5. Florida Avenue Market - Washington, DC

The Union Terminal Market originated in 1931 as a replacement for Washington, DC’s Centre Market, which was demolished to make way for the National Archives. During its early years, the market featured cold storage vaults, public café and 700 vendors selling meats, fish, dairy and produce six days a week. In the following decades, the surrounding 45-acre area east of New York Avenue NE and Florida Avenue NE, attracted and developed into a broad range of wholesale operations. Similar to other early 20th century wholesaling districts, by the 1980s many original merchants and businesses left the area for modern distribution centers in the suburbs.

Today, the Florida Avenue Market still hums along with several wholesalers, importers, and specialty markets jockeying for space on its crowded streets. At its center, you’ll discover its latest addition, the 25,000-square-foot Union Market. Completed in 2012, this modern indoor food hall features a variety of restaurants and more than 40 local vendors specializing in artisanal olive oils, cheeses, spices, wine and craft beer.

Article by Ennis Davis, AICP. Contact Ennis at edavis@moderncities.com