The Eastern Market merchants chased from their historic place of business by a late April fire will reopen Saturday in a temporary annex paid for by the D.C. government. Mayor Adrian Fenty on Thursday toured what has become known as "East Hall," which stands adjacent to Hine Junior High School across 7th Street Southeast from the gutted South Hall. Contractors were busy putting the finishing touches on the $1.5 million facility, as workers with 13 vendors were frantically setting themselves up for the grand opening.

"One way or the other we'll be ready for Saturday," said Bill Glasgow, owner of Union Meat Company.

The District has already set aside $25 million to rebuild the South Hall, which suffered tremendous damage during the April 30 three-alarm fire.

The city will own the temporary structure as well as the $1 million worth of equipment inside - all of which can be retrofitted to the rebuilt South Hall when it opens in 18 to 24 months.

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mneibauer@dcexaminer.com