CaptainObvious110 t1_j79fijf wrote
This is what people wanted, and this is what we have. I was there a few months ago and I absolutely was NOT impressed at all.
Very little in terms of communal space as compared to the old building and where are the breakfast places that had such inexpensive food? There was an entire market in the old building, plenty of food that was inexpensive in general.
But no. People don't care about that when they have plenty of money. So it's basically like, if you aren't loaded like us then you absolutely do not matter and that's putting it quite nicely.
You have R House, Mr Vernon market place and even though I absolutely love it White Hall market. Cross St Market and Broadway Market have been completely bastardized as well. Why isn't that enough?
DfcukinLite t1_j79iivl wrote
Where was this “communal space” in the old market because I’ve been going to the market since I was little and no such space existed. This is an improvement in that regard. Mt Vernon marketplace, R house and Whitehall never existed until they were created as such… food halls.
edE_B t1_j79mwz6 wrote
There were multiple areas of standing tables around the old market, specially in the middle “arcade”/plaza area where they would have bands play on Friday and Saturday. There was also a large sitting area upstairs that overlooked the arcade area where you could eat, converse, and still hear the music.
The problem with the new market to me is that it’s now another “Food Hall” and no longer a true Lexington Market.
CaptainObvious110 t1_j7cti0b wrote
Exactly. I realize I have to keep in mind that the overwhelming majority of folks in this subreddit could care less about the old Lexington Market because they don't have a history with it. They don't want turkey wings, fried chicken, cheap breakfast choices etc. they want stuff that's way more expensive and trendy.
I
CaptainObvious110 t1_j7cs3if wrote
The communal space was upstairs on the second floor it was a pretty big space as well.
As for Mt Vernon Marketplace, R House and White Hall. I think it's good that they exist. The last one again I am extremely fond of.
As for something that is supposed to be one of Baltimore City Public Markets I am strongly against them BECOMING food halls. A food hall just doesn't have the same energy as a public market does nor does it offer the inexpensive food choices that the public markets do either.
DfcukinLite t1_j7dr30w wrote
The second floor has been closed for how many years now before the closure of the market,Now now there’s several whole event spaces worth of communal space. The stairs are communal seating. There’s now communal tables for eating
I think most people are against the gloried food court concepts, but alas. It’s here.
CaptainObvious110 t1_j7ds1de wrote
The second floor was closed and that arcade part of the market was completely removed.
I know the Pandemic has messed up how we look at time in certain ways but it hasn't been that long since that area was open.
It was a large open area that was indoors so it could be used even in bad weather. Also, it was away from the foot traffic of the market itself which made for a nice place to eat a meal.
Stairs being communal space isn't a fiid replacement and I wonder if you've ever been upstairs at all
DfcukinLite t1_j7g01sz wrote
They’ve been gone are a long, especially the arcade. I don’t really have any real feelings as I don’t have any experience or nostalgic memories there outside of going around the actual market, that convenient/grocery store/or something… liquor store
But good news! That same large open area exits in the current market on the second floor, it has the balconies. It’s opposite the wall facing the interior of the market with the projector screen, there’s another huge projector on the other side of that in that space is.
sleaziep OP t1_j79ovyw wrote
Uhh, the whole stage / central open area and the entire 2nd floor dining area?
DfcukinLite t1_j7b88to wrote
The second floor that they closed how many years ago? Same with the arcade.
DfcukinLite t1_j79p1tr wrote
You replied to the wrong person
sleaziep OP t1_j79padd wrote
You asked where the communal space was in the old market, didn't you?
JLJ2021 t1_j7bh34i wrote
It is an improvement in community space but everything else he said was right
DfcukinLite t1_j7bhsbq wrote
You notice I didn’t argue with anything else.
dopkick t1_j7an3gn wrote
I feel like someone is going to be disappointed by any market concept. Everyone is going to want something different. Some folks will just pick out things solely because they don’t want to like it.
The run down looking, but affordable, concept seems like it has been on the way out for some time. I think it’s both good and bad. Cross Street Market is much, much cleaner inside. But they have also never reached close to 100% capacity due to rent, prices aren’t great, there’s constant churn, and something like a produce stand seems unlikely. But at the same time it’s a hell of a lot more family friendly.
EfficiencySuch6361 t1_j7autv2 wrote
The current iteration of cross street market is depressing and way overpriced
CaptainObvious110 t1_j7dgjiz wrote
There seems to be people that aren't as focused on the aesthetics of a building as long as they can get what they need from there for a decent price.
Then you have those whose expectations are more particular In that area. They don't care that the place serves a very important purpose for the existing community. All they care about is themselves.
Why wasn't Lexington Market maintained properly all these years. If managed by the city in a good way, then it could have been preserved the way it's been for many decades.
With regards Cross st market folks got the new place but it still has several vacancies. Despite the greatly expanded hours people aren't giving it the kind of support it should have.
Does it look nicer? Yes it does. But is it more inviting? That's where I think we are going to differ with regards to our opinions.
What I would love to know is how much was that market making in about 2017 compared to what it's been earning lately.
Same thing with Broadway Market.
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