BUiLDiNG CHARACTER is Downtown Lancaster's largest retail destination and our mission is simple: offer vintage, recycled and handmade goods at great prices. Inventory at our 60+ independent shops changes quickly, so it's best to stop in often. At any time you'll find architectural salvage, recycled name-brand clothing and accessories, furniture, locally made jewelry, gifts and cards, antiques and collectibles, and original works. We also showcase live local music every first and third Fridays. Make sure you have time to learn the craft of letterpress printing, which can be experienced through demonstrations Thursday through Sunday at the Heritage Press Museum located within BUiLDiNG CHARACTER.See Building Character and all Lancaster has to offer by arranging your trip with our Lancaster journey maker site.
We are open 7 days a week:
10-6 Monday-Friday (EVERY 1st and 3rd Friday until 9 p.m.),
10-6 Saturday,
12-5 Sunday
FREE Parking in the lot attached to BUiLDiNG CHARACTER on weekends only. FREE PARKING on Sundays at all street meters.
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Building Character reviews
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Had such an awesome time walking through the large warehouse. Each booth has artwork from so many talented local artists. Also some great vintage finds. Definitely one of the gems of downtown... more »
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This nondescript building was a cool refuge from a hot summer day and allowed us to walk off a big lunch, too. Just like other antique and vintage shop, there are many things of interest and lots of.... more »
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Really fun and eclectic collections of locally crafted and primitive/antique goods. The print museum is super interesting. Lots of unusual and compelling finds here. One star deducted because if you go in search of a specific thing, it's unlikely to be there. Still, if you go with a curious spirit, you're bound to have a good time and likely to find something you didn't know you wanted.
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I love this place. Local artisans get to display their craft or their findings for sale at decent prices. Wide variety, from home decor to antiques, books, clothing, jewelry, and more. My favorite is probably the area from/ by McCaskey High school students. And the building itself true to its name has an old charm character. If you follow the aisles around you end up in a mini museum of an Olde time press shoppe, leading you to imagine what life would have been like for those who worked here long ago.
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