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Historic Southern Market, built in 1888, gives us a peek into Lancaster’s storied past. It brings us back to the days of the old farmers market, when right here, in this same spot on South Queen and Vine, people used to gather for farm-grown greens or fresh baked goods and found themselves nourished in a myriad of unexpected ways. Food is like that. It fills us up. And brings us together.
Southern Market is a true landmark, the first architectural commission for Lancaster’s own Cassius Emlen Urban. Urban went on to design Stevens High School, Charlie Wagner’s Cafe, the Hager building and more. Urban loved Lancaster, and Lancaster loved him back. He modernized the city and inspired a new school of architects who share his affection for Lancaster and look to his rich body of work for inspiration.
After nearly a century of serving the Lancaster community, the old Southern Market sat quietly for 35 years, providing supplemental office space for a variety of city businesses. And now, thanks to a partnership among Willow Valley Communities, Lancaster Equity Community Development and ASSETS Lancaster, Southern Market will once again invite all through its doors.
The new Southern Market is designed as a modern community hub. At its centerpiece, a world-class food hall featuring regional and international cuisine from ten up-and-coming Lancaster chefs. A culinary incubator that nurtures start-up restaurants and helps train local youths. Also integrated into the experience: offices for established businesses and new start-ups, as well as shops, meeting rooms and collaborative work spaces. Southern Market will become a vibrant mashup of downtown and south side, locals and visitors. A place where everyone is welcome.
Open daily, Southern Market will complement its nearby historic counterpart, Central Market, the country’s oldest, continuously running public farmers market. Just a five-minute stroll from each other, with Willow Valley Communities’ new site for Mosaic right in between, these two markets help create a walkable neighborhood with increased connectivity.
Join the Southern Market team, become a part of our culinary or work communities, or follow the progress — either on Facebook or at SouthernMarketLancaster.com.
