Federal Old Market Hall
The Federal Old Market Hall (Martino: Antiguo Mercado Federal), better known by its original name of City Central Market (Martino: Mercado Central), is a major landmark in the Banking Sector of Cárdenas, the capital of Nouvelle Alexandrie. It was rebuilt during the construction of Cárdenas utilizing an existing marketplace from the old Alexandrian Empire. It has since then evolved into a multipurpose complex, combining a food hall, office space, and a residential area.
The Old Market Hall stands out among the high-rise nature of the Banking Sector, dominated by skyscrapers. It offers a social hub for the people of Cárdenas, and also serves as a clear example of mixed-use development in that part of the city.
History
Originally designed as an indoor market for merchants, the Central Market was originally built to house the city's livestock market. Eventually, grains, fruits, and spices also found their way into the marketplace, eventually becoming a central focal point for Cárdenas as a whole. Over time, the market diversified to include textiles, ceramics, and luxuries, but food remained its defining character even during the gradual modernization of the building.
When the Cárdenas Plan was being devised, its main architect, Hyacinthe Betancourt, recognised the importance of retaining the original market hall, understanding its historical and economic influence throughout the city. Therefore, architect Martín Velasco, an urban planner, designed much of the Banking Sector around the Central Market. It was restored, expanded, and modernized between 1690 AN and 1692 AN. During that time, office space was added above the market hall, as well as the residential area with a rear annex.
The market hall was renamed in 1710 AN to remove confusion with the new Mercado Este, and has since been known locally as the Mercado Santander, a reminder of its Santander origin.
Layout
The structure is characterized by its grand arched roof, wrought-iron trusses, and massive glass sidings. The building consists of three distinct areas:
- Food Hall: the central hall is a vibrant marketplace where small and medium food stalls serve Alexandrien and international cuisine. It has a total of three floors, with a large retail section on the eastern side. Major brands include Patti's, Crucero, Café Borikén, and Schnitzel House.
- Office Space: the upper galleries house small- to mid-sized firms, particularly in accounting, legal services, and financial consulting. Most of these offices are accessed through the side doors.
- Residential Area: the uppermost levels have been converted into loft-style apartments with high ceilings and large arched windows, with a total of 60 units.
In front of the hall is the major Plaza de Mercado Federal, a pedestrianized area leading up to the main gates at the front. A small fountain stands in its center. The hall itself was renovated extensively by Enrique Canela, a Santander painter, in 1730 AN. His immense artwork, spanning the entirety of the arched ceiling, was completed after more than 300 hours of work.
Transport
The market hall is served by a dedicated name-wise Tram stop, which was opened in 1698 AN. It is also close-by the Metro stop of Banco Viejo, about 600 m to its southwest. It is flanked on both sides by major thoroughfares: Avenida del Capital, and Avenida del Corredores (which is also the tram side). The four-story underground parking is accessed through a dedicated service road connected to the latter, and enters on the east side of the central hall.
