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Dear New Farm,
After five years of struggle to overcome the stigma of shopping
in a ‘bad’ neighborhood, The Commercial Street
Market in uptown Springfield, Missouri, has partnered with
nearby Drury Universitys' School of Architecture Design-and-Build
Class to construct a permanent pavilion on the market site.
The historic neighborhood is beginning to see a comeback as
retail and loft apartments bring in a younger, upscale client
base. The architect students must go through the entire process,
from design, permits, procurement of materials, etc., through
to the completed project in just one semester. The addition
of this pavilion at the base of the historic Jefferson Street
Footbridge will be a place for art shows and picnics as well
as an attractive place for vendors and customers alike.
Nearly 90 percent of the market customers are low income
and elderly who rely on WIC and FMNP coupons to buy fresh
produce. Nutrition education is a high priority of the market
and its vendors. Student interns work all season to come up
with fun events that showcase the produce that is in season
and teach the customer how to prepare fresh foods.
Leah Bonebreak
Springfield, Missouri
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