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The Wheaton French Market under the pavilion in 2024. 📸 Credit: The French Market (Bensidoun USA) on Facebook
Geneva is taking a step toward building a long-discussed downtown market pavilion across from the Metra station near Third Street.
The city issued an RFP for an architectural firm to design the structure, which would serve both commuters and shoppers while enhancing the seasonal French Market (also known as the Sunday Farmers Market).
Key things to know
Location: The pavilion would replace part of the city-owned parking lot next to the Metra station, where the French Market currently sets up each week during a portion of the year.
Features envisioned: Covered parking for Metra riders during the week, with space for the market and special events on evenings and weekends. Plans call for power access, lighting, public restrooms, and possibly extras like retractable sides, EV charging, and air circulation.
Timeline: Proposals are due by September 30, with design work targeted for completion in early 2026. Construction could begin as soon as March 2026, weather permitting.
Background: The city has partnered with French Market operator Bensidoun, USA on the idea for years, but funding challenges delayed progress. Similar structures were built in Wheaton and Rockford.
If the project moves ahead on schedule, Geneva’s downtown could see its new market pavilion open for business relatively soon.
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