Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1515257
20 Harding Green in the confluence of Green, Water and Harding Streets and abuts Kelley Square. At that time, he began planning the project that would convert the long-vacant lot into a walking district that includes parking, housing, retail and restaurants to complement existing businesses. He also formed a partnership with local developer Ray Quinlan, who would help bring his dreams into the realm of reality. Construction began in May 2018 on the $21 million Harding Green, a 70,000 square foot mixed-use project, with 16,000 square feet designated for the first floor public market. Consumers and vendors alike will benefit greatly from the Worcester Public Market. Local farmers will provide fresh fruits and vegetables; fish from nearby local waters will be available; dairies and specialty food producers will have a ready outlet for their products. Consumers who are environmentally aware and concerned with sustainability will find healthy eating options drawn from the local farm- to-table economy. The Worcester Public Market will feature a food court with a variety of culinary delights, including lobster rolls, a Jewish deli, vegan selections, a bakery, pro- duce farm store, Vietnamese and Mexican food, seafood and many other options. Three impressive skylights will illuminate the space as consumers enjoy these gastronomic treats. The Worcester Public Market is a new eco- nomic opportunity that offers a significant break for local farmers, fishermen and special- ty food producers who otherwise face barriers to market entry, including supply chain ob- stacles; limited access to local grocery chain store shelves; inability to operate an entire storefront with their products alone; and little expertise in (or scale to be able to afford) the marketing, branding and promotion of their products. The strength of the Worcester Public Mar- ket concept is built on an ideal retail location, measurable growth in consumer demand for fresh local food, a history of small- and medium-sized pro- duction in the region, sound financial and revenue projec- tions, and the multidimensionality of its public benefit. A public market appeals to any resident eager for a new source of fresh, locally sourced food; to the chef in each of us; to environmentalists, conservationists and to those most interested in sustainability; to public health advocates who seek to increase access to healthy eating options; to small business owners, local farmers and fishermen who appreciate the market as an incubator and an opportunity to sell directly to consumers. The Worcester Public Market has the most important ingredient to any enduring civic institution – it means something to everybody! Most important, a public market's strength is in fresh foods and not in selling frozen foods, grocery items, nationally branded products or sundries. To compete for the consumer's time, a market must provide in-depth variety through internal competition. In essence, the pub- lic market is a cluster of specialty food stores taking advan- tage of agglomeration principles for the common benefit of the public and vendors. Today's public market serves multiple functions that revolve around connections: connections to food, as well as those who produce it; connections to experience, including culinary and educational; and connections to people through socialization. Kelley Square Lofts While the Worcester Public Market will generate significant interest, income and foot traffic in the Canal District, Harding Green also intends to reinforce adjacent commercial development in the district with a destination This previously vacant lot will become home to the Worcester Public Market and Kelley Square Lofts. A look at the new courtyard of the Kelley Square Lofts.