Check out Market House proposals … then comment here
The Market House proposals are in, and now they are online for Annapolis to see.
Last month, the mayor invited businesses to submit short- and long-term proposals to set up shop at the Market House, and he was pleased to receive 15 bids to transform part or all of the crown jewel at City Dock.
Now that the review process is underway, the mayor invites you to offer your input on what concepts would best complement the downtown business community.
Go to http://annapolis.gov to find the list of applicants and their proposals. The mayor can offer short-term leases that expire no later than Jan. 3, 2011. The City Council must approve long-term leases.
I think that trying to stir up feedback through the site is great, but I’m wondering if it wouldn’t be beneficial to hold a live public forum to discuss what’s going on. As I wrote earlier in the day, I get the sense that there are a lot of people who don’t know what’s at stake or what the city’s vision for this space is: http://www.annapolissound.com/?p=646
I would love to see a pet themed shop! My husband and I have lived in Annapolis for 15 years and have enjoyed taking our dogs for walks downtown. This would be a wonderful location.
The city market should definitely remain a collection of independent vendors! One of the things that makes Annapolis downtown unique is just that. We don’t need more “chain” establishments.
For instance, I support the concept of pet treats and toys in one of the booths. It provides a variety that should be the hallmark of the market house. Annapolis and its visitors (including dogs arriving by boat) are a huge collection of pet lovers! As well, supporting the individual entrepreneurial spirit is an important part of our nation’s history and success.
Grant Stephanie Moore’s homemade pet treats a space in our market house!!
I’ve known Chef Pope and Roundz Catering since its inception and I know he will bring excellence to the waterfront. He is a hometown guy and is at the top of his game. Roundz Express will be a huge asset to downtown Annapolis.
I support the Roundz Express proposal for the Market House. I have worked with both Chef Pope and Chef Smith and know they are amazingly hard-working, local professionals who have great vision and strong commitment to success. Their fresh ideas are needed to help revitalize this space.
I support the Wimsey Cove Map & Art for a space at the Market House. In my opinion Annapolis should build a reputation where is easy to find good art and quality work at a reasonable price and know that the kind of venue that Elizabeth would present would develop that image. In addition, the idea that local artists may be available to discuss their work with with tourists and local visitors is a very good concept. The maps available for sale would help increase awareness of the historic heritage of Annapolis. There is already so much beauty in Annapolis. Let’s increase it!
I am a lifelong resident of the Historic District (currently ward 1). Naturally I have a vested interest in the vitality and success of downtown. The Market House is the centerpiece which will set the tone for downtown and it’s recovery. I am an advocate for all four of the “Long/Short-Term, Full Space Proposals” to shore up our waterfront. That said, I see the most realistic expectation for success in the first piece submitted by Mr. Ashford’s group. He also has a superlative track record in the area, his concept is sound and desperately needed. Moreover, we would not subject ourselves to the pitfalls of having an absentee owner. A historic, walk-able, sustainable and vibrant community on the water is what makes Annapolis a destination. That is what tourists want to come see and immerse themselves in. Atwater’s who is currently in the Market house is doing an excellent job but are only occupying a small portion of the floor plan. Downtown residents, visitors, students and business guests would be extremely well served by having a working, friendly and tasteful market to patronize. Downtown has endured a scourge of unscrupulous merchants shamelessly transforming our historic brick venues into tacky board walk scenes. A carefully planned market space with a coherently designed café and park area as pitched by Mr. Ashford is precisely what We need. Thanks for the opportunity to comment. I look forward to the new market taking shape.
I think the marketplace–the customers–will finally decide what will and what won’t work in the Market House. We can guess what people want .(Vegetables? How did that work out for Homestead Gardens last year? And the flowers would be pretty–for a while, until the vendor pulls out. I didn’t see the flower folks ever selling flowers in the most recent iteration of the Market House.) This much I know: locally-owned and operated businesses are good. There should be a policy of no national franchises allowed (think Stowe, VT). Visitors and locals alike want to do buy distinctly local services and products. So we gotta work shucked oysters in there somehow. That said, bring back the chicken guy (now in the Riva Shopping Center). And there’s nothing particularly Annapolitan about it, but bring back the popcorn lady! She had a location and landlord in the dock area that worked against her last time she tried to make a go of it. Habit-forming stuff!
