The Congress Heights Marketplace at the Barn on the St. Elizabeths campus is a defining Ward 8 icon. Considered by most “the Soul of City,” the Marketplace spans 40,000 SF in the center of Congress Heights’ St. Elizabeth campus’ Barn where everyday locals and tourist alike shop, visit, eat and discover.
Founded in 2021, the Marketplace is a weekend public market and is brought to life by over 40 farmers, crafters, small businesses, and residents that call it “home”.
While the Marketplace is grounded by its incredible collection of diverse businesses, activities, and services, it simply would not exist without the passion and support from the citizens of the District of Columbia. From humble beginnings to new heights – Congress Heights’ residents and the District’s citizens have brought their hearts to the “Soul of the City” marketplace.
The Congress Heights Soul of the City Marketplace is operated by the Congress Heights Main Street Program – Destination Congress Heights (DCH).
In 2021, DCH partnered with the D.C. Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) to create a Marketplace at the Barn on the Historic St. Elizabeth Campus to preserve the Barn’s physical and unique social character.
As a result DCH, a not-for-profit organization, manages the day-to-day operations of the Market.
DCH’s mission is to preserve, rehabilitate, and protect the Marketplace’s buildings; increase farm and food retailing opportunities, incubate and support small and marginal businesses; and provide services for low-income people. These efforts ensure the Marketplace is safeguarded for future generations.
The Market is overseen by a six-member market vendors’ council alongside DCH and DMPED, which continues to provide guidelines and regulatory oversight of the buildings and activities.
