Jared Soares | The Roanoke Times

A proposed makeover to Roanoke's West Market Square could oust some vendors from their longtime selling spots and pose other challenges. Changes to the area were discussed heavily two years ago, and then as now, both sides had support.

Downtown Roanoke Inc. is ironing out plans to redesign a section of the city's downtown market area, and it's using federal funds as the stimulus.

But several market vendors aren't happy with a proposed makeover that could oust them from their longtime selling spots and pose other challenges, such as eliminating 10 much needed parking spaces for shoppers.

The situation harks back to nearly two years ago, when downtown arts organization Center in the Square discussed moving its entrance to face West Market Square as part of renovations to its building. At the same time, officials floated the idea of turning Market Square into a pedestrian plaza. Fearing that they would be uprooted, market vendors put up a fight and discussions halted.

Now, conceptual designs are bubbling up again. Bill Carder, executive director of DRI, said the organization wants a redesign of West Market Square to coincide with Center's upcoming renovations. Those are targeted at Center's lobby, exterior and a specialized rooftop design.

This month, the federal government promised $245,000 to DRI, a quasi-public advocacy group that manages the farmers market, through the fiscal 2008 Omnibus Appropriations Act. DRI applied for the grant several years ago.

The funds would be used for upgrades to the Roanoke City Market area, Carder said.

Besides testing heaters and adding fans in the market area, DRI is targeting West Market Square, a parking lot beside Center. In that space, DRI is considering abolishing parking, resurfacing the area with a star design in the pavement that would light up at night, and adding tables with umbrellas. It's an effort to create a gathering spot for pedestrians to lounge and entertainers to perform.

"We need to develop something that's going to generate more excitement," Carder said Wednesday. His comments came during a regular advisory meeting with a handful of market vendors and city officials, at which he flashed conceptual ideas.

The proposed DRI changes would force the relocation of several tables used by farmers market vendors that face Market Square.

Instead, the tables would line Market Street, blocking off the West Market Square entrance. They could have movable features, in order to more easily clear the area for large events. Vendors could park vehicles directly behind the relocated tables.

Vendors question plan

At least five farmers sell their produce and wares from tables that face Market Square, with some alternating days, said Janet Walter of Walter's Greenhouse, one of the vendors.

The redesign would add two more tables for market vendors, along with carts that could be set up throughout Market Square on busy days, Carder said.

"We would make allocations for everyone. No one would leave," he said.

Even so, some longtime vendors aren't happy with DRI's ideas, which will be presented for discussion Feb. 20 at a meeting with DRI and market vendors

Walter, a longtime vendor, said a relocation would lead to significant sales losses. She sells flowers, herbs and plants most of the year on the market on three tables that she rents from the city through DRI. Her family's business has been in the same market spot since 1985.

"That's where people know to come find me," Walter said.

It's unclear how many tables she would retain if her selling space were relocated, she said.

Also, the loss of 10 parking spaces in West Market Square would take away free hour-long parking for market shoppers, some vendors said. A lack of free, nearby downtown parking already is a problem for some retailers.

'Can't survive on parties'

Walter and Mark Woods, a farmer who sells produce in East Market Square, near the 202 Market restaurant, asked during the meeting about the quality of the movable tables and the need to have some of them covered by awnings on rainy and windy days. Those details still are in the works, Carder said.

He emphasized that the designs for the square are concepts and are not set in stone. Furthermore, there are some hurdles through which the city and DRI would need to jump before work could proceed.

That includes working with Appalachian Power Co., said Brian Townsend, assistant city manager for community development. The power company has vaults underneath Market Square that contribute to downtown Roanoke's electrical infrastructure.

Market Square alterations also would need city council approval, because the city owns the site.

Meantime, Jim Sears, president of Center in the Square, said this week that he was unaware of DRI's ideas for West Market Square, though he said he was in favor of finding flexible uses for the space.

Another vendor whose selling space could shift in a potential Market Square makeover said Thursday that he was tired of hearing about disruptions to the farmers market, especially when it relates to creating entertainment avenues.

"The market is not going to succeed if they keep messing with it," said Charles Lavinder, a produce vendor. "You can't survive on parties."