This restoration and renovation project preserved Southern Market’s architectural and historical significance while modernizing its function. The market was built in 1888 and was designed by Lancaster architect C. Emlen Urban. As a lively new food hall, Southern Market pays homage to the original function as a market, while serving as a new hub of activity in downtown Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Every effort was made to maintain and preserve the character and integrity of the historical design that earned it status on the National Register of Historic Places while securing its longevity for years to come.
Photographs courtesy CCS Building Group
The 7,500 square foot main space houses the food hall with 10 vendors and seating for 250 patrons in a reimagined modern food-centered venue.
Each vendor is supported with access to a large communal production kitchen. After 18 months of building their reputations, vendors are encouraged to open their own establishments. This structure results in a variety of cultural cuisines that are continually cycling in new talent.
In the middle of the main food hall is Bar 1888, a 30-seat bar. The bar serves as a focal point and the hub of social engagement throughout the hall.
The new metal canopy’s arched forms complement the exposed ceiling trusses that soar above while also grounding the open two-story space. The canopy also serves to create a sense of intimacy at the bar.
The vertical green wall accentuates the height of the space while adding a natural component to soften the interior and provide color. The preserved moss also functions as acoustic absorption to counter the hard surfaces throughout the space.
The second story of the market hall is encircled by rentable coworking office spaces. Each office preserves the original architectural elements while complementing these features with contemporary glass-paneled enclosures.
In addition to smaller offices, some larger spaces are available to small businesses and startups. A series of rentable conference rooms and open collaboration areas make sure that all forms of operations are supported.
The project was made possible through a strategic partnership between Willow Valley Communities which oversees the market’s operations and local nonprofit organizations, Lancaster Equity and Assets which utilize some of the office spaces.
Contrary to the chaotic design of a lot of markets and food halls, this project has a clean design and focused energy. Detail elements like the canopy over the central bar are beautifully executed and are responsive to the history of the building while keeping a contemporary appearance. This intervention looks very appropriate and we applaud the adaptive reuse.
