W.T. Rawleigh Company—The W.T. Rawleigh Company has held a major presence in Freeport’s
downtown since the early 1900s. Producing everything from medical products to spices, inks, shampoos,
and cleaning supplies, Rawleigh distributed these products nationwide through a door-to-door “Rawleigh
Men” sales network.

Economic struggles closed the company in the 1980s—leaving behind five buildings with over 400,000
square feet of empty space. Once a celebrated industrial icon, the Rawleigh Complex quickly became a
vacant set of buildings that posed environmental and financial challenges for rehabilitation.

Redevelopment Progress—The City of Freeport has been actively facilitating reuse of the Rawleigh
Complex and making public improvements since 1999. The City recognizes that the scope of this project
is bigger than a single developer; requiring the community to take an active role. The RCT including
members from local government, economic development, business, and community interests, now
guides implementation.

PROJECT HISTORY