What the new pavilion expansion provides for our market vendors and patrons:
- Improved market experience and variety of products
- Increased covered space and improved sales for our vendors
- Shaded covering from the elements with fans, electricity and phone lines for credit card processing
- Improved accessibility for parking, pedestrians
In July 2010, the Memphis Farmers Market was awarded a $100,000 matching grant from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture for expanding the market pavilion. In order to complete the expansion, the MFM has been actively fundraised the additional funds to take advantage of the $100,000 TDA grant, along with raising additional funds needed to complete the project. Additional funds raised include a $65,000 grant from the Hyde Foundation and thousands of dollars in private donations given by market supporters.
The new pavilion expansion matches the architectural design of the existing pavilion and includes electricity, lighting and fans, and provides covered space for 16 vendors. We are thrilled the project was completed in May 2011. “Our market has grown significantly over the years, and currently more than a dozen vendors are without a covered space. Our covered pavilion is a great feature that really sets us apart from other markets. To expand it is needed and exciting” said Kitsinger. “These generous grants and contributions allowed the Memphis Farmers Market to grow to the next level by increasing our covered, open-air market space and by better serving our local farmers and artisans.”
The Center City Development Corporation was instrumental in their support with the project, and Clark Dixon Architects donated its services in-kind for facilitation of the pavilion expansion. Montgomery Martin was the contractor. The capital improvements also provide MATA with covered parking spaces as well as access to covered passenger drop-off during inclement weather.