Pathfinder Village Builds Community Center

Pathfinder Village announced construction is underway on The Farmstead Market and Community Center.

The $5.5 million project that will increase healthy food access for families in the Northern Unadilla River Valley, create job training opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities, and serve as a lively new venue for community events and outdoor recreation.

The project is expected to be completed in Fall 2026.

The project repurposes a historic farmstead at the Village and will serve as the new home of Pathfinder’s Adult Day Services pre-vocational programs and the Pathfinder Produce microbusiness, which has offered sales of fresh produce to area customers since 2013.

The Farmstead Market and Community Center will allow the expansion of store hours from two to five days each week and will add to the varieties of produce and grocery staples for sale.

The store will feature locally sourced foods, items from local artisans, and merchandise from entrepreneurs with disabilities.

The Market will include a culinary arts training kitchen that will serve grab-and-go items, such as sandwiches, soups and salads.

A culinary arts and food service curriculum is offered through the Village’s Career-Specific Vocational Training program, which features 12- weeks of focused instruction, hands-on training, and employment supports as part of an ongoing partnership with the state’s Office for People with Developmental Disabilities.

The project received a $1.8 million construction grant from the Empire State Development Corporation in support of the state’s employment, economic development, and carbon reduction goals.

The 5,700 sq. ft. facility will incorporate energy savings and healthy air quality strategies to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards, a global rating system that provides a framework for design, construction, operations, and maintenance of high- performance green buildings.

A glass curtain wall in The Farmstead’s large gathering space will maximize solar gain and will be dedicated in memory of New York State Senator James Seward, Milford, who served on the Board of Directors from 1978 until his death in 2024.

The new facility will also include flexible training and event spaces for workshops, classes, and gatherings; a community outdoor games space; a pickleball court, and a meadow with walking paths ...