A Note from John Fahimian

Dear Cambridge Antique Market Dealer

As you might be aware, there are major changes happening around us here in East Cambridge.  Specifically, we are seeing the rundown and abandoned buildings surrounding the Market being developed.

For the Market, this is both good and bad. 

We have lost the use of the parking lot we had leased for many years.  The Marriott Hotel chain is developing this land along with the abandoned meat packing plant building into a Courtyard by Marriott.

 Also, we have lost the use of the MBTA property behind the Market that we have been able to use for over a decade. 

The developers of the 22 Water Street project, who are building 3 structures containing 400 apartment units on 2.4 acres of land behind our parking lot and the MBTA area, will start construction immediately. 

The bad news is that we have lost parking spaces.  The good news is that within a couple of years, we will have a whole new population who will be buying antiques – from the 3 hotels in our immediate vicinity, to the many new apartment dwellers looking to furnish and decorate their homes.

Sadly, the parking spaces are not replaceable, but we will be directing our employees and visitors to the MBTA Parking Lot that is located about two blocks from the Market and metered parking on Cambridge Street.  Also, I am seeking creative new ways to get around the parking problem by possibly having evening hours for dealers to re-stock their booths, valet parking, a shuttle bus, etc.  I certainly would welcome any other such ideas from our dealers.

We know this is a transitional time and it will be a while before things settle down.  With your help and cooperation we hope to be here for many more years.