Randolph County Approves $250,000 Loan to Seagrove for Luck’s Cannery Upgrades

ASHEBORO — Randolph County commissioners voted unanimously on June 2 to approve a $250,000 short-term loan to the Town of Seagrove, aiding ongoing renovations at the historic Luck’s Cannery.

Seagrove Mayor David Fernandez appeared before the Randolph County commissioners to request a $250,000 loan to help get the cannery ready for upcoming events. “We don’t have a certificate of occupancy right now, which means two-thirds of the building we can’t use,” Fernandez told commissioners. Work on HVAC systems, interior painting and other large-ticket improvements remain before the town can obtain a certificate of occupancy.

“The only reason we’re requesting this loan is because we have many people coming in wanting to use the facility right now,” Fernandez added. “When the building is operational, it will generate revenue.” The town is already fielding requests for events this fall, including a major pottery event in November and a sculpture conference in October.

According to the website, the building was donated by JBDJ, LLC, a family holding company of Jack C. Lail.  Martha Luck Comer. The family has pledged a large sum over three years. So far, the town has spent a little over $3 million on the project, Seagrove Area Potters Association that made a significant donation in return for fee use of the expo center for the annual celebration of Seagrove potters and the NC Department of Commerce has been the largest contributor so far.

The new multi-use facility, once fully completed, will include over 28,000 square feet of event space — the largest of its kind in Randolph County. Features include the 7,640-square-foot exhibit space for potters, the Wavie M. Presnell Convention Center Hall A, and room for up to four indoor pickleball courts and winter sports training.

“We're excited about the multi-use of the cannery,” said Mayor Fernandez. “It’s not just events — it’s art exhibitions, conventions, and indoor sports. All that we are very excited about.”

During a soft opening in November 2024, the cannery hosted the 17th annual Celebration of Seagrove Area Potters, with over 200 attendees, a gala auction, and collaborative art displays. Tourism data shared at the meeting showed that through 2024, events in and around the cannery have already drawn more than 14,500 visitors, a number that town leaders hope will grow as more of the facility becomes accessible.

Final renovations are expected to be completed by later this year.