I support the plan submitted by Wimsey Cove Framing. As a local fine art photographer, I have worked with Elizabeth Ramirez and know she presents a quality product. Her idea of presenting the work of local artists along with her reproductions of historical maps should prove tobe a great draw for both tourists and residents visiting downtown Annapolis. Elizabeth’s support for local artists has been wonderful, and the City should support her effort here.
Any proposal that retains the essential character of the Market House as a traditional grocery market is appealing. Merchant stalls with quality carry-out or walkabout food (no chains) similar to those featured in the 70s and 80s (sandwiches, chicken, pizza, seafood, bakery) would not be inconsistent with a market house. I am not impressed by suggestions that we need an outdoor cafe in a town where too many bars, grills, and restaurants are now spilling tables out onto to sidewalks and making them impassable, and bollocks on schemes whereby boaters should have provisions delivered to them dockside, contributing more specialty vehicles to the snarl of traffic. The small park area needs to remain open and accessible to the public. There are already too few places for tourists and visitors to rest without going indoors and buying a meal.
I support the plan submitted by Gone to Market, LLC. They are an experienced and successful group that will provide the vision this project needs. Until recentlly moving ot Annapolis I had the opportunity to live near one of their other projects in Baltimore called Belvedere Square. This was and still is a very successful project in Baltimore. Belevedere Square became a place we went to almost every weekend in the summer. The market includes an Italian market, ice cream shop, wine bar, florist among others. Combined with the Friday night concerts it has become a central meeting place for families in the surrounding communities. I haven’t seen any turnover in the vendors, either.
I like the proposed Wimsey Cove Map and Art idea. I am a local artist and agree that residents and visitors alike are often in search of something other than food. I have lived in many cities across the USA and it is always nice to visit a business that caters to the local flavor of the city.
I love the idea of Whimsey Cove with historical maps of Annapolis and surrounding areas. Visitors to Annapolis are fascinated by this local color that they can buy and take home with fond memories of a unique city they have seen and enjoyed. Combining art work and artists with this is a terrific idea because it becomes dynamic and people like to see active displays and even join in by asking questions and getting “live” answers. This concept is a miniature version of Old Town Alexandria’s Torpedo Factory which is enormously successful. Elizabeth certainly seems to have the experience to make this work. This is not just “bright idea” but something she can turn into a “must-see” opportunity when visiting Annapolis. Of course, locals will also enjoy this too. I can testify to the good taste and value of her work. This would be a class act. Whimsey Cove would be a valuable addition to the Market House!
I like the Wimsey Cove idea of combining local history and local artists–then and now. It is a wonderful way to showcase our city to residents and tourist alike.
I prefer the idea of a group of small businesses (I particularly hope for pretzels and snowballs) with shorter leases. I feel it would provide greater variety over the long run. Also, I didn’t notice City funding as part of the proposal for any of the individual stalls.
I agree that a fresh food market is needed for the downtown residents, but I don’t feel Market House is the best choice. I would not want to be wrestling groceries in the traffic that surrounds it (people or vehicles).
I wholeheartedly support Wimsey Cove Map & Art for a space at the Market House. The owner, Elizabeth Ramirez, has a wealth of historical maps and other graphic information that visitors would appreciate. In addition, she would add an aesthetic element to the Market House through her involvement with county artists, a big improvement over the ‘food court’ options of the past.
I would just like to promote Wimsey Cove Map & Art for a space at the Market House. Elizabeth would bring something different to the mix of proposed tenants. Her connection to the growing artist community in Anne Arundel County will give visitors to our beautiful city access to the work of many unique local artists and craftsmen. Also, her inventory of historical maps and printed materials is amazing.
As a longtime Annapolis (Ward One) resident, I want to add my voice to Trish’s in saying, “Hey, we had a thriving and successful Market House with chicken, crabcakes, a small greengrocer, sandwiches, pizza, pastries, etc. Why did we feel the need to change it??” We should have done the necessary building maintenance tasks and then returned the tenants to their previous spots. It is the perfect combination for that location and a needed alternative to the more formalized dining which surrounds it. The tenants were local business people who were invested in Annapolis and the Market House itself. Love the idea of adding Asian food and pet treats.
