As Mequon’s destination for great food, community events, and a good time, we don’t often stop to consider the history of the Mequon Public Market. Once a firehouse and later used as a public works building, the Mequon Public Market is part of a larger historical narrative dating back to the 19th and 20th centuries. In fact, the entire Spur 16 development has a rich history of commerce. Spur 16 was named after the railroad spur on the east side of the development, which was the busiest of the spurs that served the village of Thiensville. The Milwaukee River Cannery was one of the largest shippers in the area. Today, the cannery building holds St. Paul Fish Company. And on the west side of the development, another previous public works building is home to Club Pilates and CrossFit Woolly Mammoth. The next time you’re having a beer on the patio, sweating through a workout, or enjoying a fish fry, take a moment to reflect on the rich history of Spur 16 and the Mequon Public Market.