A New Chapter for East Market Street

Over the past few weeks, our project site has undergone a dramatic transformation. The most visible—and perhaps most bittersweet—change has been the razing of 15 East Market Street.

Even though the building had been closed for over a year, many of us hold fond memories of the various restaurants that once called this location home. We understand that seeing a familiar, nostalgic structure come down can be upsetting. However, taking this step was absolutely essential to ensure the future viability and safety of the location.

Why the Removal Was Necessary

The building at 15 East Market Street had unfortunately become functionally obsolete.

• End of Lifespan: Originally constructed as a prefab structure designed to resemble a trolley car, the building’s materials had degraded well beyond their useful life.
• Structural Deterioration: Over the years, the building’s structural integrity had been severely compromised.
• Outdated Standards: The structure could no longer meet current building codes or safely handle modern operational demands.

What’s Next: The Square Cafe

While we are sad to say goodbye to the old structure, we are incredibly excited to break ground on a brand-new space. Construction will soon begin on a new building designed specifically for The Square Cafe. This upcoming space will feature a one-of-a-kind indoor dining area with beautiful views of the historic square at 13 East Market Street, as well as a modern kitchen and a welcoming outdoor patio for everyone to enjoy at 15 East Market Street.

Meanwhile, Next Door at 13 East Market Street

While the demolition next door stole the spotlight this week, steady progress continues inside 13 East Market Street.

• Restoration Work: Our construction crew is currently focused on restoring and replacing the classic oak woodwork around the front display windows.
• Timeline: It might still look a bit like a construction zone right now, but the space is going to be deeply impressive once finished.

We expect the majority of the interior work at 13 East Market Street to be completed by the end of August. Once that is done, our team’s full focus will shift to the exciting construction of the new building next door!