New York to Carolina: Paper Skyscraper

Paper Skyscraper owners Ron Wootten and Tim Hamilton, East Boulevard, Dilworth neighborhood, Charlotte, 2008. Photo by David Hinshaw, courtesy of Charlotte Observer.

We have a lot of customers who come from places like New York, Los Angeles and Boston, and they are always telling us the store feels like back home.

- Ron Wootten

When Ron Wootten moved to Charlotte from New York, he missed New York's hip, urban shops. In 1989, he and partner Tim Hamilton opened Paper Skyscraper. Along with art, architecture and other books, they offer gifts and home accessories with big-city sophistication. They also stock gay-themed books and cards. Paper Skyscraper was one of the first businesses that welcomed members of Charlotte's growing gay and lesbian community.