🧱A Family Legacy of Restoration and Resourcefulness
Before McCarren Supply became a cornerstone of Carlisle, it began in 1997 as a side business in a three-car garage in Newville, Pennsylvania. Founded by general contractor Steve McCarren, the operation started by reselling used cabinets. Soon after, it expanded to include surplus building materials, windows, and doors—sourced from liquidations and buyouts across the country.
🐔 Early Expansion
In 1998, the business moved into Stam’s Chicken Shack—a well-known local building just outside Carlisle. The added space made room for a growing inventory and expanding customer base. By 2002, McCarren Supply expanded again, leasing a new location in Carlisle borough and growing from 2,000 to over 10,000 square feet.
🏭The Ribbon Mill Transformation
In 2003, Steve purchased the long-vacant Carlisle Ribbon Mill, a 1918 industrial building that had been unused since textile operations ceased in 1987. Over the following years, the McCarren family undertook extensive renovations to restore and repurpose the structure.
Installing The Covered Porch & The Entrance Today (FLIP)
🏭The Ribbon Mill Transformation
Early in 2003, Steve purchased the long-vacant Carlisle Ribbon Mill, a 1918 industrial building that had been unused since textile operations ceased in 1987. Over the following years, the McCarren family undertook extensive renovations to restore and repurpose the structure.
Installing The Covered Porch & The Entrance Today (FLIP)
The building’s condition posed significant challenges. Decades of vacancy left it weathered, unstable, and in serious need of repair. Despite its condition, Steve recognized the potential hidden within the mill’s bones. Its maple beams, oversized windows, and original brickwork reflected a bygone era of craftsmanship and industrial pride. Instead of opting for a basic renovation, the McCarren family approached the project as a preservation effort. The family saw an opportunity to restore the building’s structure while also honoring its historical significance. Through steady, hands-on work, they adapted the mill for modern use. This approach retained its architectural character and bridged past and present through thoughtful design.
In 2006, driven by a vision for community use, the McCarren family transformed part of the mill into the Carlisle Ribbon Mill Banquet Facility. Restoration highlights included:
🔹 Sandblasting the brick walls to reveal their original color
🔹 Installing and finishing new hardwood floors
🔹 Preserving original architectural elements, including maple beams and oversized windows
As a result of their efforts, the space now serves as a loft-style venue. It regularly hosts weddings, corporate events, and community gatherings.
🧩 Campus Expansion
Today, McCarren Supply continues to grow. The company owns several additional historic buildings within the lot bordered by East North Street, East Louther Street, and North Spring Garden Street. These buildings are being renovated for:
🔹Warehouse storage
🔹Custom exterior door and cabinet fabrication
🔹Leasable space for small businesses
In addition, the campus includes creative studios, a daycare, and a ballet school. These tenants contribute to a vibrant, multi-use environment.
👨👩👦 Family-Owned and Operated
Steve McCarren founded McCarren Supply with support from his wife Cindy and his sons, Casey and Colby. Drawing on decades of experience as a general contractor, Steve laid the foundation for a business rooted in craftsmanship, transparency, and community service.
Casey McCarren now leads McCarren Supply as the front-facing manager. He oversees daily operations, customer engagement, and strategic growth. Steve and Cindy remain actively involved, providing administrative support and helping guide the business with the same hands-on dedication that shaped its early years.
Together, Steve, Casey, and Colby manage the overarching LLC that owns and develops the surrounding campus. Their responsibilities include property renovation, leasing coordination, and long-term planning. Each project is guided by a shared vision—ensuring that every structure contributes to the campus’s future.
This collaborative approach blends experience, strategic foresight, and a shared commitment to preserving Carlisle’s industrial heritage. At the same time, it lays the groundwork for a future rooted in service, restoration, and long-term community impact.
🏠 Today’s McCarren Supply
Every day, McCarren Supply provides high-quality surplus building materials at 30–70% below big box prices. From kitchen cabinetry to bathroom fixtures, their inventory also includes flooring, windows, and more. As a result, they serve homeowners, contractors, and DIYers across central Pennsylvania with affordable, reliable options.
📍 50 N. Spring Garden St., Carlisle, PA 17013
📞 717-241-1342
🕒 Mon–Thu: 9am–6pm | Fri: 9am–7pm |
Sat: 9am–5pm | Sun: 10am–3pm
Every day, McCarren Supply provides high-quality surplus building materials at 30–70% below big box prices. From kitchen cabinetry to bathroom fixtures, their inventory also includes flooring, windows, and more. As a result, they serve homeowners, contractors, and DIYers across central Pennsylvania with affordable, reliable options.
📍 50 N. Spring Garden St. Carlisle, PA 17013
📞 717-241-1342
🕒 Mon–Thu: 9am–6pm | Fri: 9am–7pm |
Sat: 9am–5pm | Sun: 10am–3pm
🛠️ Explore the Possibilities
Whether you’re restoring a farmhouse, upgrading a storefront, or planning a wedding, McCarren Supply invites you to explore the possibilities within Carlisle’s most storied walls. With every visit, you’ll find craftsmanship, character, and a space shaped by history and heart.
