Green City Market Secures Permanent North Center Home for Year-Round Farmers Market
By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/North Center ·
A former North Center garden center is finding new life as the home for a popular farmers market that offers produce and other goods from sustainable vendors across the Midwest. Green City Market closed on the former garden center at 2457 W. Montrose Ave. in December for $899,000.
The nonprofit Green City Market announced last week that it purchased the North Center building, and it will build out the space to host year-round farmers markets. Hosting chef-led demonstrations and educational programs are also a staple of the organization. But many of the demonstrations and events can now be held at North Center. Executive Director Letisha Steele noted that the building purchase fulfills a goal first stated by Green City Market founder Abby Mandel shortly before her death in 2008, and is funded by a trust that she established for this purpose.
The location is ideal because it's near several bus routes and about a half-mile from the Brown Line's Western stop. The property is also next door to an Aldi. "It just felt like the stars aligned and we were able to move on it," Steele said. "This location gives farmers a place to sell their products year-round," while the organization's spring-through-fall outdoor markets will continue at its Lincoln Park flagship location and its satellite market in the West Loop neighborhood. North Center residents interested in exploring the new market can follow the Green City Market website for upcoming events and pop-ups planned for this spring.
Sources:
1. https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/01/13/green-city-market-finds-new-home-in-north-center-for-year-round-use/
2. https://chicago.suntimes.com/small-business/2026/01/22/green-city-market-permanent-home-north-center-farmers-market
3. https://localfoodforum.substack.com/p/breaking-news-green-city-market-buys
4. https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/popular-farmers-market-will-have-permanent-year-round-home/3876266/