BALTIMORE — The legendary Lexington Market will be tearing down its outdated arcade structure to make way for a new concept.
On Friday night, hundreds of people came out for one last party in the Arcade portion where generations of memories and meals were created.
“This is where everybody came to shop, there weren’t grocery stores,” said Nancy Faidley Devine. “The city grew from this area.”
Faidley Devine is the third-generation owner of Faidley's Seafood, a staple that has been in Lexington Market since the 1800s.
“The new market of course is going to be just beautiful and I think Lexington Market with all of its history will be proud of the new endeavor.”
Jason Bass of the Night Brunch Party group put this together.
His dad talked about his dad coming here for fresh fish.
He's looking forward to the renovation-- and hopes it hangs on to the culture that has made it a staple.
“Of course, reduce the crime we need to do that across the entire city but let’s not displace some of the people who have made this market great for as long as they have,” Bass said.
The city invested about $7million into the $40 million project.
While reconstruction is taking place, the market will remain open with more than 50 vendors open for business. Tearing down the arcade portion and reopening it as an open urban plaza will create space for 60 new vendors.
The east market will stay open throughout the process with the final project being done sometime next year.
Picket Slater Harrington is a part of Seawall Development, the company selected to oversee the redevelopment.
“Creating an environment that is not only safe and welcoming to all Baltimoreans, but it also means improving surrounding businesses too,” said Harrington. “The entire ecosystem and businesses around the market should grow and flourish along with the market.”
There will be a community meeting to discuss the future of Lexington Market February 5 from 6-7:30 at the Hippodrome.
