I got my start in life at Eastern Market. In the 1970s, as a child, I remember a fruit seller, Chris, used to make an apple disappear into the hood of my coat - a symbol of the community spirit that stood in stark contract from the impersonal hustle and bustle of most aspects of city life. Later, when I was a teen ager, John Harrod at the gallery showed me that kids and their dreams deserve a chance and can make a difference, when he supported our Young Players of Capital Hill theater group. Eastern Market sews seeds of community spirit that spread into the future. Please donate generously and advacate for the market to be rebuilt. It's a rare gem.
Best wishes to all from Oak Park, Illinois.

I am sadden about the severe damages to an Historic Building and more important, the vendors and the community that it serves. As an Insurance Operations Specialist with the Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking, my Department stands ready to assist any of the affected persons as it relates to Insurance and Banking concerns. As a resident of Ward 6, I expect the rebuilding to start as soon as possible and to restore the livehood of those affected. I commend Councilman Wells and Mayor Fenty on the immediate actions put together to restore this historic landmark and to assist those who have suffered losses.

I also moved to the Hill mainly b/c of the market. I've never really felt at home in DC, but Capitol Hill is different. I too want to be a part of any organizing committee. Please put up information on how we can help volunteer.

A commenter on this thread suggested that the DC Armory could be a good temporary space for the Market's indoor vendors. Another possibility might be the old navy hospital at 9th and Pennsylvania, SE. I've only been inside for the occasional ANC meeting, so I don't really know what shape this buidling is in and what it can support, but it's not outside the question that it will work as a temporary space, and importantly, a local one.

Councilman Wells, I appreciate your due attention in attending to the merchants who have worked so hard in the market all these years. I hope that during the planning phase for its renewal that it be updated -- mechanically, and some physically while retaining the essence of what Eastern Market has been known for -- an old fashioned market with a fishmonger, a deli, a butcher, cheese shop and green grocer. We do not need anything more. I think its important to keep the open architecture of the building as well. Do your best, and remember we'll be watching closely.

How said this is, but I'm so glad our elected officials are getting involved in the rebuilding plans right away. The Market has sat patiently waiting for promised upgrades, hasn't it? Well, now it will finally get them. Hint: air-conditioning?
Perhaps there are ideas to be gained from elsewhere, like San Francisco or Philadelphia, which have upgraded their markets?

I know there has been much talk about figuring out a place for the vendors to set up shop. What about moving the art folks to the Washington Naval Hospital on Pennsylvania? And then the food vendors could set up a limited, but functional space in the north end of the hall. As for the Hospital space--renovations are almost complete, there have been no interesting proposals yet, perhaps even give some of the artists studio space, and it would bring more life down that way on Penn.

bowers cheese staff with tessa and jack is opened onfriday,sat. and sundays. it is carry a wide variety of select sheese to meet your holiday needs.

I'm down in Ga now but I was raised in D.C near Marine barracks. I had many trips to market(also attened Hine before war)I loved that place and it shook me to hear about it. Is Inman a rel of Oscar inman? I also knew a Calamiris(Eastern HS) There used to be a Wallach elementary school(went there also)