Marketplace on the Green in Meridian Township
Community: Meridian Charter Township
Population: Over 12,001
Population: Over 12,001
Meridian Township recently developed a vibrant and re-imagined market facility called “Marketplace on the Green.” This new facility is a 15,000 sf year-round outdoor community pavilion and plaza space that has reinvigorated the center of Meridian Township. This space is located in the parking lot of an existing mall that is adjacent to a community park. Like many malls, the Meridian Mall has an oversized parking area that is under-utilized. What started out as a simple Farmers’ Market relocation, grew into a dynamic gathering site that hosts concerts, special events, high school dances, picnics and more!
A portion of the pavilion was fitted with artificial ice for skating activities that is usable year-around. The total project cost was $2,400,000 and a total of 130 individuals, businesses and organizations donated to make Marketplace on the Green a reality.
Replicability:
A large multi-purpose outdoor gathering space such as Marketplace on the Green would be very simple to replicate in other communities. The popularity of farmers’ markets has exploded over the past decade and many communities may be struggling to find a suitable location. In addition, the 1970’s and 1980’s left many large underutilized parking lots and suburban malls. This type of project helps to revitalize those types of spaces while providing a valuable and lively gathering space for communities. There are many grants available to assist with funding for this type of development including economic development grants, art funding, private sponsorship opportunities, and farmers’ market grants.Creativity and Originality:
“The Marketplace on the Green has created a true town center for our community. The fascinating thing is the number of activities we are able to offer at the Marketplace. Our goal was to approach this project with Placemaking in mind. According to our residents, and visitors, we hit a home run.” Patricia Herring Jackson, Supervisor The Marketplace on the Green not only provides a new location for the farmers' market, it serves as a new social and economic hub in our community that will provide an important community gathering spot. The goal of developing a community gathering spot was accomplished by allowing the space to serve as a flexible community space. Various markets and recreational activities will be programmed throughout the week including the Meridian Arts and Craft market, Antique Flea markets, Food Trucks, and live music. The new Marketplace on the Green and its connection to the 200+ acre Central Park will bring new life to the area. Features of the Marketplace:- Need determined
- Masterplan for park and surrounding area
- Part of a larger master plan
- Public-private partnership
- Shared use of existing parking lot reduced need for adding more impervious surface to an already heavily paved business core.
- Engaged in a property trade with the mall – no small feat.
- Designed for farmers market as well as other community uses, programs and events
- East wing to host youth sports pavilion with artificial ice and portable basketball hoops.
- Playground, restroom/office building, covered performance stage, food truck area, patio area in the courtyard with site furnishings, bicycle parking area with bike fix-it station, landscaping, rain gardens, storm ceptor to filter water runoff from parking lot, LED lighting, touchless fixtures, solar panels, adirondak chairs made from recycled milk jugs.
