If you’ve visited the Panaca Market the past week, you may have noticed quite a bit of commotion. That’s because the market, which has been around in one form or another since the 1800s, is updating and remodeling its facilities to better serve the community. According to owner Mason Stackhouse, this was one of his earliest goals, and now that they have the time and money to do so, he believes it will help the community in a big way.

One of the first changes is the new vestibule being added to the front of the building. This small room, which leads into the rest of the building, will ensure that less dust gets into the store, as well as provide a buffer to keep cold air out during the winter months. Built by employees of Pearson Construction, this addition comes with a set of automatic doors. These doors have been in possession of the market since it was owned by Nathan Katschke, but time and money did not allow for their installation until recently.

Some of the other improvements are 13 new refrigerator bays, located right next to the old freezer section. Dairy and other perishable goods that require a cold environment will be located here, across from the new home for bread and other grain-related products. The main floor of the building will also be renovated, with new shelf space being allocated to provide more products for consumers, including more space for produce.

The bakery area will be relocated to the rear of the building, along with the short walls that separate it from the rest of the storefront.