GREENFIELD, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — Congressman Jim McGovern will be in Greenfield this Friday for a tour of the former Wilson’s building with Green Fields Market general manager, staff,  and Commonwealth officials to hear about the expansion and relocation project. The project aims to bolster the connection between local farms and residents while revitalizing a derelict building, according to Franklin Community Co-op officials.

From the Franklin Community Co-op:

Franklin Community Co-op Welcomes Congressman McGovern at Tour of Wilson’s Building

GREENFIELD, MA, April 23 — Congressman Jim McGovern will join Green Fields Market general manager John Williams and staff, city and Commonwealth officials, farmers, and local business people for a tour of the former Wilson’s Department Store building, 242-262 Main St., and a conversation about the Green Fields Market Expansion and Relocation Project on Friday, April 26 at 1 p.m., with a reception to follow at the Franklin Community Co-op’s 170 Main St. meeting space.

The Green Fields Market Expansion and Relocation Project will invigorate the local economy and help revive Greenfield’s downtown by occupying the basement and first floor of the former Wilson’s Department Store; the new store is due to open in 2026.

“We’re excited to show the Wilson’s space to Congressman McGovern; it can be difficult to fully envision what it will mean for Green Fields Market, Greenfield, and Franklin County for us to be in this new location until you’re standing in the building, when the tremendous possibilities become apparent,” said Williams.

As downtown’s anchor store, Green Fields Market attracts people seven days a week, 362 days a year, and many of those people also eat in downtown’s restaurants and shop in its stores. Current sales are $11M, with 30% locally grown and produced, but will increase significantly with the expansion; the move will double sales and grow the Co-op’s important support for the significant local farm economy as well as local food access. In addition, Green Fields Market will create and retain 120 jobs in Greenfield.

The project will also revitalize a derelict building, which is currently an impediment to attracting people and businesses to downtown. A relocated, expanded, modern market and the resulting increased foot traffic in downtown will bolster existing businesses, including the arts organizations and venues that often struggle to survive, while also providing an important economic development tool for attracting new businesses. 

The significance of the project to Franklin County, one of the poorest counties in the state and the most rural, is difficult to overstate. This project will transform Greenfield’s downtown and bolster the connection between local farms and Franklin County residents.