A Whole New Building

In the mid 1920's the city proposed an $87 million bond issue for public improvements throughout the city. A Christmas tree of projects promised something for everyone, and the voters approved the levy. One of the many proposals was for a new, cleaner, modern Soulard Market building.

The 1840's building and later shed pavilions were all razed to make way for the deluxe new facility, and construction began in 1928. The new structure's two-block-long exterior design mimicked the circa 1419 Brunelleschi Foundling Hospital in Florence, Italy, the total cost, $267,000. The new building was designed to bring all the vendors under one roof for the first time, making the cleanliness people happy. A central two-story section built over Eighth Street boasted an upstairs gymnasium/all-purpose hall. It was flanked by 4 one-block-long wings, two on each side. The impressive new facility was dedicated May 8-9, 1929, in gala festivities attended by 20,000.

During the Great Depression and World War II, the market boomed and the new building served well. The inexpensive produce found there kept many a family fed, even during wartime rationing.