Eastern Market Reborn

June 26, 2009: The historic Eastern Market reopened today after a $22 million renovation forced by a devastating fire in April 2007. The main building, designed by Adolf Cluss, opened in 1873. Eastern Market is the last 19th century food market which is still standing and operating as a fresh food market in Washington DC.

A large crowd gathered for the ribbon cutting which included Mayor Adrian Fenty, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (who shops every weekend at the market), and Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells. Mayor Fenty and Councilmember David Catania can be seen in this photo (center left):
As part of the renovation, the 19th century building received 21st century restrooms on the ground floor, 21st century heating and air condition, new windows based on the original designs, skylights were added to the roof and the original building now opens directly into the North Hall which was added at the end of the 19th century. The interior has been painted a 19th century mauve and, for the time being, everything is spic and span.