Unusual groundbreaking set Monday for NewBo City Market

It won't be your typical groundbreaking ceremony.

Instead of dirt and shovels, expect to see straw and pitchforks Monday, April 16, to signal attainment of  a fundraising goal and the start of construction on NewBo City Market, 1100 Third St. SE.

Wendy Zimmermann, operations manager for the forthcoming year-round market, said even the construction won't be typical.

Rather than building new, the market will renovate the existing warehouse at the former Quality Chef site in the New Bohemia neighborhood.

"The renovation is so extensive, it really is like a new building," Zimmermann said.

Ann Poe, executive director of the market, said the $3 million fundraising goal has been reached from private donors. That's in addition to the $750,000 the market secured last fall in a Community Attraction & Tourism award from the state Vision Iowa Board.

The neighborhood, ravaged by the Floods of 2008, has undergone a resurgence in recent years with successful restaurants, bars, entertainment and retails shops.

Workers have been cleaning the warehouse, which will become the market hall. Remodeling begins Tuesday, April 17.

The market is scheduled to open in November.

A $5.3 million construction budget includes $1.1 million of in-kind city support for the land value and demolition, but the city will not fund the market's operating expenses.

Funding streams include 40 permanent anchor stalls at $280 per month, plus utilities, and seasonal market spots at $20 to $30 per day.

Kurt Friese, owner of Devotay in Iowa City and director of Healthy Food and Advocacy for the market, said part of the 18,000-square-foot warehouse will be used for the market's anchor vendors.

Other space will be used for a kitchen, the market's partnership with Kirkwood Community College and flexible space for events.

"All sorts of things are being contemplated," he said of uses for that space.

Friese said the public is invited to the groundbreaking ceremony, but as of  Tuesday, the area will be cordoned off as a construction site.

Vendor meetings are scheduled for Thursday, April 12, at CSPS, the entertainment venue across the street from the site of the market.

"We have a lot of interest," Zimmermann said, citing an expected 40 potential vendors at each of the two meetings.