Rawleigh Revitalization Project

The Rawleigh Revitalization Project seeks to revitalize a substantial portion of the downtown and riverfront area in Freeport, which began to deteriorate when the W. T. Rawleigh Corporation left over two decades ago.

Working with Vandewalle & Associates to develop and implement a sustainable economic positioning strategy, the City is providing a solid foundation for long-term business and job creation and recruitment. Marketing efforts for this project include branding a food identity in Freeport. Freeport is well suited to be the center point of a local food network, due to the city’s history in food processing.

An Ag Entrepreneurship Center is being developed to expand regional business around value-added agriculture. This Center will include a cooperative incubator kitchen, a value-added agricultural business incubator, and a public market to propel new value-added products to the marketplace.

The public market, “Rawleigh Marketplace”, is envisioned to become the center of downtown activity. The Rawleigh Marketplace is targeted toward residents and tourists alike, and focused on regional foods and goods. The mission of the Marketplace is to “relocalize” the food and goods choices available to consumers.

The Powerhouse Restaurant and gift shop will create a new stand-out downtown dining destination, offering more than a meal, but also the experience of the rich flavor and variety of regional food and drinks. The dramatic atmosphere of the former industrial powerhouse will create a one-of-a-kind atmosphere for experiencing the foods of the region.