The Roosevelt Market building has been sold

Jaco's last walk was to say goodbye to his pal Susan.

Dear Neighbors:

We learned Friday that a local Realtor made an offer on the building, which was accepted the next day. We also learned that Nicki and Susan had been informed.

We realized a week ago that given such short notice it would be difficult to assemble a community purchase offer from scratch; it was a long shot but seemed worth the effort. None of us sought personal gain or ownership; only a lasting legacy for the East End. We hope things work out, but given this outcome, we are disinclined to put any further energy into this other than to offer our support and gratitude to Susan and Nicki.

The picture above illustrates one reason we put energy into this project; I'll never forget how excited our old dog Jaco was to visit the Market. He always knew Nicki and Susan would be as glad to see him as he was to see them. And he happened to like the 'cookies' they always had on offer. On his last day, he managed to hobble down to say good bye. To Jaco, they were family.

Just so everyone knows what we collectively accomplished the past six days:

• In less than one week, we received over 2500 visits to this page, and 125 pledges totaling $34,100 from neighbors interested in a community ownership model. Frankly, we have been blown away by the response.
• Once EENA board members indicated they were not inclined to take ownership of the building, we began talks with Preservation Idaho on other possible ownership and shared management structures. This would have created a tax-deductible donation option to fund purchase of the building. We hope to build on our experience and help others to adopt strategies for situations like this.
• Researched and compared online crowd-funding options.
• Connected with the Roosevelt Elementary School principal and PTA to invite them to join in a fundraising effort.
• Received offers of legal, accounting, management and design consulting from generous and talented neighbors.
• Lots of conversations about the realities of shared purchase and management; no one wanted to take this leap without knowing what lay ahead.
• Secured space for a neighborhood meeting to bring everyone together this coming week. (cancelled)

The previous building owners have expressed their gratitude to this group and to you all for our combined efforts; they had a serious offer, and as we were still unable able to put in another firm offer, we understand their decision to accept. We appreciate their dedication to the Market business since their purchase in 2003, and hope the new owners can preserve and nourish the good will of the neighborhood and current patrons.

All of this showed how much the neighborhood values the Roosevelt Market, and especially their appreciation for the sense of family cultivated by Nicki and Susan. We are amazed by our neighbors.