2025 Award of Merit: Sanford

Sanford Savings and Loan

2025 Main Street Award: Design

Best Historic Rehabilitation Project

• Punic Properties

• Progressive Contracting Company, Inc.

• Maurer Architecture

• Claire Keane
  

Watch The Award Video

The rehabilitation of the Sanford Savings and Loan Building exemplifies the powerful intersection of historic preservation and economic innovation.

For decades, this mid-century architectural gem stood as a quiet reminder of Sanford’s past. But thanks to the vision and commitment of James Goodnight, it has been transformed into a vibrant, state-of-the-art office space that now anchors the future of downtown.

Guided by the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards, every detail of the rehabilitation was approached with care —from the meticulous restoration of the building’s distinctive marble exterior to the thoughtful modernization of its interior. The result is a stunning  10,000-square-foot space that honors its architectural legacy while meeting the needs of today’s workforce.

This project has had a transformative economic impact. It helped attract Kyowa Kirin, a global pharmaceutical company, to downtown Sanford —bringing 48 high-wage jobs and a projected $1 billion contribution to North Carolina’s economy. Through a strategic partnership with the Sanford Area Growth Alliance and the City of Sanford, the building now serves as Kyowa Kirin’s temporary headquarters while their permanent facility is built nearby.

After restoration, the building’s value has nearly tripled—from $519,000 to over $1.45 million — and the Municipal Service District has seen a threefold increase in tax revenue. But the impact doesn’t stop there. The presence of these new employees has infused downtown with daily energy— supporting restaurants, shops, and community events, and reinforcing Sanford’s vision for a vibrant, walkable city center.

This project also sparked a wave of reinvestment. Inspired by Mr. Goodnight’s leadership, 11 new businesses have opened downtown in the past two years. His portfolio of eight downtown properties is a testament to his belief in Sanford’s future—and a model for how private investment can drive public good.

The Sanford Savings & Loan Building is more than a preservation success —it’s a catalyst for growth, a symbol of confidence, and a shining example of how thoughtful design, strategic partnerships, and community pride can shape a downtown for generations to come.