Council approves contract for two vendor sheds as city outlines pop-up market plan

Warrenville staff outlined plans Sept. 8 for a multi-phase pop-up market in historic Old Town and the city approved purchase of two customized vendor sheds to support the project.

Amy Emery, community and economic development director, said the market will open in phases: site preparation now, a soft-preview weekend on Oct. 25 and a ribbon-cutting with the Historical Society on Nov. 1, and an initial season launch in 2026. "We are building the foundation now and below we'll be locating two shed units on the property very soon here in the next 6 to 8 weeks," Emery said, adding that 16 vendors have responded to the application cycle so far, 13 of them from Warrenville.

Emery said the two 12-by-16 sheds would be purchased under a waiver of bidding and that Countryside Barns was the only vendor able to meet the specification requirements. She told the council the units will be funded almost entirely by a DuPage County grant and described construction details including a Trex decking surface, HVAC units, and electronic door locks for security.

Council members asked about parking and historic interpretation; Alderman Davalos asked whether the city anticipated parking along Second Street and suggested QR-code signage to link to historical information. Emery said staff plans to use nearby parking, open built parking at OTRS and coordinate with businesses and partners for event parking; the Historical Society is involved in communication plans.

Alderman Kreukenberg moved to waive bidding and approve a contract with Countryside Barns for the two vendor sheds; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote.

Next steps: staff will complete contracting and coordinate shed delivery and site finishing work in advance of the soft-launch events.