Architect’s rendering (east elevation) of the Westerville municipal complex expansion, now in progress, to join City Hall, 21 S. State St., and the former Westerville Division of Police headquarters building at 29 S. State St. See west elevation rendering in the slideshow below.

By LYNN AVENTINO
Executive Director, Uptown Westerville Inc.

The expansion of Westerville City Hall will send the Westerville Saturday Farmers Market to a temporary location for the 2025 season, at the COhatch/North High Brewing property at 240 S. State St. The 2025 Market season will run from May 17 through Sept. 27, with hours remaining from 9 a.m.-noon weekly, rain or shine.

As we prepare for an exciting new season of the Market, we want to share the key considerations behind our selection of the temporary new location. This decision was not made lightly, and our primary goal remains to create the best possible experience for vendors, patrons, and the entire community. Here are the factors we carefully evaluated:

1. Need for Relocation
   Due to construction, safety, or other projects occurring this season, the City Hall Lot, Home Street, and State Street were not feasible. Other potential spaces in Uptown were either too small or presented logistical challenges for maintaining business and resident access.
2. Space Requirements
   The Farmers Market has grown substantially, with 80 vendors in 2024 and an additional 60 on the waitlist. We sought a location large enough to accommodate as many vendors as possible to support their businesses and ensure they can continue providing fresh, local goods to the community. The Market plays a vital role in their yearly income and sustainability.
3. Restroom Facilities
   Access to restrooms is essential for the comfort of both our guests and our vendors. Many vendors travel from out of town—some driving two hours or more—and spend at least three hours at the Market. Convenient restroom facilities are a important for their well-being and for maintaining a welcoming environment for all attendees.
4. Storage Needs
   Operating the Market requires transporting and setting up numerous supplies, including tents, tables, games for children, and materials for programs like SNAP. With a small staff managing these logistics, having accessible storage near the Market location is critical to ensuring an efficient setup and breakdown process.
5. Availability for 20 Consecutive Saturdays
   A successful Farmers Market relies on consistency. Any potential location needed to be available every Saturday for 20 consecutive weeks to ensure vendors and visitors could rely on a stable schedule.
6. Safety and Traffic Management
   In public spaces like the City Hall lot, the Westerville Police Department (WPD) and City Service Department provided cones, barricades, and parking lot clearance to ensure safety for vendors and visitors. Moving to a private space, such as a school or Otterbein University, would require securing similar support to maintain a safe and accessible environment.
7. Trash Disposal
   A proper waste management plan is essential. Any new location needed to include access to a dumpster or other trash disposal options to manage the waste generated during the Market efficiently.
8. Visibility
   Visibility from the street plays a significant role in drawing foot traffic to the Market. A highly visible location helps ensure the Market remains vibrant and welcoming for the community.
9. Accessibility for Visitors
   Accessibility for patrons—including parking, walking, and biking options—was a significant consideration. We knew parking was not available at the site, but it is not far to park and walk, and many patrons were already riding their bikes to the Market. The new location needed to provide reasonable parking options. We are working on providing accessibility options, as well as a parking map, prior to the Market opening in May.
10. Community Impact
    The Market is a cornerstone of the Uptown Westerville experience, and preserving its connection to the community was a priority. The chosen location needed to support local businesses, be in proximity to Uptown Westerville, minimize disruptions, and uphold the Market’s mission to serve as a gathering place for all.
11. Cost and Budget
    Hosting the Market at a new location also comes with financial considerations, including any fees for renting private spaces, additional staffing needs, or accounting for services previously provided by the City, like trash removal. Balancing these costs while maintaining the quality of the Market was an important part of the decision-making process.
12. Continuity and Future Growth
    By selecting a location that meets these needs, we can preserve the integrity of the Farmers Market, avoid losing vendors or patrons, and ensure the Market remains a strong community institution. This move also positions us to return to Uptown with renewed strength and stability in 2026.

Uptown Westerville Inc. appreciates the support of residents and Market vendors as we navigate these temporary challenges, and work to maintain a thriving Farmers Market experience for everyone. We look forward to sharing updates about the new location and all the exciting plans for the upcoming season.

• View former UWI In & About Uptown blog post on the municipal building complex
• View former UWI In & About Uptown blog post on the 2025 Farmers Market relocation
• View a timeline for the project published by the city.