Yesterday I joined the Lower East Side community, market vendors and representatives from the City to celebrate the official opening of the Essex Market. The market, located on the ground floor of The Essex, is now part of Essex Crossing – an unprecedented development spanning nine sites and over 1.9 million square feet.
The Essex Market relocated from its smaller location at 188 Essex Street into the larger, light-filled space a little earlier this month. More than 35 market vendors are selling fresh produce, a range of specialty items from cheese to flowers, as well as freshly prepared foods from all corners of the globe. The diversity of vendors is truly emblematic of the Lower East Side community, and the unique mix of stakeholders it took to complete this project.
I strongly believe in public-private partnerships that bring government, the private sector, and the community together to create a thoughtful development. Essex Market is a perfect example of the community and stakeholders coming together to deliver a project that’s integrated into the neighborhood and that reflects the history and character of the Lower East Side.
Speaking of character, the neon sign that now hangs proudly above the market retailers is a homage to the history of the Market. The dilapidated sign from the original market location was carefully removed and restored to working condition. In its new home, the sign serves as a remind of the history of the market and the neighborhood, as well as their very bright futures.
