Lancaster, PA
Lancaster Central Market
Beckoning regulars from the city and the suburbs, as well as tourists from miles beyond, the Lancaster Central Market offers a quaint shopping venue for everything from fresh produce and meats, to ethnic delicacies and baked treats. Built in 1889 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the market holds the honor of being the nation’s oldest continuously operating market house. With a long list of preservation and renovation tasks, we created a 13-phase renovation plan, allowing the work to be done without ever closing the market to the public.
market sales floor - looking toward primary south wall
Facing the south wall, the market sales floor welcomes guests with a brighter venue, thanks to the light from windows that were once obscured by opaque panels. Painted columns unify the breathtaking structural system of the market.
market sales floor - view from mezzanine
A birds-eye view of the market floor from the new mezzanine highlights the clean, open floor plan that offers shoppers plenty of elbowroom to browse and mingle.
mezzanine
Visitors can escape the crowd and enjoy a panoramic view from the market mezzanine. The railing system was designed with bolted connections, eliminating the need for market closures due to welding in the food service environment. In addition, the HVAC system, originally mounted above the south doors, was relocated to expose the original transoms.
interior of primary south facade
Once blocked to reduce glare, the market’s high windows were uncovered, restored and coated with a tinted film, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural light without the glare. Mechanical and electrical components are surface-mounted on walls, allowing us to preserve the original historic materials of the market structure.
new partial basement
Beneath the bustling market, we excavated a new basement space for house-side electric meters for each retail stand, preserving valuable space on the market floor.
market sales floor, view looking north
Following the lines of the exterior walls of the adjacent historic buildings, the market footprint further preserves the historic ambiance of its downtown setting.
slate tile roof replacement
Removal of the asphalt shingles installed in the 1970's and replacement with an authentic slate tile roof was a primary goal of the City of Lancaster and the Central Market Trust.
15 year achievement
The replacement roof is in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior Standards and has been the crowning achievement to cap over 15 years of vision and planning at the Lancaster Central Market.
"Raise the roof" fundraising campaign
The campaign kicked off in 2017 with a goal of raising $1.5 million through a variety of efforts, including the opportunity to purchase and sign a slate tile. Over 500 slates were purchased and signed by adults and children of all ages, including slates being signed from hospital beds and used as marriage proposals!