For a public marketplace that was set to open in 2018, the elusive St. Elmo Public Market sure knows how to keep us waiting… and waiting and waiting. Development was pushed again to 2020, but we all know how that story ends. Now, in a recent announcement by Austin Eater, the fiercely anticipated 40,000-square-foot space is maybe, possibly, finally set to open (cross our hearts, hope to die) in the later half of 2021.
St. Elmo Public Market has been compared to the likes of Chelsea Market in NYC and Pike Place Market in Seattle, an enormous community space that attracts its visitors by way of good food, music, and laughter. Conceptualized in 2015, St. Elmo Public Market has built up so much hype over the years, it’s kind of insane we still haven’t seen the doors open, let alone be completed.
According to their leasing brochure, St. Elmo Public Market intends to become South Austin’s local market and was “inspired by the neighborhood markets from a century ago, because we believe something meaningful happens when people get together.”
The masterplan for the market includes apartments, a hotel, a music and event venue, and office spaces, as well as six or more stalls for local restaurants to fill. We already have a sneak peek at who might be moving into those stalls, thanks again to Eater. St. Elmo Public Market has hooked Mignette, a bakery and café from the owners of Olamaie; Salt & Time, an expansion of the East Austin butcher shop and wine bar; Fire Dance Pizza, a new Hawaiian-based pizza joint; and Hill Country’s Greater Goods Coffee Co., an ethically-sourced coffeehouse.
The Supernatural brothers-owned Family Business Beer Company was supposed to be the winning ticket for this market, but the Dripping Springs brewery suddenly dropped out in late June, citing pandemic problems. Eater says they still plan to open a taproom in Austin sometime soon. Austin-based Lick Honest Ice Creams was also set to unveil a brand-new concept at St. Elmo Public Market, but has apparently dropped out, too.
Whenever St. Elmo Public Market does finally open, you can find it at 4329 S Congress Ave on the south side of Austin, within walking distance from the famed St. Elmo Brewing Company.
Featured Image Credit: St. Elmo Public Market Facebook