If all goes according to plan work is slated to start in July on a new roof for the soon-to-be restored Pybus Steel building along Wenatchee's riverfront. Its the first phase of the planned construction on the historic structure which is being transformed into a public market. Project coordinator, Laura Jaekes (Jakes) with the Chelan County Port District reports that four roof construction bids were unsealed by Commissioners last Friday. Blodgett Construction of Wenatchee submitted the apparent low bid which Jaekes says came in at about 99-thousand dollars under the engineers estimated cost. Commissioners are scheduled to award the bid on June 18th with work scheduled to begin on the new roof on July 2nd. Jaekes says the second phase of work involving utility infrastructure is on the calendar to start in September. The port is using a $1.4 million federal grant to pay for the work. The project is being developed as a public/private venture. Wenatchee Eagle Group owner, Mike Walker will manage the public market as a non-profit business. Walker has pledged up to 2 million dollars toward the project. Plans call for the market to have 30 stalls for indoor vendors and a permanent outdoor location for the Wenatchee Valley Farmers Market. Walker says he's already lined up several vendors who want to move in . .


Among those interested is Mikes Meats which Walker says has signed on as one of the market's anchor businesses. He says the building will also include a bakery, a French and Mexican restaurant, and a country store. The Wenatchee Valley Farmers Market is also set to make the market its new permanent home next summer. The goal is to have the market ready by late April 2013.