Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-07-27
Center Markets Successor.

Announcement that q private cor
| poration plans to erect q successor to
the Center Market in mid-Washington
doubtless will give reinsurance to those
who regard the destruction Of the old
institution at Seventh and B streets as
| calamity. From the beginning of the
discussion Of the plan to rae the old
market to make room for q public
structure In the development Of the
Mall-Avenue plan It has been inevitable
that some time the market would have TO
60, and the only question was as to
whether it would be replaced on another
site by one under public ownership and
control. That question has been an
swered negatively-was, indeed, so de-
cided early. Meanwhile the future Of
the establishments for food vending In
the immediate neighborhood, wholesale
and retail. was under debate. The buy
ing pubhc-that Is, the people who use
the market for their own personal sup
ply-was not greatly concerned respect
ing the placement of the Farmers
Market or of the wholesale houses.
1t Is indicated in the announcement
just made that the company UNDER
taking this enterprise of a downtown
retail market center will acquire an
entire block, situated within q radius
Of i've squares from Eleventh and G
streets, on which they win erect "a
building containing adequate reasonable
facilities as public market designed
to accommodate the business of the
dealers In Center Market or their sue
cessors." Il Is not assured, of course,
that AL the present occupants of Cen
ter Market will go to the new establish
ment. They naay flnd space In one of
the other existing markets. They viii
60 where they can get the best accom-
modations ana where their customers
win likewise have the best accommoda-
tons.
An opportunity offers In this enter
prise to erect q model market structure,
affording ample facilities not only for
trade, but for trafic. Domestic mar
keting Is today done largely by motor
and the market users win 60 to the
vending points where they can be best
assured of SPACE for the parking Of
their cars, while they are making the
rounds Of the stalls. This factor will
have an important bearing upon the
success Of the enterprise to place q
new Center Market In the heart Of the
downtown section.
In another particular likewise the
public Il greatly interested In the prof.
cot. It WIN expect that the structure
erected to house the market stalls viii
be 90 designed o. to ornament the city
and dignity the establishment. A mere
brick and mortar or concrete housing
for the vendors of food without regard
to appearances will not evoke the favor
Of the community. Center Market,
which Is soon to go, while not an archi-
tectural delight, is at least distinctive
building. At one time, indeed, it was
by many rated IS an ornament to WASH
ington. It's position was conspicuous.
It was one OF the features Of the city.
it, successor, IL this new structure can
be % called, VIM be les prominently
In evidence. but 1t win nevertheless be
much IN the public eye, and II care is
taken IN it, design and the selection
Of material for It's construction It can
be made . distinct addition to the at
Effectiveness Of washington.