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Feasibility study finds downtown Springfield can support a food hall; consultants recommend 12–20 vendors and mixed-use siting
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Summary
A consultant told the subcommittee a feasibility study recommends a food-hall model—12–20 primarily food and beverage vendors—with development cost estimates between about $6.5 million and $10 million and recommended next steps including public engagement, targeted site discussions and identifying public support sources.
The Economic Development Subcommittee received a briefing on a feasibility study exploring a downtown food hall or public market. Consultant Ted Spitzer summarized research including stakeholder interviews (23 people), demographic and economic analysis, and case studies of comparable markets.
"The conclusion is that Springfield appears in well condition for a successful food hall development," Spitzer said, citing successful models in Hartford (Parkville) and Milwaukee. The study recommends a food-hall approach focused on food and beverage vendors with some specialty retail, professional management, multiple revenue streams (vendor rents, alcohol sales, events, parking, catering) and a mixed-use setting to share operational costs.
Spitzer presented demand benchmarks the study produced: about $8,400,000 in potential demand for specialty products and about $10,200,000 in demand for food and beverage, while cautioning that converting demand into vendor sales requires additional steps. He estimated a likely development cost between about $6.5 million and $10 million for a roughly 16,500-square-foot facility (approximately $406 per square foot).
The report identified 10 candidate sites with four feasible options; the study highlighted Worthington Street and Stearn (Stern) Square as the most viable site given adjacent restaurants, and also noted Tower Square, the lower level of the new Civic Center garage and the Peter Pan bus barn as possibilities. Recommended next steps included identifying likely public support sources (city, state, philanthropic), releasing the report with minor edits, hosting a public event to gauge interest, further discussions with property owners, and consideration of an RFP once financial sweeteners are defined.
Committee members asked about the proportion of local versus regional customers and the scale of public support necessary; Spitzer reiterated that the model should attract a broad region and that more detailed estimates are in the report. The committee thanked the consultant and said the report would be made available to the public.