Folks says they want a “real” grocery store but, in the end, they head to larger stores where they have a better selection and can take their carts straight to their cars. We have three mini-marts in Ward One that supply the staples. Comparisons to Eastern Market or Faneuil Hall are inappropriate – these facilities are much larger and diverse than our square footage allows.
Once the “vision” is established, the most important element for success is how the Market House will be run and by whom. Get the tenants involved in the planning and increase their investment in a positive outcome. Perhaps they can select an on-site manager(s) from their ranks who works closely with a Market House Administrator. Whether a City employee or an outside contractor, there must be one person who is ultimately responsible for the policy decisions and day-to-day functioning of the facility.
I agree with Molly Winans that the Market House shouldn’t become just another food court. Good idea to have fresh market foods available for boaters, tourists and residents, and prepared foods as well. The market house should have diverse offerings, so the proposals for pet treats and for an art and map stall are very attractive. The latter in particular provides an opportunity to display area talent in a setting that is more accessible than a gallery.
As a former resident and artist, I am currently a AA county resident but work near downtown Annapolis. I am Vice President of The Muddy Creek Artists Guild, and most of our artists use Wimsey Cove Framing and Art. I spoke with Elizabeth Ramirez recently and she showed me her proposal and layout of the space, which is the ideal place to have maps and Historical maps of Annapolis/AA county and local art . And also doing limited art
showings for local artists, the idea of having an art/framing store would be an asset to the Market House and the City of Annapolis. Please consider having a valuble asset to not only our tourists but the city and its residents.
As a person who visits the waterfornt often especially with guests from out of town, I particularly like the idea of having multiple vendors in the Market House. I like the Wok Your Way concept along with the Pretzel, Sno Ball and Popcorn ideas.
I like the personality that comes through in the proposals. After reading the Wok Your Way proposal, I went out and bought some fried rice. I think for a person who often visits with guests these ideas will add a lot of personality and variety to the area.
I also agree with a previous poster that the grocery / market concept will be better served in another location.
Perhaps some consideration can be given to use the old Fawcett’s building as a grocery/deli/cafe/supply store if at this time there are no plans for it. It is a prime location and would serve the purpose to the residents and boaters. I like the idea of having the specialty booths in the market space and it would proably be more appealing to tourists as well.
Realistically, to end all the controversary that has surrounded the market house in the past and the increased congestion to the immediate area, the city should simply tear it down and turn it into a memorial park. Plant some dogwood trees and install a few benches.
Downtown Annapolis does not need any more shops and places to eat.
Does the phrase, “Less is more”, come to mind?
I love the Wok This Way idea. Asian food in general would be a great addition, but the Wok This Way idea sounds fresh and unique. Fried rice customized and cooked quickly right in front of you – I would probably eat there 5 times a week, and I think it would be a big hit downtown.
As these are reviewed, I think that the City needs to take a long and honest look at what failed there in the past. Personally, managing 15 to 20 “booths” will tax the city more than you realize. Some of the proposals are being made by established business people who know how to thrive during the ebbs and flows and know how to attract both the tourist traffic and the resident traffic alike.
A single use proposal has a lot more vested and invested into the project than a “booth” will have. Please remember the nights when all of the prior “booth” vendors ran away lie the Colts.
I read the article of yours in the Capital this evening, May 14th, 2010 about what we would like to have come in to the Market House City Dock vacant spots. We would love to see a grocery market type place that sells fresh veggies, bakery items, milk and some of the necessities that not only the residents living close by can get to readily but also the visitors and local people too. We don’t need any novelty shops as we have plenty of them along Main Street and Maryland Avenue. A deli would be nice too. We all are so anxious for this place to open up again. The character should be that of a Neighborhood Market Place.
Good luck and we promise to support these kind of places.
Sincerely,
Sue and Chuck Crichley
Also as a Ward One resident, I think the traditional market / cafe is the best option for our citizens. Farmer’s Market aside, there’s no access to simply groceries (i.e., grabbing burgers for a cook-out), without getting in your car and heading to Graul’s. It would be wonderful to have that downtown again.
