From Empty Room to Thriving Community Hub: The Keller Market House Expansion

The Keller Market House, located at the corner of South Columbus and West Chestnut streets in Lancaster, started with an empty room and a vision eight years ago. Over the years, the business has seen substantial success, thanks to its focus on being a non-profit community grocery that functions as a year-round farmers market.

Recently, the board and staff celebrated the completion of an expansion project that took two years to complete. The $195,000 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture made it possible. Manager Erin Harvey explained that the expansion’s focus was on renovating the back part of the building, which had been unusable and in poor condition since Keller Market House acquired it through the county land bank.

The redesign included creating a dedicated delivery entrance that opens into a vendor workspace, freeing up more retail space in front. Additionally, three new refrigerators and freezers were installed to improve product storage conditions.

Keller Market House takes pride in sourcing all its products from Ohio, with an emphasis on local, Ohio-based producers. It’s open six days a week and operates as a Lancaster Farmers Market during summer months. David Keller Miller expressed his excitement and admiration for the current market’s success while noting how far it has come from its humble beginnings as his family’s original store on the same spot.