Madison Public Market opens its doors for a sneak peek

The City of Madison invited the public to attend an open house to see the building that will become the future Madison Public Market. Hundreds flocked to the old City of Madison Fleet Services building to get a taste of vendors that will be at the Madison Public Market.

"They have great food," Al Cooper said. "They included all sectors of the community."

Cooper has lived in Dane County for decades. He is excited for the Madison Public Market and thinks it will bring a lot to the East side community.

Construction begins soon on the market, which rests at First Street and East Johnson Street. In fall 2021, the Madison Public Market will open with 35 to 45 permanent vendors scattered throughout the facility offering local produce, handcrafted art items and local restaurant cuisine.

"More than 200 local vendors are already interested in applying for a space, so community involvement has been incredible," Madison Engineering Division spokesperson, Hannah Mohelnitzky said.

The building will also have a incubator space where entrepreneurs can learn from one another. The building will be gutted on the inside and renovated to meet the needs of the Market. The original building was constructed in 1953. The new home for Fleet Services will be at 4141 Nakoosa Trail.

The City of Madison plans to break ground on the space in fall 2020 and open the Madison Public Market's doors fall 2021.

More information about the open house: