Portfolio Pilgrim’s Sanford Agricultural Marketplace

• Community-Centered Marketplace Underway: Formally opened in 2026, the 12,000-square-foot facility features a farmer’s market, commercial kitchens, classrooms, and event spaces. It serves as a vital hub for local agriculture, entrepreneurship, and community engagement in downtown Sanford.

• Full-Scope Site Development by WithersRavenel: As subconsultant to HH Architecture, WithersRavenel lead site planning and permitting. We also provided civil engineering, surveying, landscape architecture, subsurface utility engineering, environmental, and construction support services.

• Multi-Source Funded Catalyst for Revitalization: Backed by over $3 million from public and private sources, the project is a key anchor of the broader Sanford Central Green initiative. The initiative is aimed at boosting economic development and addressing food insecurity.

Sanford’s new farmer’s market kicks off full downtown revitalization

The anchor of downtown Sanford’s revitalization, Pilgrim’s Sanford Agricultural Marketplace, opened with great fanfare in March 2026. This 12,000-square-foot building has an open-air farmer’s market, commercial kitchens, classrooms, and event spaces. It aims to support local farming and encourage community involvement.

READ: ‘Ag Market Ribbon Cutting Begins a New Season for Sanford’

Our Role

WithersRavenel is a subconsultant to HH Architecture on this project. Our team lead the site planning and permitting, including civil engineering, surveying, landscape architecture, subsurface utility engineering (SUE), environmental, and construction services.

Funding

The project, five years in the making, received more than $3 million in funding from various public and private sources, including:

• Ruby and Ernest McSwain Worthy Lands Trust
• North Carolina Department of Commerce
• North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission
• Pilgrim’s Hometown Strong Grant
• Lee County Farm Bureau

Additionally, American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds were allocated to ensure its completion.

Boosting the Sanford Economy

The marketplace is a key part of the larger Sanford Central Green project. This project aims to create a greenway and restore Little Buffalo Creek.

Community leaders and residents are excited about the marketplace. They believe it can help local businesses and fight food insecurity. This makes it a great example for improving downtown areas.