The
Flea Market at Eastern Market Announces
Eastern Market to be Restored, Outdoor Markets Open this Weekend
PRESS RELEASE
May 1, 2007
Washington,
DC--"Eastern Market will be restored to 100% of
its architectural and historic splendor," DC
Mayor Adrian Fenty announced in a press conference
this morning.
The announcement
followed a fire which devastated the historic 1873
South Hall of the market yesterday and left the
entire building, including the less damaged Center
and North Halls, at least temporarily deserted.
South Hall housed the last remaining continuously
operating traditional food market in the city.
Fenty
estimated that the restoration would be completed
within "18 to 24 months" and cost
"between $20 million and $30 million." The
project would be placed at "the top of our
priority list" for "certified revenue,"
the availability of which he expected to announce next
week.
He also announced immediate suspension of rent and
sales tax payments for "inside vendors."
Fourteen family-owned businesses, many operating at
the market for generations, were displaced from the
South Hall. Fenty also pledged to "find a
temporary home and help make payroll" for them.
Ward 6 DC Councilman
Tommy Wells confirmed in the press conference that
outdoor activities would continue as scheduled. This
includes the Sunday flea market, which we announced
yesterday, the Saturday outdoor markets, and the
annual Market Day event this Sunday.
