Portfolio Pilgrim’s Sanford Agricultural Marketplace

• Community-Centered Marketplace Underway: Scheduled to open in 2026, the 12,000-square-foot facility will feature a farmer’s market, commercial kitchens, classrooms, and event spaces. It will serve 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 is leading site planning and permitting, providing 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.

Pilgrim’s Sanford Agricultural Marketplace, under construction and set to open in 2026, is a key part of the City of Sanford‘s downtown revitalization. This 12,000-square-foot building will have an open-air farmer’s market, commercial kitchens, classrooms, and event spaces. It aims to support local farming and encourage community involvement.

Our Role

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

Funding

The project, five years in the making, has 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 have been allocated to ensure its completion.

Boosting the Sanford Economy

The marketplace will be 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.