New market for Downtown Brooklyn opening Saturday

By Meredith Deliso

This is not your average container store.

Vendors return to the old site of the Albee Square Mall this month, when the long-awaited Dekalb Market, a temporary shopping center constructed from shipping containers pieced together like Leviathan Legos, opens on July 23.

The newest market for the borough — which joins a crowded field that already includes the Brooklyn Flea in nearby Fort Greene, as well as the Brooklyn Flea, Smorgasburg and Northside Market, new to Williamsburg this year — has an added edge by bringing food and crafts makers to the site seven days a week, year-round, rather than only on the weekend.

The 40 or so vendors setting up shop in the containers include Cheeky Sandwiches, Robicelli’s, of cupcake fame, and Sour Puss pickles on the food front, and 3rd Ward, Harriet’s Alter Ego, and Little Poco on the crafts and clothing front.

“It’s a wide variety,” said Jessica Tolliver of Urban Space Management, the group putting together the market. “We’re hoping to provide something new and interesting to people in the area.”

Beyond shopping, market goers can check out the market’s on-site farm, which will feature cooking demos, as well as live music and a beer garden. The weekend will also feature more vendors setting up shop at the temporary market, which will be operating until CityPoint is complete.

“Urban Space really focuses on going into areas that are not being used to full potential and putting something there for the community to enjoy,” said Tolliver. “This is a great opportunity for that.”

Dekalb Market (322 Flatbush Ave. Ext. between Willoughby and Fleet streets in Downtown, no phone), opening July 23. Open seven days a week from 11 am to 7 pm. For info, visit dekalbmarket.com.