Raleigh City Market | Raleigh

Raleigh City Market is one of the city’s most iconic and enduring landmarks, located on the eastern edge of downtown Raleigh. Originally established in 1914, this historic market has transformed from a traditional public marketplace into a thriving urban village filled with boutique retail, artisanal food, art studios, galleries, and event spaces. Today, it functions as both a cultural district and a gathering place for residents and visitors alike, while preserving its early 20th-century charm.

Historical Significance and Restoration

Founding Era (1914–1950s)

Raleigh City Market was built and opened on October 1, 1914, to serve as the city’s main public market. The building was designed by James Matthew Kennedy, an architect known for several Raleigh landmarks. The contractor, Jesse G. Adams, helped bring the structure to life with brick architecture, large arched windows, and an industrial-style metal-framed ceiling ideal for ventilation and lighting.

Vendors from all over Wake County came to sell goods, ranging from fresh produce and meats to dry goods and homemade crafts.

It operated six days a week and was especially busy on Saturdays, functioning as a major social and economic hub for Raleigh citizens.

Significantly, it was a place where people of different races, backgrounds, and social classes mingled—somewhat progressive for the early 20th century South.

Decline and Closure

By the 1950s, the rise of modern grocery stores and the opening of the larger State Farmers Market in 1957 led to decreased foot traffic. Raleigh City Market closed officially that year, and the building fell into disrepair. Over time, parts of it were used for storage or repurposed sporadically for other commercial purposes.

Revitalization and Preservation

The 1980s and 1990s brought new attention to the site from historical preservationists and developers. It was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which secured its architectural and cultural preservation. In the mid-1990s, Greg Hatem, a prominent Raleigh developer, helped oversee a renaissance for the district.

Brick streets were preserved or restored, maintaining the original cobblestone texture.

Overhead string lights and wrought iron signage were installed to enhance the old-world feel.

Market Hall, once part of the original vendor structure, was converted into an elegant event space.

Architecture and Design

City Market’s visual character reflects its age and legacy:

Original Brick Façades remain intact across the storefronts.

Gaslight-style streetlamps and hanging lights evoke an early 20th-century charm.

Pedestrian-friendly cobblestone streets and sidewalks offer an open plaza-style environment.

Many of the buildings surrounding the market preserve their vintage signage and structural form, including arched windows and industrial beams.

Retail and Boutiques

City Market is home to a collection of small, independently owned boutiques. These provide curated, often handmade or locally sourced goods that reflect Raleigh’s creative identity.

Notable Shops:

Blackbird Books & Coffee: A hybrid coffee shop and indie bookstore offering a rotating menu of pastries, espresso drinks, and curated fiction and nonfiction titles.

Copperline Plant Co.: A plant and terrarium store featuring exotic houseplants, custom potting services, and home décor.

Edge of Urge: A boutique known for handmade jewelry, sustainable fashion, and quirky accessories, often made by North Carolina artisans.

Artspace: Although not a retail shop, Artspace is a contemporary art gallery and studio housed adjacent to City Market, where local artists produce and display works in real time.

Oak City Meatball Shoppe and other small eateries complement the shopping experience by offering savory dishes and a laid-back ambiance.

Dining and Culinary Scene

Raleigh City Market hosts several popular eateries and drink spots, each offering a distinctive culinary flair.

Restaurants and Cafés:

City Market Sushi: A modern Japanese restaurant known for creative rolls and small plates, blending local flavors with traditional sushi artistry.

Woody’s at City Market: A neighborhood bar and grill offering pub-style food and one of Raleigh’s best selections of local beers on tap.

Vic’s Italian Restaurant: A long-standing Italian-American diner with hearty pasta dishes, pizzas, and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Big Ed’s City Market Restaurant: A Raleigh institution, famous for Southern breakfasts, including country ham, biscuits, and grits, all served in a rustic, barn-like interior.

Market Hall – Event Space

Market Hall is the central event venue within City Market. Located inside one of the preserved historic buildings, it serves as a multi-purpose indoor/outdoor event space used for:

Weddings

Corporate functions

Holiday galas

Fundraisers

Community and seasonal festivals

The hall includes a mix of original brick walls, exposed beams, ambient lighting, and modern amenities. The open plaza outside often becomes part of larger public events hosted by the venue.

Seasonal Events and Public Gatherings

City Market remains a central point of Raleigh’s downtown cultural calendar, especially during weekends, holidays, and citywide events. Some highlights include:

First Friday Art Walks: On the first Friday of each month, City Market comes alive with extended hours, art displays, music performances, and local food trucks.

Holiday Market & Tree Lighting: A winter festival featuring carolers, artisanal gifts, hot chocolate stands, and a lighting ceremony for the community tree.

Outdoor Craft Markets: Seasonal pop-up events with stalls featuring handmade crafts, soaps, candles, vintage clothing, and street food.

Food Truck Rodeos and Night Markets often spill out into adjacent parking and street areas, bringing thousands of locals to the space.

Visitor Information

Location:
214 E Martin St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Just east of Moore Square and near the heart of downtown.

Hours:
Shops and eateries within City Market have individual operating hours, typically between 10:00 AM and 9:00 PM. Outdoor events and evening functions may run later.

Parking:
Several surface parking lots are available nearby. Metered street parking is common and free on evenings and weekends.

Public Transit Access:
Easily accessible from GoRaleigh Station. Walking distance from Moore Square and surrounding bus routes.

Cultural Impact and Current Role

Raleigh City Market today acts as a bridge between the past and present:

It preserves the cultural identity of Raleigh’s early 20th-century market culture.

It supports small businesses and local entrepreneurship.

It hosts inclusive public events that reflect the diversity of Raleigh’s residents.

Unlike many modern retail centers, City Market is intentionally curated to be walkable, historically authentic, and socially engaging—making it one of Raleigh’s most beloved mixed-use heritage districts.