San Diego plans to open $3-million public market at Liberty Station

San Diego is out to create a $3-million destination food hall -- like San Francisco’s Ferry Building or Napa’s Oxbow Public Market -- at Liberty Station in the city’s Point Loma neighborhood.

Travelers and locals will be able to sample artisanal breads and homemade tortillas, craft cocktails and fine wines, fresh produce from a daily farmers market and seafood at what will be called Liberty Public Market, an announcement from co-creator Blue Bridge Hospitality of San Diego says.

The market is set to open June 2015 at the former naval base, which is now a commercial and residential development.

Like other big-city markets, the accent is on locally sourced food and goods. More than 30 small businesses will be housed in a 22,000-square-foot warehouse that was once a 1920s-era commissary at the naval training center. It also will include a large outdoor patio and eating area.

“The storied space ... will pay homage to its historic roots by housing a diverse mix of merchants, each hand-selected for their passionate support and ardent commitment to San Diego’s culture,” the announcement says.

The building at 2816 Historic Decatur Rd. is adjacent to the popular Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens.

David Spatafore of Blue Bridge, who created a string of restaurants such as MooTime Creamery and Leroy’s Kitchen + Lounge in nearby Coronado, partnered with Liberty Station developers in coming up with the market plan.

“Liberty Public Market presents small businesses the chance to sell their goods on a much larger scale,” Spatafore says in a statement about the market.

Will it become a tourist hit? That’s the hope, but it’s just too early to say.