North Carolina Construction News staff writer
Construction on the expansion of the Sanford Municipal Center is set to begin this week, marking the start of a 17-month project that will add a new municipal building and several community amenities.
The new 33,500-sq. ft. building will provide approximately 29,000 sq. ft. of finished space at opening, with 4,200 sq. ft. reserved for future growth. The first floor will house customer service functions, including bill payment, zoning and building inspections intake, and engineering. A second-floor bridge will connect the new building to the existing municipal center, and public access will be through the new ground-level entrance.
The expansion is designed to consolidate city services and increase accessible public parking. The project also includes community features such as a linear park, a splash pad with restroom and filtration facilities, a half-mile greenway connecting to the future Sanford Central Green, recreation and gathering spaces, shaded seating areas, way-finding signage, a digital event screen, and LED lighting upgrades. Two electric vehicle charging stations will be added near the main entry, while existing parking will remain in place.
ADW Architects designed the expansion, and Edifice Construction will serve as general contractor, leading the construction team responsible for building the facility and implementing the community amenities. The project carries a guaranteed maximum price of $27.7 million and is funded through Utility and General Fund Bonds issued in October 2025.
Mayor Rebecca Salmon said the expansion addresses the city’s space needs while creating “a shared space that brings people together — whether that’s to conduct business or strengthen community bonds.”
City officials warn that residents in the area may experience intermittent loud noise during construction, though crews will work to minimize disruption. The expansion is expected to be completed by 2027.