The Waterfront District to Debut European-Style Food Hall, River Street Market, early Summer 2018

(TROY, NY) The River Street Market, a unique food hall concept, is the next project in First Columbia’s $125 million dollar “The Waterfront District” redevelopment in Troy, NY.  Located in 12,000 square feet on the first floor of the Hedley Building, the River Street Market is slated to open this summer and will contain a dozen unique food, beverage, and market concepts that provide a wide variety of farm-to-table quality providers to delight the 1,500 employees within the building as well as the growing downtown Troy population.  Local food entrepreneurs, Katie and Luke Haskins will lease, manage, and work at the market while assembling a team of independent operators to take Troy’s food scene to the next level.

The food hall concept wasn’t a new one to the culinary duo as they both shared the goal of bringing the concept, of this scale, to Upstate, New York. “We were inspired by all the markets we encountered in our travels. From those in New York City, Redding Market, to Florence, Italy. We wanted to bring that idea to the Capital Region, but, then, at 27—we couldn’t,” stated Luke Haskins. While details, such as hours of operation, are still being worked out, their vision for the River Street Market is known, “It’ll be a collection of independent small businesses,” said Katie. “Our goal with the River Street Market is to foster an eclectic mix of offerings and cuisines. We love unique and dynamic, if this sounds like you— please contact us.” In addition, to managing the food hall, they are also opening Lord & Montague, a wine, with Sommelier selected wine list, and charcuterie bar. The namesake paying homage to the Collar City’s inventor of detachable shirt collars, Hannah Lord Montague.

Also adding to the tenant roster is Sunhee’s Farm and Kitchen’s second restaurant concept— “Sunhee’s on the River”. “Our bar manager first told us about the space after attending the Hedley Park Place Centennial Event. The intended vision of [the space] aligned with what we wanted to achieve in the lower Hudson region of Troy— an opportunity to create something new, that also complemented our brand, all while being community-focused,” stated Jinah Kim, Owner of Sunhee’s Farm and Kitchen. Sunhee’s opened just shy of two years ago and has had a dynamic impact on the community; with its commitment to refugees, helping tell their story, and sharing the culture through authentic culinary offerings. “Troy is all about maintaining community, said Kim. “We’re excited to have the freedom to take on our own character within this collaborative space that understands the relationship aspect [of business].” As for what to patrons are to expect of Sunhee’s first expansion project— “While this will be a new concept, we’ll also serve some of our staples,” stated Grace Lee, Managing Partner of Sunhee’s. “We will definitely serve our Bibimbap and our purple rice— but this menu will be more convenience-focused.”

“We’re all very excited about the River Street Market. Having it will create a great energy and ambiance for the building,” said Denisse Grimm, Project Manager at Hedley Park Place. “Also, it’s easy to get to, it’s right off the exit ramp from the highway and we have ample parking. It’s ideal for anybody looking to stop by quick and grab unique and healthier foods on the go.” The space is being designed by architect, Mike Phinney, from Phinney Design Group.

“There are many reasons why this concept is different and why it’ll work,” said Katie. “But the biggest is that we fixed the disconnect between landlord and vendor, because we’re right there working with you,” stated Luke Haskins.

For more information regarding available space at the River Street Market, please contact Katie Haskins, 518-858-9561, or by email, pfeiffkl@yahoo.com.

ABOUT THE WATERFRONT: Woven into the fabric of one of the nation’s most historic and beautiful downtowns, First Columbia has commenced construction on this waterfront redevelopment along a half-mile stretch of the Hudson River. The highly-anticipated mix of projects will offer prime office space, retail, entertainment, residential units, parking, and a hotel. The master plan will have a lasting impact by reconnecting the city with its valuable waterfront assets and injecting it with commercial and social activity; positing Troy once again as the premier urban destination in the Capital District.

ABOUT FIRST COLUMBIA: First Columbia is a diversified real estate/investment organization committed to planning, developing, and operating high quality facilities. Its projects include corporate buildings, office campuses, medical complexes, senior housing, hospitality, and high-tech facilities.

For media inquiries, Contact: Victoria Harris, marketing director First Columbia, at (518) 213-1009 or vharris@firstcolumbia.com

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