Vision grows for new-age market in St. Joseph

By Cameron Montemayor

In the heart of Downtown St. Joseph, a vision for a new and diverse city market in the coming years is taking shape.

If the dream becomes a reality, Downtown will see a new hub offering residents and families everything from live entertainment to vendors and artisans selling fresh produce, food and other products.

The multi-million-dollar project, called the Felix Street Market, is in its early phases. But it’s one that business owner Jeff Waggoner thinks could be the missing piece that propels Downtown to new heights, a culmination of years of economic development.

“The true renaissance of St. Joe has not happened yet in the Downtown area. And that’s what we’re looking to impact with this project,” said Waggoner, co-owner of The Den, a cocktail bar on Felix Street.

Waggoner and others are helping spearhead the burgeoning project, which would see the market located in the first-floor retail space of the Felix Street parking garage at Eighth and Felix, a near-20,000-square-foot spot that’s been largely unused since 2017. Other local organizations also are expected to lend a helping hand to grow the project.

A vibrant and diverse market would not only drive more foot traffic Downtown to the benefit of business owners and the local economy, but also provide a needed spot for a growing population of residents, he said.

“The grand scheme of the dream, if you will, of the facility will be to provide not only a place for families to hang out and enjoy a good time but taste different cuisines.”

The ultimate goal is to have the marketplace open to the public in 2026.

Organizers are in the process of seeking community feedback and developing plans for financing the project. They are seeking grants to help pair with a combination of public and private funding.

“The biggest next step that we’re just now taking is really just pushing into the community to say, ‘Hey, anyone that is interested in being part of this, please let us know,’” he said. “We’re asking our entire community to be a part of something that can really make an impact on Downtown.”

A key component of the Felix Street Market extends beyond providing entertainment and showcasing a variety of vendors. It’s also about helping nurture and develop a wave of prospective entrepreneurs as a business incubator.

Waggoner hopes it becomes a self-sustaining element that strengthens the entire St. Joseph and Downtown business scene for the future.

“It really is a launchpad, helping individuals that are interested in entrepreneurship really learn more about what that means,” Waggoner said.

After talking with the city and Mosaic Life Care, Waggoner and the Den hosted a Backyard Bash event with games and vendors in early June to formally introduce the community to the property and the possibilities for the future.

“Our goal is to throw several more of those events,” he said.

For Waggoner and many others, activities like that are just a small preview of what they dream the area will look like in the years to come.

Those interested in being a vendor can contact the Den or fill out a vendor application at felixstreetmarket.com. Interested individuals also can subscribe there to receive news and the latest updates on the project. Follow The Den on Facebook for information on future Backyard Bash events.