By Cameron Lee
September 25, 2025
When Charlotte’s Paper Skyscraper first opened in 1989, founders Tim Hamilton and Ron Wootten focused mainly on architecture, design, and books — hence the name. The original house-shaped sign still stands proudly on East Boulevard in Dilworth, at the corner of Euclid Avenue, serving as a beacon for small business and home to the region’s most diverse mix of novelties. From cards and books to toys, snacks, and home accessories, Paper Skyscraper has been a cornerstone for locally focused gifts for more than 35 years.
Bill Godwin, a native UNC Charlotte graduate, purchased the business in 2019 — just eight months before the pandemic. Godwin recalls fond childhood memories of the store, back when it was connected to a Handy Pantry and laundromat, and later, when it sold furniture in the ’90s.
Having previously run a ticketing business and dabbled in private equity and banking, Godwin seized the opportunity to take over Paper Skyscraper.
“We have a lot of those institutions in Charlotte that, you know, they do a great job for a long time and then it’s time to hang it up — then they just fade away,” Godwin said. “Or there’s a commercial real estate deal or something like that takes away the building…this place is very important for a lot of people in Charlotte and for a lot of good reasons.”
A Retail Leap in a Digital Age
With a background in finance and economics, Godwin wanted to return to entrepreneurship while preserving a community staple with sentimental value. Paper Skyscraper was already a well-run operation with a decades-long reputation as Charlotte’s best gift store.
“Ron and Tim built a phenomenal business and I get the opportunity to continue that — continue that legacy that they put out there to be a place that delights the customer, that provides a welcoming space for everybody,” Godwin said. “I think it was important to them that I understood the essence of Paper Skyscraper… I was familiar with it, and had an existing sense of pride in the store.”
At a time when Amazon was reaching record sales and many retailers were shuttering, Godwin took on the daunting challenge of running a store with over 3,000 products from 350 brands.
Just as he was hitting his stride, the pandemic struck, and Paper Skyscraper had to adapt like many small businesses, making changes such as installing an in-duct air purification system to reduce bacteria, viruses, mold, and allergens. The store also kept all employees on payroll during temporary closures and continues to offer competitive benefits, including quarterly bonuses, full healthcare coverage, a matching 401(k), paid vacation, and profit-sharing.
Expansion was not originally a part of the plan, but Paper Skyscraper now has three locations
Godwin says opening more stores was the furthest thing from his mind when he initially took over operations. However, as Paper Skyscraper fully bounced back and launched their online store in October 2023, they opened their second location the following month.
“We tried out a location underneath the Omni, between Chick-fil-A and Starbucks, as kind of a pop-up and also as part of the downtown post-Covid revitalization,” Godwin said. “And that’s kind of grown into its own thing.”
They also opened a Davidson store in March, similar in size to the flagship location, offering many of the same curated gifts, home goods, books, stationery, and locally sourced brands that have made them beloved in Dilworth.
“It’s a good fit. It’s a hyper-local community… Davidson is kind of centrally located on I-77… we love the community up there.”
Paper Skyscraper carries over 80 local/regional brands
What makes Paper Skyscraper so unique, beyond its wonderful array of fun and quirky gifts, is its selection of locally made products and nostalgic tributes to Charlotte. On the walls, you’ll find scenic paintings of Charlotte neighborhoods and landmark businesses by David French — including those in NoDa, Plaza Midwood, West Charlotte, South End, and Uptown; city staples such as Thirsty Beaver Saloon, Lupie’s Cafe, Alexander Michaels, and Rosie’s Wine Garden; slate coasters honoring beloved institutions of the past, such as Price’s Chicken Coop, Zack’s, and Eastland Mall; long-standing music venues like The Evening Muse, Petra’s, and Comet Grill; and postcards of The Penguin and Mr. K’s.
From Cloister Honey and Ella B. Candles to snacks like Queen City Crunch, Poppy Handcrafted Popcorn, Chapel Hill Toffee, and Piedmont Pennies, the store carries close to 90 local and regional brands.
“That’s a huge part of this, right? Because if we help your friend start their cookie business… we get them launched, and they come to the store, and they start selling… then they hire some people,” said Godwin. “All that money starts just recycling back into our community and lifts everybody up. That’s the beauty of shopping locally — the money goes back into the community, and those businesses contribute in other ways.”
For those looking to get their product in Paper Skyscraper, the demand is high and they receive a large number of requests, but there is an online form you can fill out. Godwin says it’s difficult to respond to every submission — especially during the holiday season — but they try to reply to as many as possible.
Throughout the year, Paper Skyscraper also supports local nonprofit organizations such as Dahlia Grove, which empowers and employs women survivors of human trafficking; the Ada Jenkins Center, a community organization that helps build economic stability for families; and the Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, among many others.
Charlotte’s Go-To, On-the-Go Gift Destination
From holidays and birthdays to housewarmings and weddings, Paper Skyscraper offers gifts for nearly every occasion. Shoppers can even have last-minute gift baskets delivered via Uber Eats. The store has also recently launched locally curated gift bundles, including back-to-school, get well soon, and congratulatory packages — all featuring products made in the Carolinas and customizable for any recipient. Whether you’re pressed for time and looking for a playful gift for a special occasion or trying to check off several for the holidays, Paper Skyscraper is the city’s go-to destination.
One of the few small businesses still thriving since the late ’80s, Paper Skyscraper remains a symbol of Charlotte pride and civic spirit, celebrating the city’s identity while bringing smiles to generations of customers — and it’s still in good hands.
Follow Paper Skyscraper on Instagram, Facebook, or shop online at PaperSkyscraper.com — but for the full experience visit one of their three locations:
Dilworth
330 East Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28203
Hours: Monday-Friday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sunday: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Phone: (704) 333-7130
Davidson
610 Jetton Street, Davidson, NC 28036
Hours: Monday-Friday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sunday: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Phone: (704) 987-0800
Uptown Charlotte
101 S. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Phone: (704) 333-7130
View this post on Instagram
This article is brought to you ad-free by Paper Skyscraper.
Read next:
