The Wellington Square Farmers Market, a beloved neighborhood fixture in West Adams, has found a new home.
After 15 years of continuous operation from the parking lot of Smyrna Seventh-day Adventist Church, the market has garnered support from the community, local government, vendors, and customers alike to move to Wellington Road, evolving from a hidden gem into a vibrant street event.
As part of the historic Wellington Square neighborhood in Mid-City Los Angeles, the Wellington Square Farmers Market began 15 years ago as a modest gathering of a few vendors and residents. Over the years, this little piece of paradise — as Lora Davis, founder and manager of the market, calls it — has blossomed into a bustling event, attracting 300 to 500 visitors every Sunday.
The market, which features fresh produce from certified farms, hot and cold food vendors, crafters, live music, and services like knife sharpening, has become an integral part of the neighborhood’s identity.
“We are certified through the California Department of Food and Agriculture,” said Davis.
“All of our farmers are certified, which means they sell only what they grow.”
The market operates rain or shine, with no entrance fee, and has built a loyal following of over 2,400 Instagram followers.
Wellington Square, known for its strong ties to Black Hollywood, was once home to Academy Award-nominated actress Dorothy Dandridge and Grammy Award-winning vocalist and instrumentalist Ernie Freeman. Situated at the western edge of the West Adams District, the square is bordered by West Boulevard on the west, Crenshaw Boulevard on the east, Washington Boulevard on the north, and the Santa Monica Freeway on the south. It consists of four charming streets: Victoria Avenue, Wellington Road, Virginia Road, and Buckingham Road.
For over a decade, the farmers market thrived in the parking lot of Smyrna Seventh-day Adventist Church. However, last year, under new leadership, the church demanded a written lease with a 266% rent increase and a three-month renewal period. Despite agreeing to the hike, the market was ultimately forced to leave.
“We’ve been here for a long time, and I still can’t believe it,” said Kimberle Bowers, president of the Wellington Square Neighborhood Association.
While initially disappointed with the decision, the Wellington Square Farmers Market has found a new opportunity that moves the market from the shadows of a parking lot onto the active street of Wellington Road. The transition opens new possibilities and, in hindsight, has proven to be a blessing in disguise.
“It will be more affordable and provide more space for the residents of Wellington Square to enjoy,” said Davis.
Thanks to an ordinance amending Section 41.20 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, the cost of street closure permits has significantly decreased from thousands per week to $2,000 per year. The Healthy Community Project, Lora’s nonprofit that sponsors the market, covered the street closure costs with funds raised through a GoFundMe campaign.
The community largely supports the move. “We are, if nothing else, a very tight-knit community,” said Davis. Still, some residents worry about the challenges of closing a residential street every Sunday — a concern not faced when farmers’ markets operate on private or commercial property.
The market’s first street-side opening this past Sunday was a great success.
“Words can’t fully express how grateful I am for the overwhelming support we received on our first day on Wellington Road,” read a post on their Instagram page.
The market will celebrate its grand reopening on April 6.
“Our market has always been more than just a place to buy produce — it’s where neighbors meet, musicians perform, and vendors find a platform to support their livelihood,” said Davis.
“Moving to the street only makes us more visible and connected.”
To stay updated and support the Wellington Square Farmers Market, follow them on Instagram @wellingtonsquarefarmersmarket.
