The 34th Street Market
By Janelle Stear
Photos Kimberlee Miller
Garden City’s new hot spot, the 34th Street Market, is definitely a place to add to your weekend activities! Find it at the end of 34th Street off Chinden in Garden City.
Community Renaissance
Local entrepreneurs, Michael Slavin and Luke Keavney, came up with a wild plan to create a local hangout along the Boise River Greenbelt for all ages with a focus on family. Their idea turned into reality after meeting with Hannah Ball at Urban Land Development, who owns a large portion of property along the Greenbelt. With her, they collaborated on a vision that included “a pedestrian scale retail corridor.” Now Michael and Luke are working hard to continue the revitalization that is happening between 33rd and 36th streets in Garden City.
Michael, and his real estate private equity firm, Napias Capital, is continuing to entitle properties and plan for more construction in the area. “We thought it would be interesting to start bringing temporary community-oriented and entertainment uses to the river-front properties to continue the momentum local businesses like the Sandbar, Luciano’s, and Telaya have brought to the area.”
Last May, in an empty lot recently vacated, Michael and Luke obtained the necessary permits to start “The Eddy,” a beer and wine bar inside a vintage storage boxcar. This anchored the new 34th Street Market: a weekly farmer’s market, a food truck park, and hangout spot next to the Greenbelt with a beach for swimming and a popular inlet for surfing, kayaking, and rafting. Luke and Michael see this spot as what the original Greenbelt Developers intended it to be for all people; “Considering how retail classically follows rooftops, this effort is a clever growth hack to draw increased foot traffic and resulting enjoyment to the area. We want to turn this stretch of Garden City into a destination for the entire valley.”
Extra Treats
At the Market, visitors can also find the local Soul Craft Barbeque and Trailhead Ice as well as other vendors serving up delicious meals and treats. On the weekends, local musicians entertain with a vibrant mix of sounds and styles.
The Idaho Cornhole Association League hosts weekly tournaments. Moreover, other groups, like the New Bounce Fitness Center and the Salsa Dancers of the Treasure Valley have been utilizing the space.
Since Michael and Luke are strong supporters of community advocacy, the team has a metal fence set up for local high school artists to show off their talents. They believe in giving youth a chance to display their passions, whether in art or music.
In addition, there is an e-bike rental on the property for taking a loop around the Greenbelt. Luke excitedly says, “The e-bikes are like ‘bikes on steroids’ as they make biking fun for all ages and abilities.”
In anticipation of BSU football, Michael and Luke have rounded log tables and seats, as well as bountiful plants donated by Borah High’s Ag Program that add to the spectacular views. They have fire pits and large screen televisions set up to catch everyone’s favorite local college team play their hearts out.
Make sure you check out the Market at 303 E. 34th Street.
Check out their Facebook page for upcoming events: https://www.facebook.com/34thStreetMarket/.
