, and people understandably want to enjoy them on the spot. In many newspaper reports, people have complained about having to stand around eating or drinking things that they have purchased at the market, as they can't find anywhere to sit. It is easy to see and understand both sides of the issue, and it will be interesting to see what is decided in the future.
The new market is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. As you stroll through, you can take your pick from goodies from more than 35 vendors. Offerings include locally produced cheeses, olive oils, produce and even doughnuts. The addition of the Boston Public Market has made this section of the city even more impressive, and we predict that new housing will be constructed in the vicinity before too long. For more information, please contact Boston City Properties.