Bellies & Babies space in Del Ray is set to be converted into a local market and garden center

Bellies and Babies' consignment store may not sit empty for long: A nearby business owner plans to convert it into a market and garden space.

According to a new special use permit, Del Ray hardware store owner Jay Portlance plans to convert the space into the Del Ray Farmhouse Market & Garden.

Part of the permit also calls for the parking lot to be converted into a garden center with live plants, soil, lawn equipment and a greenhouse. The store will offer six off-site parking spaces.

The project designs also show a future seating area for a market on the building's current front yard, with a pergola providing shelter for the garden center's plants along the street.

The store is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m