New changes are coming to a once popular spot for shopping in Downtown Fresno

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The revitalization happening outside at the Fulton Mall in Downtown Fresno is about to happen inside the old Gottschalk's building. Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearingin walked us around the one-time department store that will soon become a public market.

Swearingin said there will be about 40 produce stores and restaurants, and even a commercial kitchen upstairs for people wanting to start up their own food business.

"People who are today, maybe, small micro enterprises making that home cooked salsa, those flavored jalapeno's, this would be the place where they can rent space."

The city announced Thursday it received its first investment for the project-- a $25,000 grant from Bank of America.

The company's marketing president for Fresno said helping revitalize the city is important to them.

"You have a healthier community, people are better off, even if it's just incrementally it matters and then they become a customer." said Mark Riley, Bank of America.

Paul Halajian is in charge of the architectural design. He said his plan is to mix a good bit of the old in with the new by highlighting the structure of the building.

"This project does so much to ignite further investment, more energy, bring people down here, and as an architect it so exciting to be apart of something like this."

The total cost of the project is estimated around $20-million and the city is hoping to have it up and running by 2018.