Darlington opens Indoor Farmers Market
Newly completed and opened for business, The Market on Pearl, 103 Pearl Street, has 4,000 sq. ft. of temperature-controlled shopping space. PHOTO BY HUNTER THOMAS
Renowned builder Lee Privette (left) sits with J. Todd Hardee, Darlington County Coroner and property owner at The Market on Pearl, 103 Pearl Street in Darlington. Hardee spent a significant amount of money for the structural stabilization and extensive repairs. Privette and his son, Deyton, did an excellent job. PHOTO BY STEPHAN DREW
Shoppers peruse the multitude of items (vegetables, crafts, and many more wonderful things) available at the Market on Pearl during its opening, August 1st. PHOTO BY HUNTER THOMAS
By Stephan Drew, Editor
editor@newsandpress.net
In a remarkable revival of Darlington’s historic downtown, the new Darlington Farmers Market has found its home at 103 Pearl Street, a building rich with history and now renewed for modern use. The building, constructed in 1900, formerly housed Western Auto and Cromers, and had fallen into severe disrepair. However, the dedicated efforts of J. Todd Hardee, Darlington County Coroner and the building’s owner, alongside local contractor Lee Privette and his son Dayton, have transformed this once dilapidated structure into a vibrant hub for the community.
The renovation project began in earnest this past February, culminating in the grand opening of the market on August 1st. Hardee, who has a passion for preserving the historical fabric of Darlington, invested a substantial amount of money into the project. He recognized the building’s dire state and sought out Privette, a second-generation builder renowned for his quality craftsmanship, to take on the challenge.
Hardee recounted his initial conversation with Privette: “He fussed a little bit, thought about it, and then told me how it needed to be done.” The project was no small feat. Privette started by addressing the most critical issues—stabilizing the roof and ceiling joists to ensure the safety of the structure. Reflecting on the work, Privette noted, “It took a good bit of work. It was in pretty bad shape. If we had waited another year, it would have been unsalvageable.”
The successful completion of this project is a testament to the commitment of the local community to preserving its heritage. Hardee emphasized the importance of saving and modernizing Darlington’s older structures, seeing them not only as relics of the past but as opportunities for the future. “There’s enough wealth and talent here that we could have the prettiest town in South Carolina. It’s our job to leave things better than we found them,” Hardee stated, calling for community cooperation in similar initiatives.
The establishment of the Darlington Farmers Market is part of a broader vision outlined in the Renaissance Master Plan, which began taking shape about a year ago. The plan aims to attract more people to the downtown area, rejuvenating it as a center of commerce and community activity. The market, located conveniently off the square, is a key component of this strategy.
Hardee’s collaboration with Merry Morgan Smith, the Darlington City Planner, was instrumental in realizing the market’s potential. “I told her I could do it,” Hardee recalled, “but I have to surround myself with people who can make it happen.” The market not only provides a venue for local farmers and artisans to sell their goods but also serves as a year-round attraction, thanks to its indoor, climate-controlled environment. Initially, the market will operate on Thursdays and Fridays from 3 pm to 7 pm, from May to December, but the potential for year-round operation opens the door to a diverse range of fresh produce and products.
The market’s opening marks a significant milestone in Darlington’s journey toward revitalization. It stands as a beacon of what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared vision. The renovated building at 103 Pearl Street is not just a marketplace; it is a symbol of Darlington’s resilience and commitment to preserving its historical identity while embracing the future.
For more information about the Darlington Farmers Market, please contact Lyndsey Kowalczyk at 781-780-1881 or email her at growildacres@gmail.com.
