Year-round farmers market proposed in Iowa City

A year-round farmers market is being proposed in Iowa City.

Supporters hope to use land where the flood-damaged National Guard Armory is slated to be demolished at 925 S. Dubuque St.

Kurt Friese, chef and owner of Iowa City's Devotay restaurant, said advocates envision a large, floodable building to house the farmers market at least two days per week that could also be used for other purposes.

The building would be built to “green” standards, with electrical systems and other components elevated.

“If a flood comes, we just open all the overhead doors, let the flood pass through, then hose it out and start anew, no damage done,” Friese wrote in an e-mail.

No formal proposals have been made about the idea, he noted, but advocates are garnering support. Friese said projected costs aren't known yet.

A year-round farmers market is also being considered in the New Bohemia area of Cedar Rapids.

Andy Johnson, executive assistant to the Johnson County Board of Supervisors, said the county-owned armory, built in 1937 and flooded in 2008, will be torn down within six months.

The project received $975,000 in I-Jobs funding.

Costs are expected to be $1.3 million for demolition, building a new county parking lot and creating rain gardens.

The parking lot will have pervious pavement that allows stormwater to percolate through the surface and into the soil.

Johnson County's administration building is next to the site at 913 S. Dubuque St.

Board Chairwoman Sally Stutsman said she supports the year-round idea. She suggested a site across the street from the armory, the old city animal shelter, 111 Kirkwood Ave., as a potential spot.

The new parking lot could be used as farmers market parking, she said.

Tammy Neumann, Iowa City Farmers Market coordinator, said no feasibility studies have been conducted for a year-round market.

Local foods have a big following in Iowa City, she said.

The seasonal farmers market is expanding this year on Saturdays to accommodate another 20 stalls, with more than 100 vendors. Sixty vendors were on a waiting list.

Neumann said she is unsure if vendors and customers would support a move from the Chauncey Swan Parking Ramp, 460 E. Washington St.

The market, also open Wednesday evenings, opens for the season at 7:30 a.m. May 1.