A new development is breaking ground in downtown Sanford on Thursday.

What You Need To Know

  • Fulton Park will have 32 new townhomes

  • A new boutique hotel will also be part of the new development

  • Some local residents in the nearby historic district are concerned about the parking situation that may arise from the influx of new residents

There are two phases of the new development – 32 townhomes and a boutique hotel that will have 50 rooms.

The buzz of future new neighbors is already in the air of the Deviant Wolfe Brewing bar on First Street in downtown Sanford. 

Owner Matt Rolfe is looking forward to know his future neighbor's names.

“Trying to find what beer that they will like, digging in to what they enjoy from other places,” The proud bar owner Matt Rolfe explains. “Trying to give them samples to find the one that works for them.“

It’s impossible not to notice the Fulton Park Development from Matt’s front door.

“We are excited,” Matt says looking across the street. “We are anticipating it, and come out everyday to check the progress.”

Local businesses aren’t the only ones looking to benefit, the city of Sanford is, as well.

“We are going to be able to have people stay here and enjoy an event that may attract visitors from all around the state, maybe even nationally,” City of Sanford Economic Development Director Tom Tomerlin says.

With the new development near the center of downtown, whether someone is a resident or a guest at the hote,l everyone is close enough to walk to nearby businesses.

On the residential side alone, the city is conservatively estimating 60-100 people moving in.

With 50 hotel rooms coming soon after, there is more to go around for everyone in the city, including Matt’s wall where each medal represents a different customer. Hanging proudly in the bar is a wall of customer's past medals. They range from 5K’s, triathlons, and marathons.

“Every single one of these is from someone who has come in and had a beer in our bar,” Rolfe says.

Before the end of the year, he’s hoping to add quite a few more to his tab from the new neighbors across the street when they move in.

Some local residents in the nearby historic district are concerned about the parking situation that will soon ensue.

According to Tomerlin, the city is pursuing and working on future parking areas for downtown.​