Renovations to Downtown’s Open-Air Market

One of South Carolina’s most popular visitor attractions is getting a facelift beginning January 2010. The open market of downtown Charleston will see $5 million in renovations to improve the atmosphere and appearance for the millions of guests that visit each year.

Work includes repointing brick, painting, installing fans, and various other upgrades. During the renovations, vendors will temporarily move into tents, which will be set up in the streets.

The Market Hall and Sheds, simply known as the market, stretches several blocks behind 188 Meeting Street. The sheds house some permanent stores but are mainly occupied by open-air vendors. The Charleston market has been in use since 1804 and is the most valuable commercial real estate in the Southeast.