Context

The City of Manhattan, Kansas is nearing the completion of its downtown re-development planning process. Among other goals, the plan includes a permanent structure to accommodate the Manhattan Farmers Market and to serve as terminus to the downtown area at the south end of Third Street. The new market is to play a significant role in generating citizens’ support for the idea of creating a “Healthy Manhattan”, with health referring not only to the physical health, but also to the social well-being of the community and its individual members.

Local and regional food production and marketing possibilities can have many secondary benefits, for example the development of food production systems that effectively balance profitability with quality of life and land stewardship ideals. Shoppers can be educated about old and new crops, their nutritional value and how to prepare meals with them. Producers of food and city people can get to know each other, underscoring the notion that we are not just consumers, but also neighbors.

A small bistro specializing in meals prepared with locally grown foods can add life to the downtown by attracting people for lunches and dinners. Special events, such as musical performances would add further attraction to visit the market. The possibilities are manifold.

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