Mercado Local started in 2021 thanks to a grant from Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation. After several pop-up markets in Northfield at the Northfield Depot and by the Riverwalk and thanks to Jennifer Sawyer and the group of women she organized, the market, art center and community room are now at a permanent location at a beautiful building in downtown Northfield at 108 5th St. E. between the restaurant Reunion and Fifth Street Lofts.

The market, art center and community room are home to twenty vendors who are growing their businesses within the nonprofit market. The art space is home to several exhibits of local art by members of the Hispanic immigrant community. The community room also provides space for financial literacy classes, zumba classes, art classes, poetry readings, talks, and meetings from local groups.