DOUGLASS (Mont.) >> Zern’s Market, the landmark auction house and farm market that has stood on East Philadelphia Avenue for decades, is on the market for $7 million.
According to the real estate listing, the 24-acre property sports a 200,000 square-foot building built in 1949 with some vendors who have been in the same location for decades.
The business itself was founded in 1922, according to the Zern’s website, where the claim it also made that it is “one of the oldest farmer’s market in the United States.”
The market does indeed have a large following – somewhat dwindled in recent years – to the point that regulars are called “Zernies.”
The large building is only open on Fridays and Saturdays and includes a separate wing for auctions and even wrestling matches once a month, as well as regular vendors, selling everything from fresh meats and vegetables to comic books, clothing and second hand-stores.
A call to the Realtor marketing the building was not returned before press time Tuesday, nor was an email sent to the management of the business.
Douglass Township Manager Peter Hiryak told Digital First Media that he was aware of the property being for sale.
He also replied that he does not think the sale of the property would affect the housing development being proposed by the Danny Jake Corp. and calls for 240 closely packed townhomes on 28.5 acres off Jackson Road and which connects with East Philadelphia Avenue alongside the market.
