Lancaster Central Market
A Healthy Market for a Thriving Community

CASE FOR SUPPORT

Lancaster Central Market represents all that's good in Lancaster-fresh local foods, social shopping, vibrant commerce and a powerful connector between old and new. Our market, the oldest continuously operating market in the country, is at the center of this thriving community.

We're embarking on a $7,000,000 capital campaign to make sure that our wonderful building and its surrounding area will operate at peak performance for years to come. We're working to
preserve the building,
nourish the social environment, and
enhance the shopping experience.

THE STORY
Lancaster Central Market began in 1730 when Andrew Hamilton gave land to the city of Lancaster to be held in public trust for a farmers' market. Over the centuries, Hamilton's foresight has provided us with a rare treasure of history, shopping, social interactions, insight into local culture, and traditions.

Fresh and highest quality meat, poultry, produce, fish, baked goods, flowers, handcrafts, ethnic foods, and prepared foods fill the stands at market with the bounty of the earth and the creativity of the people who make Lancaster their home. Generations of standholders have provided the finest shopping experience for generations of consumers at Lancaster Central Market, a 22,000 square foot, 118 year-old architectural gem in the heart of Lancaster City.

THE CHALLENGE
In 2005, the City developed a Master Plan for Lancaster Central Market. This plan called for the creation of Central Market Trust, a proactive, 501(C)3, non-profit management structure that would operate Central Market. The plan recognized that significant capital improvements have not been made since 1972. Work on the roof, gutters, and mechanical systems has been delayed for much too long and a program of on-going maintenance and repair needed to be developed.

The City moved forward on this plan and last year Central Market Trust was established with a board of community leaders who have undertaken the improvement and upkeep of this community treasure.

Central Market welcomes hundreds of thousands of people into its public spaces every year and MUST offer a healthy, safe, comfortable environment for the customers and workers alike.

THE OPPORTUNITY
With upgraded infrastructure systems, and improved streets and entrances, we have an opportunity to extend the reach of Central Market to more shoppers from our community. Now that downtown Lancaster is coming into its own and community consciousness about eating healthy local foods is on the rise, Market will attract new audiences of potential shoppers-a boon to both stand holders and residents.

In conjunction with the City, the County, and the State, Central Market Trust is launching a $7 million capital campaign to fund major exterior and interior building renovations: improved lighting and security; better restrooms; and upgrades to the roof, windows, doors, and the mezzanine. Electrical and plumbing systems will be replaced and modernized. The gateways and streets leading to and around the market will be improved to make the market more visible and accessible. In addition, we will develop programs to reach out to local populations who are not yet being served at market.

This project is a unique partnership of public and private funds. Already, $4.85 million has been committed by the state, the city and the county. Another $100,000 has been committed from the State Reinvestment Fund's Fresh Food Initiative. We are now in the process of raising the remaining $2.1 million needed to reach our $7 million goal from foundations, businesses, and individuals.

THE FUTURE
In addition to raising funds for capital improvements and educational and outreach programs, we are considering the establishment of an endowment that will grow over time. A portion of the income of these endowed funds would be available to help maintain the building. To establish this endowment, donors would be encouraged to name Lancaster Central Market in their wills. Over the next decade, we would hope to raise $3,000,000 in bequest intentions that will ultimately help ensure the future of this wonderful community resource.

THE INVESTMENT
An investment in the Lancaster Central Market is an investment in a healthy Lancaster. Central Market is a treasure and an important economic generator for Lancaster City and County. To maintain its viability and enhance its beauty those who use it, enjoy it, and benefit from it must join with our city and county governments in supporting its renovations. With the help and support of our community, we will ensure that the Central Market experience will not only serve us well in the immediate future, but will continue to thrive for our children and grandchildren.

"I walked into market a recent Tuesday morning and the lights were off, the refrigerated cases were silent. The mood was somber. Shoppers were puzzled, as was I. For a moment, I realized how much poorer our community would be...how much poorer my life would be if our Central Market shut down. I found out that the 40-something year old electrical system had given up the ghost and until they found parts for the outdated system and patched it back together the next day, I know I wasn't the only person to realize just what a community treasure this really is. The only light moment of the morning was when someone asked a young Amish woman tending a stand where her lanterns were!"