New Marketplace and Event Space Launching in Kent County

A New Community Hub in Wyoming

Wyoming, Michigan is set to welcome a new outdoor marketplace that will serve as a vibrant gathering place for farmers, artisans, and the local community. The Godwin Mercado, located at 301 36th St., is nearing completion and will host its grand opening on August 16. This event will give residents the opportunity to explore the newly built $6.2 million facility, which includes an indoor venue available for private and community events.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at 10:30 a.m., followed by free games, activities, food, drinks, live music, and face-painting until 1 p.m. This celebration aims to introduce the public to the many features of the new space and highlight its potential as a community asset.

Revenue and Accessibility

At its Aug. 4 meeting, the Wyoming City Commission approved rental and vendor rates for the facility. City Manager John Shay emphasized that the goal is for the space to generate self-sustaining revenue while keeping rates just under the average for the area to ensure accessibility for residents. This approach ensures that the marketplace remains a valuable resource for the community without becoming financially prohibitive.

The new marketplace is scheduled to open this fall, with its first market season planned for spring 2026. City officials have outlined plans for the facility to be used year-round for various events, including seasonal farmers and food markets, live entertainment, food trucks, and artisan markets.

Seasonal Activities and Vendor Opportunities

During the main growing season, the marketplace will host farmers markets where attendees can purchase fresh produce and local goods. In the winter off-season, the space will transform into a hub for artisan fairs and rummage sales. Krashawn Martin, the city’s director of parks and recreation, mentioned that the outdoor marketplace will have capacity for up to 100 vendors.

The indoor event space can also be used as an indoor market that holds up to 24 vendors. Additionally, the building can be rented out for private events such as weddings, graduation parties, and more, with a capacity for up to 200 people. The space features large garage doors that can be opened on warm days, along with restrooms and storage facilities.

Rental Options and Pricing

Users can rent the indoor facility for a half-day or full day. Half-day rental hours are from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. The city charges Wyoming residents $600 for a half-day or $1,200 for a full day, while nonresidents will pay $900 for a half-day and $1,800 for a full-day.

For the marketplace, vendor stall rates are set at $15 for residents and $22.50 for nonresidents on Thursdays, and $20 for residents and $30 for nonresidents on Sundays. Seasonal rates will be available at $375 for residents and $562.50 for nonresidents.

Expansion and Community Development

Wyoming city officials have big plans for the area surrounding 36th Street and Buchanan Avenue, located right off U.S. 131. Right next door, the sprawling former GM plant that sat vacant for decades is being reactivated by several new employers expected to add hundreds of new jobs to West Michigan.

The city is also building a pedestrian trail along Buchanan Avenue SW that will connect area businesses to the marketplace, as well as nearby Godwin Heights High School. The marketplace was built on a 4.96-acre vacant parking lot located just west of the corner of 36th Street and Buchanan Avenue. Once the marketplace is finished, the city intends to continue allowing Godwin Heights Public Schools to use the lot for parking for its athletic complex right next door.