Construction on the $11.3 million Bay Street Straw Market in Nassau, Bahamas, is expected to begin in January.

Completion is scheduled for September 2011.

The new structure, which will replace the old market destroyed by fire on Sept. 4, 2001, will run on solar power during the day.

The design of the one-story facility calls for an open market so that customers can enter the building from all directions.

Souvenir stalls will line the perimeter while a crafts area with handmade goods will be in the center.