The historic Hollins Market is reopening after a $2.1 million renovation, with a public grand opening celebration planned for Saturday.
Phase II of renovations began in May 2023 and included the reconstruction of seven stalls in the market shed. Hollins Market is also adding a grocery store piloted by Baltimore Public Markets Corporation to meet community demand for dry goods, pantry staples like spices, and basic household items like paper goods and more.
“Until we closed in May of 2023, Hollins Market had been operating under capacity for years with just five stalls,” said Paul Ruppert, President & CEO of Baltimore Public Markets Corporation, in a statement. “The amount of fresh food offered had decreased and as one of the oldest public market buildings, was in need of repair and updates. Two years of research with community stakeholders has helped informed the product offerings and merchants to be featured. As with Lexington Market, we were very intentional to ensure this was a market built for and by the community.”
There will also be a new pop-up stall featuring a rotation of vendors to support emerging entrepreneurs of color by providing the space and audience to test a concept before opening a permanent stall. The pop-up stall will be supported with funding from West Baltimore Renaissance Foundation.
Saturday’s grand opening celebration will take place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Visitors can enjoy live music and a 10% discount at the grocery stall.
Hollins Market has served the community since 1836. It is one of six public markets in Baltimore — the only public market system in the United States. The buildings are owned by Baltimore City but managed by Baltimore Public Markets Corporation (BPMC). BPMC is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to bring healthy foods to neighborhoods across the city of Baltimore.
“Hollins Market is the heart of the business district and our community,” said Laura Dykes, president of the Hollins Roundhouse Association, in a statement. “Many of our community members don’t drive so access to meals and a grocery is critical. The new pop-up stall is particularly exciting to give small businesses that chance to get started and eventually move into brick and mortar space in the district. The renovation includes a new community space at the market where we can play chess and watch movies which is exciting.”
New stalls will include a butcher (Lauman’s Meats), seafood (Freshly Seafood), poultry (K’s Chicken), bakery (MikksKakes), and international food (run by Chef Maynard McMillan, owner of Nafasi). Freshly Seafood, MikksKakes, and Nafasi are Black-owned businesses.
“Hollins Market is located in a food access priority area – a USDA-designated food desert. We are very excited and proud that five of our stalls will offer fresh food from SNAP eligible merchants. Hollins Market will be a one-stop shop for your grocery needs,” Ruppert said.
SNAP-eligible merchants have produce or grocery staples account for 50% of their offerings. BPMC has a food equity manager to help merchants apply for SNAP eligibility and other programs that provide food access, like WIC and bread coin. They also have a market development manager to help merchants build concepts and business plans, along with finding access to resources they need to be successful.
“As we celebrate the reopening of historic Hollins Market, we are doing more than unveiling a newly renovated space — we are reaffirming our commitment to building a more equitable Baltimore,” Mayor Brandon Scott said. “Hollins Market stands as a testament to the power of investing in our neighborhoods and ensuring that every resident has access to fresh, healthy food and economic opportunities. This market, designed with input from the community, is a place where local entrepreneurs, particularly entrepreneurs of color, can thrive. It is a space for everyone, where West Baltimore’s rich culture is honored and preserved. I am proud of this project and excited to see Hollins Market serve as a beacon of equity, sustainability, and community for generations to come.”
Hollins Market is located at 26 S. Arlington Ave., Baltimore, MD.
Great news!