Shafa, who lived in Europe for six years before coming to the U.S., says he expects to draw as many as 150 merchants every Saturday from April 26 through October on his city block, where they will hawk everything from antiques, fresh flowers, organic produce from the farm, baked goods, ready-to-eat food and drink, jewelry, arts and entertainment. It will be a block away from another well-established flea market that will be open every second Saturday starting on April 12 through October.

The two markets will complement each other, says Shafa, originially from Iran.Shafa, who has built a business that sells sports merchandise at every major sporting event in the world - such as Super Bowls, Olympics and World Cup championships - says Larimer Street Market is a labor of love.

"It's a place where the public may come from the community to interact while experiencing the vibrant sights, sounds and smells of a true outdoor market, make friends, find treasures, be entertained and be inspired," he says.

His site in the Ball Park neighborhood is near a number of warehouses that have been converted into lofts and offices, as well as new development, such as a luxury apartment community by Legacy Partners."The people around here have the disposable income that could support Larimer Street Market," he tells GlobeSt.com., although he thinks it will draw from a much larger radius.

GlobeSt.com asked him if he plans the market as an interim use, and will sell the land for a loft project or some other development when the market turns around. "That's a possibility, I suppose," Shafa says. "But I have no plans like that now. I think that the market can be very successful."

But he won't be handling the day-to-day operations, and will focus on his main sports business. He has an office and a large warehouse about three blocks north from the market.Starley Viera will handle the needs of the vendors.

"Her official title is "Market Goddess," Shafa tells GlobeSt.com. "It's a big title to live up to," Viera tells GlobeSt.com. "A lot of other markets like this have been tried, but I think we have a winner here."

Instant Insights /

Larimer Street Market Coming to Denver

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