Pilgrim’s Sanford Agricultural Marketplace Grand Opening

Sanford, NC –  The Carolina Commercial Contractors team were honored to stand alongside community leaders, partners, and residents at the ribbon cutting for Pilgrim’s Sanford Agricultural Marketplace—a moment that marked not just the completion of a project, but the beginning of a new chapter for Sanford.

From the earliest stages, this marketplace was envisioned as more than just a place to buy fresh produce. Located in the center of Sanford, North Carolina, the facility was designed to “bring the farm into the heart of downtown,” creating a direct connection between local growers and the community they feed. That vision guided every step of the process—from site development to the final finishes.

Breaking ground in late 2024 and reaching completion in early 2026, the project represents a coordinated effort between city leaders, state partners, and local organizations. As the general contractor, our role was to translate that shared vision into a physical space that is both functional and enduring.

We are grateful for all the partners who worked with us, including PR Faulk,  Downtown Sanford, Inc, David Carey at HH Architecture,  and many key folks at The City of Sanford. The result is a dynamic, multi-use facility that includes a farmer’s market pavilion, a teaching kitchen, and a forthcoming commercial kitchen designed to support food entrepreneurs and small businesses.

What makes this project especially meaningful for our team members is its impact. The marketplace is already serving as a cultural and economic anchor for downtown Sanford—supporting local agriculture, improving food access, and creating new opportunities for education and entrepreneurship.

In his remarks at the Grand Opening, CCC Managing Member said,”Projects like this are truly a team effort… from our Carolina Commercial Contractors team, I want to thank Dave Richardson, Chase Dodson, Frankie Holder, and Tim Hawkins for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence throughout this project.”

Project Manager Chase Dodson says, “I love what I do, and it is especially gratifying to have been a part of this unique and historic project right here in my hometown.”

From weekly markets to future programming, the space is built to evolve alongside the community it serves. On the first weekend open, the Sanford Farmer’s Market welcomed hundreds of visitors, purchasing strawberries, flowers, homemade jams, fresh meat, sourdough bread, and more.

At Carolina Commercial Contractors, this is why we build: to create spaces that matter, projects that endure, and places where communities can grow.