After Soulard´s death in 1825, his widow fought a lengthy legal battle over the land. This was decided in her favor in 1838, at which time she donated the market site to the City. The first market buildings were built there in the 1840s and were enlarged by the addition of a market hall in 1865. The City purchased these buildings in 1867 and they were in use until they were destroyed by the 1896 tornado.

New market sheds were erected and, in 1929, the present market complex was completed. It consists of two flanking market stall structures with a two-story central building. Its second floor contains an auditorium and stage affording a meeting place for neighborhood activities. This building is said to have been inspired in its design by the Italian Renaissance Foundling Hospital at Florence by Filipo Brunelleschi (1377-1446).