Construction began this week on the privately owned
Market Hall (2.35MB PDF) at the corner of Sycamore and San Pablo. This interim project converges retail, recreation, and best of all, food.
“Many of the vendors we are working with have gourmet food background, often coming from four- and five-star restaurants. Now, partly because of the economy, they are operating as mobile food vendors, but still creating high quality dishes we are accustomed to in the Bay Area,” says Tom Weigel, President of The Red Barn Co., Owner/Developer of Market Hall. “We see this mobile food cart trend growing in cities throughout California, so it’s really exciting to bring this type of venue to Hercules.”
Market Hall is a collection of a few simple buildings. The steel structure currently being erected will be the center of the project housing several food vendors. Around the main hall will be multiple small retail shops, a park, and other recreation spaces such as bocce ball courts and a fire pit. Plans are also underway to relocate the Hercules Certified Farmers Market to this site, which will be just one of many public or private events held at Market Hall.
“Even though Hercules has some great dining establishments, we continue to hear from residents and daytime employees that they want more,” says Steve Lawton, Economic Development Director. “Market Hall will bring a variety of food options that will be a benefit to Hercules residents, employees, and visitors.”
The Red Barn Co. took ownership of the property following the completion of the Hercules Transit Center, now located on Willow Avenue. Construction drawings for New Town Center, the long term project for the site, are still underway. To avoid an eye sore of a vacant site until the first phase of New Town Center can be constructed, Red Barn found an innovative solution to bring more dining and shopping options to Hercules and provide retailers an opportunity to learn more about the local community. “Not only does Market Hall start the development of New Town Center early, it also creates a great community venue for people to enjoy,” says Weigel.