Vendors at Eastern Market will finally be able to open up for business in their temporary structure. After a few delays, the $2.6 million, 230-by-50-foot structure will be ready for shopkeepers on Aug. 18 and will open for business on Aug. 25. Mayor Fenty made the official announcement at a press conference this morning, along with Ward 6 Council member Tommy Wells.

A fire destroyed the historic Eastern Market building, built in 1873, three months ago. An estimated $14 million will be spent renovating the structure, with an unknown timeline for the work to be completed.

We had heard the Aug. 25 date earlier, but now it is the official opening day for the temporary market. Mayor Fenty originally promised vendors they’d have a new home by the end of July, but delays in construction caused by delays in steel manufacturing caused the frame to be erected late.

Fenty also fielded questions about what will happen to the temporary structure once the original building is renovated. The mayor said the structure would be moved to a different location for another use, but that no one has decided where or for what yet. Anyone have any bright ideas?

Photo of temporary building construction by ShannonC from saveeasternmarket.org