Federal Way Public Market

Began Feasibility Study. In October 2023, we discussed with Aaron Zaretsky, internationally recognized expert in public markets, our ideas to establish a public market in Federal Way. Aaron had served as the Director of Seattle's Pike Place Market for 15 years after it was saved from development in the late 1970s. Aaron brought with him his business partner, Mark Ernst, who designed Bellevue's Downtown Park early in his career. Throughout 2024, Federal Way Public Market (FWPM) engaged with Aaron and did Pre-Feasibility Analysis, including early site analysis, potential costs, connections to pedestrian walkways, transit and parking. FWPM contracted with Aaron and the actual Feasibility Study began near the end of the year, evaluating demographics and economics, examining existing retailers, determining missing market segments, identifying challenges, and appraising long term viability.