Peekskill Central Market Set to Open in December

Peekskill Central Market is a 14,000 square foot, three level retail and entertainment venue schedule to open in December 2013. Located on the northeast corner of Main Street (Route 6) and Nelson Avenue, it is across the street from City Hall and the large municipal parking garage.

It will feature a dozen retail stalls, six on each of the first two floors, ranging in size from roughly 250 to 550 square feet apiece. Rents will start at around $800/month.

The owner and developer of Peekskill Central Market, Gabriel Arango has already seen a lot of interest in the project. He's looking for vendors who can repeatedly attract a regular local clientèle as well as those who can make the Market a destination for tourists or day-trippers.

Mr. Arango has an enlightened perspective regarding the rental spaces; rather than having fixed leases, he's thinking of doing things month-to-month, since any vendor who might find themselves struggling should not be forced to honor a term lease, and would only be a detriment to the shared success of all vendors at the Market. Interested parties can contact PeekskillCentralMarket@gmail.com.

Historically speaking, 900 Main Street may be the oldest surviving masonry building in Peekskill. It was built in 1835 by William Nelson, who later served in the House of Representatives with Abraham Lincoln, whom he befriended. It was because of this friendship that Lincoln made his only visit to Westchester in 1861, on the way to his inauguration.

The building was first occupied by William's son, Joseph, and his business partner Peter Q. Horton as a dry goods and grocery store. During the Civil War the building served as a drill hall for Union troops. It later had a post office and telegraph office. The first Peekskill telegraph operator was Alonzo Cornell, son of Cornell University founder Ezra Cornell. Alonzo went on the become governor of New York from 1880-1883.

In 1870 a theater was added, which had church services, political and social meetings and theatrical performances. This prior historical use is being revived in the coming reincarnation.

The building has also served as the printing plant for the Peekskill Messenger, and various retail, wholesale and manufacturing functions.

This varied history mirrors the long, interesting history of Peekskill, and will be prominently reflected by glass display cases in front of every vendor stall. The displays on the main floor will showcase artifacts and stories related to the building and Peekskill's development during the 1800's. Those on the second floor will focus on the 1900's. Each display case will concentrate on a different era.

The vendor spaces will have a mahogany facade, and be separated from each other by glass blocks walls. Original elements like exposed brick and timber will add to the authentic feel of the space. Lounge areas are planned for the first two floors. An elevator up front will have an antique style staircase encircling it.

On the top floor, the 1870-era theater space is being restored beyond its original Georgian Revival glory to accommodate local theater companies, musicians and performance artists. A retractable screen will also be available for film presentations. There will be seating for 64, plus another 32 at table seating on the mezzanine. The entire renovation project is being overseen by Christopher Borchardt of CBDB Architects on Hudson Street.

From what I've seen of the project, it looks like a great deal of effort and expense is being incurred to make Peekskill Market Place a success. I wish them the best of luck. This is the kind of project that could spur further investment and revitalization of other buildings in the city center.

About the Author

Joel Heumann has been a Realtor for 13 years and is currently an Associate Broker with Crowne Victoria Realty in Yorktown.   If you have any Real Estate related questions, or are interested in buying or selling Real Estate in the area, he can be reached at JHeumann@gmail.com