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About Union Market District

Union Market District’s distinct authenticity permeates everything around it. From roots born over 200 years ago, this place continues as a unifier for community, a textural gathering place with soul. Creativity is inspired here, stories are shared and celebrated, and consequential strangers are vital to our neighborhood.

1871

Centre Market

Centre Market, once the largest market in Washington, D.C., opened to the public in 1871. By 1900, it was the center of a vibrant commercial life in Washington, D. C. Close to a railroad station and streetcar lines, sitting between the White House and the Capitol Building, the market was a crossroads for all of Washington, D. C. After years of success, it was torn down in 1931 to make way for the National Archives. Undaunted, many of the businesses relocated and created a new venue, Union Terminal Market at 4th Street and Florida Avenue NE, an area close to the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Freight Terminal and highways to Maryland.

1931

Union Terminal Market

Union Terminal Market opened to the public in February 1931. The market featured large, airy, well lit indoor stalls for 700 vendors, cold storage vaults, elevators and a public café. Vendors sold meats, fish, dairy and produce six days a week.

1962

Union Terminal Market

In 1962 however, the city banned the outdoor sale of meats and eggs which essentially killed the farmer’s market foot traffic. A new indoor market was built in 1967 (the building which is now the revitalized Union Market).

1989

Union Market Area

Wholesale operations continued to grow in the broader market area until the 1980s when the aging industrial spaces began to show signs of wear and tear and many of the original merchants left the area for modern distribution centers and supermarkets in the suburbs.

2012

Union Market Re-Opens

After a massive fire the historic Market building was renovated in 2012 into a thriving marketplace, event hub and retail incubator of 40+ local makers and artisans. The initial lineup of vendors for the District’s new gourmet marketplace included: D.C. Empanadas, TaKorean, Dolcezza, Peregrine Espresso, Oh Pickles!, Trickling Springs Creamery, Righteous Cheese, Red Apron Butchery, Lyon Bakery, Rappahannock River Oysters, Salt & Sundry, Buffalo & Bergen, Almaala Farms and Harvey’s Market.

2019

La Cosecha Opens

La Cosecha is the first of its kind in the United States: a 20,000 SF Latin Market with authentic and contemporary expressions of Latin culture through cuisine, retail incubations and artist partnerships. La Cosecha opened in the fall with Calle Latina, a block party and open-air concert headlined by Ozomatli.

Today

Union Market District

One of Washington, DC’s fastest growing neighborhoods, Union Market District is a unique fusion of heritage and innovation. The historic Market is the 20,000-square-foot home to dozens of merchants and purveyors of food and drink alongside a dynamic, 45-acre streetscape of independent shops and services, nationally recognized brands and highly rated restaurants. La Cosecha is a contemporary Latin American marketplace and culinary embassy that celebrates centuries of heritage. There is a palpable sense of discovery and connection on every corner, creating a vibrant hub for shopping, dining, art, entertainment and community engagement. The open-air Plaza at the Dock below one of DC’s largest public rooftops with a 360-degree vista further distinguishes Union Market District as a true gem within a world-class city.