4. Essex Street Market Originally Spanned Four Separate Buildings over Three City Blocks

Essex Street Market opened in 1940 and was the city’s fourth public market to be completed, and originally housed 475 stalls. The land was cleared in the previous decade to make way for the new IND subway, now known as the F train. Vendors commended the market’s modern-day lighting, heating, and protection from the weather.

By 1955, 10 public market existed in New York City, completing the market network envisioned by Mayor LaGuardia. Today Essex Street Market is just 1 of the 4 remaining public markets in New York City (the others being La Marqueta, Moore Street Market, and Arthur Avenue Market.