A community-driven marketplace designed to support entrepreneurs, strengthen downtown Freeport, and create opportunities for local businesses to grow.

The Vision

To create a vibrant outdoor marketplace that gives entrepreneurs, artisans, makers, growers, and small businesses an affordable place to launch, grow, and test their ideas while strengthening the economic vitality of downtown Freeport.

This project is designed to be more than a collection of cottages. It is an entrepreneurial incubator where vision meets opportunity. Whether a vendor is introducing a new product, expanding beyond online sales, or exploring the possibility of opening a permanent storefront, the Downtown Cottage Market provides a place to take that next step.

Our long-term vision is to develop a village of ten thoughtfully designed cottages that becomes a destination for shopping, community gatherings, local events, and entrepreneurship. We will begin with two cottages for the 2026 holiday season and continue expanding in phases through community partnerships and sponsorships.

As the project grows, it will complement the continued revitalization of downtown Freeport, encourage visitors to explore more of the downtown district, and help connect activity to future riverfront development.

The Mission

Our mission is to remove barriers for entrepreneurs by providing an affordable, welcoming, and highly visible place to share their work with the community.

We believe every successful business begins with an opportunity.

By creating accessible retail space, we hope to encourage creativity, strengthen local commerce, support small business ownership, and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.

This marketplace exists to build businesses, create community, and celebrate the people who make our region unique.

The Plan

Phase One

The first phase includes the construction of two sponsor-funded cottages that will debut during the 2026 holiday season.

The long-term master plan includes:

• Up to ten retail cottages
• Electrical service to each cottage
• Food truck accommodations with electrical access
• Seasonal markets and community events
• Opportunities for business education and collaboration
• A walkable shopping destination that continues to grow over time

*Water service is not planned during the initial phases.

Starting a business takes courage, but taking the next step often takes resources, space, and opportunity that aren’t always easy to come by.

The Shops @ 127 is designed to help bridge that gap.

By creating small, approachable retail spaces, we’re giving makers, entrepreneurs, and growing businesses a place to test an idea, meet customers, build visibility, and experience what having a space of their own could look like, without the commitment of a traditional storefront.

At the same time, we’re creating another reason to visit downtown Freeport, shop small, discover local businesses, and invest in the people and ideas already growing within our community.

Because sometimes a small space is all someone needs to take a big next step.

Why It Matters

Whether you’re launching your very first business or looking for a new way to reach customers, we invite you to become part of this growing marketplace.

Ideal vendors include:

• Artists
• Makers
• Bakers
• Florists
• Woodworkers
• Boutique retailers
• Specialty food businesses
• Handmade goods
• Local service providers
• Seasonal merchants

Our goal is to create an environment where businesses can test ideas, build a customer base, gain confidence, and determine whether a larger retail space may be the next step in their journey.

For the inaugural 2026 season, cottages will be rented on a daily basis during scheduled events.

As additional cottages are added in future phases, we anticipate expanding to longer-term weekly, monthly, and seasonal rental opportunities.

Apply to be a vendor!

For Vendors

Every cottage represents an investment in entrepreneurship, economic development, and the future of downtown Freeport.

Sponsor support helps fund construction materials, infrastructure, utilities, and site improvements while creating opportunities for local businesses to grow.

In recognition of their partnership, each sponsored cottage will proudly display the sponsor’s name, demonstrating their commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and strengthening our community for years to come.

Together, we’re not simply building cottages.

We’re building opportunities.

Become a Founding Sponsor!

Become a Founding Sponsor

Building The Shops at 127 will take more than financial support, it will take a community.

Our Community Partners are the businesses, organizations, and individuals who contribute their time, talents, services, materials, expertise, or resources to help bring this vision to life.

Every contribution helps us create more opportunity for local entrepreneurs, strengthen downtown Freeport, and build small spaces for big dreams.

Community Partners

Your Questions, Answered

  • Phase One cottages are being designed with year-round and seasonal use in mind. Specific heating capabilities will depend on the final cottage design and electrical setup. Additional details will be provided to vendors before booking.

  • Electrical access is part of the Phase One planning process. Available power and usage guidelines will be communicated to approved vendors once site plans are finalized.

  • The individual cottages will not have running water. Vendors should plan accordingly based on their business needs.

  • Yes! Food and beverage businesses are welcome to apply. Vendors are responsible for meeting all applicable health department, licensing, permitting, and food-safety requirements for their business.

  • Vendors may be required to provide proof of appropriate liability insurance depending on the nature of their business and products. Final insurance requirements will be provided as part of the vendor agreement.

  • Vendor rental rates are currently being finalized. Our goal is to keep participation accessible for small businesses while covering the operating costs of the marketplace. Approved applicants will receive pricing and booking information before committing to a date.

  • The Shops at 127 is an outdoor marketplace, and weather is part of the experience. Severe-weather and cancellation procedures will be communicated to vendors before their scheduled dates, with safety always taking priority.

  • Yes. Vendors may apply for multiple dates, subject to availability. We also hope to feature a rotating mix of businesses so shoppers have something new to discover throughout the season. Long term, our hope is to rent long term.