Modiano market was built in 1925 by the architect Eli Modiano, during the reconstruction of the city center of Thessaloniki after the fire of 1917. It was designed and functioned as a food market, where the upper-class citizens could buy gourmet and special products. It is considered one of the most important buildings of the interwar period, as it is the biggest preserved food market of the historic center, acting as a landmark of the city.
The renovation of the building is guided by the intention to keep its character and initial use. With subtle additions that highlight its architectural details, the aim is to restore the building’s prestige, and update its life cycle for another century.
The intervention, under the guidance of the Ministry of Culture, includes the preservation of the façade and the typology of the stores, and restoration of its architectural details. The new element that is being added, in order to give an updated character to the building, is a deck that connects the rooftops of the stores, and acts as a plaza for people to sit, relax, and accommodate events, commenting that though it is a private building, its character still remains tied to the city and its
people.