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The continuing revitalization of the City of Sanford and its downtown took a big step recently with the groundbreaking for the Pilgrim’s Sanford Agricultural Marketplace.
City officials gathered along with project team members, residents, business owners and other stakeholders for the event. When completed, the marketplace will not only provide residents with access to fresh, local foods, but will also be a big step toward a rebirth of the City’s center area.
The new marketplace is also a celebration of Sanford and Lee County’s rich agricultural history and provides an economic boost for farmers and growers in the region. The more than 12,000-square-foot facility will include an open-air, covered farmer’s market area where consumers will be able to buy local food and products. The covered section of the marketplace can also host a variety of downtown events. In addition to the open-air market, the facility will have indoor space for commercial and demonstration kitchens, classroom space, offices, and storage areas.
WithersRavenel is working as a subconsultant to HH Architecture on this project, and several of our team members attended the groundbreaking. We are leading the site planning and permitting aspects of the project, including civil engineering, surveying, landscape architecture, subsurface utility engineering (SUE), environmental, and construction services.
The project was funded by a blend of private and public funding, including money from the Ruby and Ernest McSwain Worthy Lands Trust, Department of Commerce Rural Transformation Grant Fund, North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission, the Pilgrim’s Hometown Strong Grant, and Lee County Farm Bureau. American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money was also a source of project funding.