I loved the idea of a pet themed stall. It’s very unique and different to all the other applications. And because we do love our pets and other than getting in our cars and going to a large pet store there are not very many options to give our pets a well deserved treat or gift and we do love to spoil our babies. Thanks for asking!
A stall in the Market House selling home made pet treats would be a wonderful addition to a variety of foods and drink offered. Annapolis is a huge “Dog Town”, with locals and visitors walking their canine friends around downtown constantly. It would be great to have both human & canine refreshments at the Market House.
We have lived here since 1996 and knew the Market House as a thriving center with an eclectic variety of foods, NOT a mall food court at all. (Who else misses Machoian home made fried chicken. They were the best!) There was a cheese shop,fried chicken, crabcakes & cooked seafood, deli sandwiches, a hot sauce shop… you would see dozens of people walking around in the market house, having lunch, snacks, socializing, people-watching & just enjoying being downtown. It was a vibrant atmosphere, always busy, people liked it and patronized it. A stall selling special home made treats for our furry friends would be a great addition to the mix!
I’ve lived in Annapolis or the surrounding area for 17 years. When I first moved here, it was an actual fish market. That’s what I miss– the space being utilized for its historic and beneficial purpose. Residents in the immediate downtown area, as well as visitors to Annapolis, need a place to find not only local, fresh food staples, but also that “thriving city” feeling farmers markets and enclosed markets engender. What we don’t need is more kitsch a la “dog treats” or “nautical paintings” or whathaveyou. There’s plenty of that already in downtown. Trying to avoid the chain stores/restaurants is also big on my list of what would improve the area.
After having read through the overviews of almost every single proposal in which the focus is “traditional market”, I would say that Anthony Tedesco/Petr Spurney’s proposal or Mike Ashford/BRM’s proposal sound the most likely to succeed financially as well a provide the central market/Lexington Market/Cleveland West Side Market/Eastern Market flavor that is lacking since the Market House stopped being a fish/farmer’s market.
I also like the traditional market options. My concerns are parking and traffic. I am a fairly new resident to Annapolis and live within one block of the Market House. I am constantly frustrated by the utter lack of parking downtown– so I appreciate that the market options will target mainly walkers (i.e local residents, boaters, students, and tourists.)
During Annapolis in Love weekend, the outdoor music was great and very much appreciated; brining some sort of regular outdoor / free music would be a welcomed idea.
I have visited several of the cities mentioned in many of the proposals and it occurred to me as I was reading that I did patronize all of the markets that were discussed (i.e. faneuil hall in boston, Cafe du Monde in New Orleans, and of course Eastern Market in DC).
A successful, thriving, well-run market place is a huge plus for the city in my eyes.
The concept of traditional market and café seems to have the best potential because it can be expected to sustain the greatest attraction, over the longest period of time, on residents, tourists, and boaters. It simply makes good sense to offer those demographics a clean, well organized, well priced place to shop for provisions, ready-to-eat foods, and other “market” items. While an entertainment aspect sounds appealing at first, I am none too sure, given the established and popular entertainment venues in Annapolis, that the idea is truly viable; that aspect might be best shelved at first, for possible development in the future. To me, the Tedesco/Spurney proposal seems the best *if* combined with the “Capital Teas” and/or the sno-ball proposal, because 1) pedestrians get thirsty, and 2) I believe those two smaller enterprises would each have an excellent chance of being longer-term occupants. I favor sustainability over uniqueness, if one has to choose. (I am an Annapolis resident with no commercial interest in any proposal.)
The idea of local residents involved in the cioty market is exciting. It looks like there are some wonderful proposals, however, there are some that are unique. The pet treats and toys sounds like just the ticket for this enterprise. Looking forward to visiting the Market House on my next trip to Annapolis.
As a Ward one resident, I like traditional market options. What we lack as residents is somewhere to buy food staples without having to get in our cars. (That the CVS is our best option is odd.) The one that has “entertainment” sounds appealing, as does having pretzel and fresh salad vendors. I don’t mind the idea of having Asian food options, but beware of the market house becoming what it was before “the fall,” which was a food court. We have those at the mall.