ORG announces fund-raising campaign to upgrade farmers’ market site in Medina

Photo by Tom Rivers: The Orleans Renaissance Group wants to give the Canal Village Farmers’ Market a dramatic new look and make the site usable year-round as a market.

MEDINA – A high-profile corner in Medina is poised for its first major upgrade in more than 50 years.

The Orleans Renaissance Group is working on a major capital project at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market at 127 West Center St. This project was approved for $675,000 from the NY Forward grant.

But the ORG needs more funding to make the transformation of the site a reality.

The farmers’ market previously was used by a bank and also a gas station. The building will be expanded and remodeled to allow for year-round use, according to the ORG plan.

The improvements include a new standing seam metal roof, new painted steel structure, glazed overhead doors, cementitious siding, concrete base, windows, aluminum storefront entry doors, metal canopies, complementary brick masonry and new rooftop signs.

Rendering by Alderman Architect: The Canal Village Farmers’ Market would get a new metal roof and canopies, and other exterior work.

ORG announced a public appeal to help with the overall anticipated costs of $1.2 million. Chris Busch, the ORG chairman, said the organization will be seeking grants through foundations and welcomes donations from the public. The contributions are tax deductible.

“We’re moving forward on several fronts to secure some substantial amounts of money,” Busch said. “No donation is too small if people want to be a part of turning that corner into a community asset.”

The site has been used for an outdoor farmers’ market from June through October on Saturdays during the past decade. The improvement project will allow for a year-round market with indoor space.

Busch said it would open the possibility to the market being open two to three days a week, and also potentially could allow for other community uses.

The market building would be expanded going towards West Center Street.

The Orleans Renaissance Group is developing a business plan to make the site “a thriving agri-tourism venue.”

“The new construction and amenities will allow the site to become a year-round hub within historic downtown, hosting the market along with farm-to-table and agri-tourism related community and private events,” ORG states on its website about the project. “It will be a unique venue among farmer’s markets in WNY, further enhancing Downtown Medina’s reputation as a destination.”

Busch said he is hopeful construction could start in 6 to 8 months if the funding comes through with the improvements ready by 2027.

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