Groningen city centre is undergoing an ambitious transformation. The area on the north side of the Grote Markt is part of this. The Rode Weeshuisstraat, located to the rear, is intended to become a springboard for the northern zone of the city centre. Project developers MWPO and Beauvast set themselves the goal of breathing new life into this street with the construction of Mercado. The architectural team of De Zwarte Hond and Loer Architecten is behind the design for a mixed-use development featuring a monumental covered market hall and 41 comfortable apartments above it. The design contributes to the greening of the city centre. The vertical gardens of the façade, combined with green roof terraces and colourful planting, offer a unique living experience and effectively upgrade the entire street. The market hall is located in the plinth and has a completely transparent façade. This adds illumination to the street, making it more attractive. The glass plinth also offers a beautiful view of the tree-like cantilevered pillars that support the upper floors. The custom-made ceramic façade elements are made from beige clay with a green-blue glaze, inspired by the pastel shades of the former orphanage on the other side of the street. The contrast between the transparent plinth and these ceramic-tiled upper floors gives the building a floating appearance. The stepped apartments each have their own roof terrace with a spectacular view over the ever-changing city of Groningen.