Your DeKalb Farmers Market

A Decatur Metro reader recently posted a link to plans depicting a major expansion of Your DeKalb Farmers Market. The plans linked here are dated 2012, construction is now starting. Per the document,

"The proposed expansion will be built in four phases; Phase 1 will consist of 195,692 SF of Warehouse and 352,983 SF of Retail; Phase 2 will consist of 407,152 SF of
Warehouse and 101,788 SF of Retail; Phase 3 will consist of 53,186 SF of Warehouse
and 98,774 SF of Retail; and Phase 4 will consist of 223,530 SF of Warehouse. Phase I is expected to be completed in 3 Years and the overall project is expected to be completed
in 10 years." 

via http://www.avondaleestates.org/resources/pdfs/Your%20DeKalb%20Farmers%20Market
%20Methodology%20Report_04302012.pdf
Current market space and parking appear in light grey roughly between 12 and 2 o'clock. 

You will be here! Medline study area is outlined in orange; the yellow
asterisk marks the Scott Blvd. / Medlock / North Decatur Road intersection.

That is a whole lot of edibles! Also exciting is how close Your DeKalb Farmer's Market is to our area and how much more accessible it will be through pedestrian and cycling improvements that will follow the Medline LCI study.

Your DeKalb Farmers Market -- Creative Loafing

Creative Loafing has a wonderful report by Thomas Wheatley on Your DeKalb Farmers Market. The article summarizes the market's history, the owner's goals and vision, and its proposed expansion.

It even has a little bit of local MANA history:

How it got started in the area behind Melton's:

"...He leased a 2-acre plot of land where a skating rink had burned down at the intersection of North Decatur Road and Scott Boulevard. He poured nearly every penny into building two adjoining greenhouses totaling 7,500 square feet and slapped a plastic roof on top.... 

Neighbors at first were keen on the idea of a nearby produce stand but soon grew weary of constant traffic and dust. An ultimatum by the county government to pave an expansion or watch his business get shut down was blocked by Manuel Maloof, the legendary DeKalb County CEO, who said his wife — who purchased peaches from the market for $2 a box — would kill him if he closed the store...

And how when an ice storm collapsed the structure in 1979, shoppers made donations that earned them credit for future transactions:

"It was the winter of 1979 that nearly ended the business. A storm came through one night, and rain filled the market's gutters and covered the roof. During the cold night, a heavy sheet of ice formed. A phone call from an employee jolted Blazer from bed. The market had collapsed. 

The insurance company said his policy didn't cover ice storms. Blazer asked customers for support and a loan. Write a check today, and two months later, when the store reopened, you could use the canceled check as a credit. Shoppers handed over cash. ... Within eight weeks the market was rebuilt and back in business." continue reading @ Creative Loafing

p.s.
Sounds like we've been complaining about traffic for 30+ years!

Confirming rumors of Your DeKalb Farmers Market expansion

WSBTV reports that

"Documents show owners of the popular Your DeKalb Farmers' Market in Decatur want to expand their business to include more than 1 million additional square feet of retail and warehouse space...." Read about it @ WSBTV.

On staying put, and moving closer to the first sphere of foodie heaven

The AJC reports this weekend that shoppers are acting as if they are setting roots. Per reports from Home Depot, Lowe's and even our own Intown Ace Hardware store, homeowners are focusing on maintenance and more frugal remodels (with stores offering products that make things easier for do-it-yourselfers). Whether buying perennials to gussy up the yard or materials for a chicken coop, all signs point to feathering the nest for the owner's own longer-term enjoyment. Read it all @ the AJC. 

If nesting and "staycation" urges turn your mind to delicious home cooking shared with family and friends, Decatur Metro has news that might make you snap your spatula: Your DeKalb Farmers Market has submitted a development of regional impact request that outlines a plan to expand retail operations to over half a million sq. ft.  (vs. the current 140,000 sq. ft.) as well as add warehouse and parking space. YDFM proposes to begin the project next October, but the totality of their so-far secret master plan will unfold over 10 years.