Last week, I talked about the proposed downtown Fresno public market. Specifically, I talked about what I wanted to see in this market, then I invited you to add your suggestions.
There were some really great recommendations, and one special addition. Stephanie Reed, a designer with the architect firm Paul Halajian Architects, added a link to what the proposed project will look like, and said now is the time to speak up about what you want.
Click through to see renderings of the market. Here is how it is described by the architect firm:
The main program components include areas for co-op type food stands, local artisan/craft vendors, an educational food lab, as well as ethnically diverse dining options. The existing building shell includes a full basement, ground level, and mezzanine that could be expanded to provide additional seating.
The bottom level would be focused on the educational and support areas, including kitchens that could be rented by small startup businesses on an hourly/daily basis. The ground floor would include nearly 40 vendor spaces, a wine and beer garden as well as a transparent facade with large roll-up doors to blur the lines between interior and exterior, activating Fulton Street throughout the day.
Sounds pretty cool, right? So, here is what Fresno wants from its public market. Feel free to add your suggestions in the comments and I’ll add them to this list.
• Cheese
• Fresno State viniculture wine
• Beef by Harris Ranch
• Salami by Busseto
• Flowers by Kikku
• Different breads and bakeries
• Latino selection
• Place to buy Madera Wine Trail tickets
• Cooking classes
• Yoga and beer class
• Place where kids can learn about food
• An open-air, year round facility selling only local, as organic possible
• Local artisan work from ceramic makers, jewelers, painters
• Local meats
• Flowers
• Handmade goods like soaps and ceramics
• Kids babysitting/supervision spot, like at Ikea
I love where I live, and I also love what I do. I'm lucky to be able to work in a profession in which I get to build relationships; one that has me meeting new people each and every day and helping them to build new lives in my beloved city. I'm lucky enough to work in a profession in which I can marry cutting-edge technologies and marketing techniques to good, old-fashioned, nose-to-the-grindstone work. I am lucky enough to work in a profession that allows me to work as an advocate for my clients; to use every tool at my disposal to get a job done well for them, and with as little stress and expense as possible.
I love my city. I love my job. One inspires my excellence for the other.
Fresno? I say FresYES
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Some of the following could be nice: A local ice cream maker, produce stalls, a small grocer with complementary grocery items so that one can put together the main components of a meal without having to stop at a grocery store (pastas, milk, butter, olive oil, specialty condiments). A small book
vender that specializes in cook books and California authors would be fun. A southeast Asian produce vendor that also sells fresh rice noodles and a small curated selection of condiments would be great. As for prepared food, I would be excited for wood fired pizza, Thai, Vietnamese, ramen, Korean, and any and all vegetarian options. Anything high quality and competent enough to turn out a lunch in a reasonable time would be great.
These are really great suggestions, Megan. No one else has suggested ice cream yet, and I love the California authors idea.
I would love to see a soul food and Mexican vegetarian restaurant. I saw a Mexican vegetarian restaurant on T.V the food looked amazing.
Live and local music.