Today The Market Building "Vendors", some of whom are the "original" franchises which have been doing business in The Market Building since it reopened in the mid 1980's , feel they are being mistreated by an apathetic and indifferent City Council unconcerned about their livelihood and well being amid plans to "renovate" the historic landmark.

Roanoke Mayor David Bowers  and Councilman David Trinkle say they hope the first-floor businesses will be closed for as little as six to eight months, less than the time for the initial plan to close the entire building for more than a year. Councilman Court Rosen reassured a certain vendor "compensation" would be provided to the businesses for lost profitability due to any construction lasting more than 6 months, although where and who would provide those funds, like many details in the matter, remain uncertain.

A little Q & A took place between the "vendors" and Lee Quill of Cunningham Quill Architects out of Washington D.C. about the upcoming renovations. Quill admitted the "timeframe" given to the residing businesses by Bowers and Trinkle was unrealistic and would be costly. Trinkle suggested the vendors should operate out in the street during the closure. Trinkle ruled out a previously mentioned idea to place vendors in one of downtown's empty storefronts, such as the old Heironimus building on Jefferson Street, which seems like a good idea. Quill encouraged vendors to be proactive in seeking out new places to do business.

"A 'New' Foundation will manage the building," Quill told the stunned tenets.
The City has released little information about how the building will be managed once it's renovated.
To use historic "tax credits" The City will have to cede "management" of the building to a "new entity" which will establish "rent" and handle the marketing. Both Quill and The Market "vendors" seemed disturbed by the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming renovations, however  Quill pledged the project would take " ... a year -- Period!"

Quill suggested any subsequent discussion between he and the building's "vendors" should take place beyond the scrutiny of "the press."
Meanwhile, Who the "New Foundation" is and what "entity" will be in charge of The Market Building remains a mystery.