Study planned for Felix Street Market amid strong push for development

By Cameron Montemayor

Plans for a new and diverse public market in Downtown St. Joseph are rounding into form as project officials press ahead with the next steps of development.

The St. Joseph City Council approved a grant agreement with the Chamber of Commerce this month to provide $60,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds for the preliminary development of a market on the lower level of the Downtown parking garage at Eighth and Felix streets. Funds will be used to partially pay for the cost of a feasibility study and to develop schematic designs and construction renderings.

“It’s a great way for us to show the potential of this project,” said Natalie Hawn, Chamber of Commerce CEO. “It’s really designed to be a public gathering space with a lot of different events for everyone in our community as well as a great culinary scene and a place to cultivate and launch entrepreneurs as well.”

A task force made up of area business owners, chamber officials, the Downtown Association and developers is deep into the process of raising capital, securing sponsors and bringing the business model for the multi-million-dollar project to life.

Project officials are awaiting the outcome of several key grants that would accelerate development and construction of the market. Officials expect to hear the status of those in the coming months.

“The timeline and feasibility study and our business plan is relatively aggressive, but it all comes down to when we can raise the capital for the construction and then we’ll be ready to roll,” Hawn said. “We would love to open in a year. But again, it all just depends on how quickly the funding goes.”

Carmen Chopp, CEO of Nomad Develops, a Kansas City-based developer, has been working closely with project officials and is tasked with carrying out the feasibility study and schematic designs. Chopp previously ran the Lenexa Public Market for six years and operates a consulting firm that focuses on assessments for different markets across the country, including the one in St. Joseph.

As plans move forward, project officials and consultants have created a business model that seeks to pay for itself over time with a combination of rental fees, programs, events and sponsorships.

“It can really be self-sufficient, which is great. That was one of the things that when we put the numbers and the business plan together, we wanted it to be able to pay for itself after the first year,” Hawn said.

A separate parks project in the works to redevelop Coleman Hawks Park at Felix Street Square is expected to open up the area for additional space and allow the market to seamlessly pair with a growing number of entertainment and events hosted Downtown.

If plans for the market are realized, it would also pair with the opening of the InspireU Children’s Discovery Center in December, opening the door for further economic growth while providing new Downtown opportunities for residents and families.

“This is exciting on a different level because now everything would be housed in an area with other entrepreneurs being able to work together,” said Jeff Waggoner, owner of The Den and a member of the Downtown Association. “It will be a year-round place for people to commune, for people to hang out, to eat and to buy the wares of those entrepreneurs.”

Project officials have been pleased with the early reception and support for the proposed market and its potential to drive more foot traffic to the area. More than 400 people recently responded to an initial survey and 25 interested vendors have already been vetted that qualify as potential vendors for the market. Nearly 40% of survey respondents said they would visit the market at least once a week if created.

A successful entrepreneur who’s dealt with his fair share of highs and lows, Waggoner sees the business assistance component as one of the most beneficial aspects of the proposed project, both for overall economic growth in the community and for the success of young entrepreneurs taking the leap.

“Having a space where they can get their feet wet without the potential of such a massive failure is really exciting,” Waggoner said. “As a young entrepreneur … If I knew something like that was available, then I would have utilized that. And I think I would probably be a lot further than what I am now.”

Plans call for the market to include several “anchor tenants” who will stay at the market long-term, surrounded by a variety of startups and other vendors, potentially upwards of 20. The market would include vendors and artisans selling fresh produce, food and other products.

“We’ll be able to have tenant leases that are one to three years that allow that opportunity to grow their business or start their business,” Hawn said. “Maybe they’ll have a test kitchen or maybe somebody wants to come in and just do a pop-up or a restaurant.”