Fresh food coming to the heart of downtown Wheeling

WHEELING, W.Va. (WTRF) - For the first time in eight years, there is a plan for the vacant space inside the Intermodal Center in downtown Wheeling.

Grow Ohio Valley plans to transform that space into a year-round farmer's market and deli.

7News got a first look at the blueprints for the Public Market Project.

Grow Ohio Valley Executive Director Danny Swan said they are currently working on a lease with the City of Wheeling that they plan to sign this week.

Public Market will bring fresh local food to downtown Wheeling and the surrounding neighborhoods that is better for your family and is locally grown.

Twenty-five local farmers are already signed up to sell their produce. They will make 80-cents to every dollar sold.

Having farm revenue all year round will not only help people in Wheeling make healthier choices, it will dramatically impact the economy.

"These kind of stores have great impact on downtown areas, across the country people have seen that when a natural foods market like this goes in you see property values go up, you see other businesses springing up around, you see more foot traffic, you see them drawing customers into a downtown area and being part of a downtown revitalization," said Swan.

Swan said the city is a huge supporter of the project. Grow Ohio Valley has asked council for some funding for a couple of upgrades to the building.

The soft opening for the Public Market will be August 20th, followed by the Grand Opening in September.