Published October 7, 2026 | Updated October 7, 2026

Since news of a public market broke last year, it’s one of the projects I am most excited about. Plans for a public market like those in Chicago, Minneapolis, Kansas City, and Milwaukee date back to at least 2015 when there was a failed attempt to open one at 10th and Pierce Streets.

Renderings have recently been released for Omaha’s public market. They reflect a 50,000-square-foot, three-story building that has windows from the ground to the ceiling. Located at 8th and Farnam Streets, it will sit next to the Skate Ribbon at Heartland of America Park while overlooking Conagra Lake.

The building will have room for dozens of vendors who sell fresh and prepared food alongside specialty foods and locally made goods. Similar markets typically include a butcher, baker, seafood, deli, grocery items, and coffee shops. In addition to indoor and outdoor seating, Omaha’s market will include space for programming, events, and a kitchen used for teaching.

Public markets aim to create lively and inclusive gathering places that provide opportunities for small businesses and local vendors. Money from the markets flows back into the local community.

While the markets provide additional food options, public markets aren’t intended to serve as a replacement for a full-service grocery store, which has been lacking from downtown since the closure of Patrick’s Market in 2017. The public market also won’t replace the Omaha Farmers Market, which will continue seasonally from May through October.

Jerrica Marshall has been named executive director of the public market. According to Heritage Omaha, she previously served as executive director for Des Moines-based The Directors Council and managed the Downtown Des Moines Farmers Market. The project is led by the nonprofit with help from Project for Public Spaces. Site work on the market is already underway. It will sit along the streetcar route when it opens during the summer of 2028.

While downtown remains in need of a full-service grocery store, the public market is intended to provide easier access to fresh food and groceries for those who live and work nearby. Having visited, enjoyed, and even benefited from markets in many other cities, including Cincinnati this past summer, I look forward to its opening.

Omaha Exploration, 2026. All rights reserved. Excerpts and links are welcome with full credit given to Omaha Exploration and a link back to the original content.