Waxing Revitalization

Every now and then when any of you doubt the potential of what the City of Florence, Downtown Development Corporation Inc. and other private groups are doing to revitalize Downtown Florence, take a trip to Greenville.
It's a nice trip and it's also invigorating because a little more than 15 years ago (a speck in a star's age) it was where we are now.
In the 1960s, Greenville's downtown fell into destitution as many of their residents moved to the suburbs. Their buildings were in a decrepit state and their downtown area was more like something out of T.S. Eliot's "The Wasteland" than an urban paradise with thriving business and arts cultures.
Go down there this weekend, if you're feeling a bit skeptical of the downtown revitalization, and try to imagine the streets you're walking through as that decrepit wasteland.
It's very, very difficult because everything fell into place according to a masterplan drawn up in the early '80s.
Greenville established an economic base from which to work from. That economic base funded with anchors attracting foot traffic, which in turn attracted businesses interested in the increased foot traffic (aka, in-fill) and the in-fill kept building. And with greater in-fill came more anchors. And back and forth, back and forth. The gift that keeps on giving.
Now there's the BI-LO Center and The Peace Center for the Performing Arts, several arts galleries and centers.
Go to Falls Park and sit for a while.
It's really nice.
Enjoy the Upstate Shakespeare Festival while you're there.
We have the potential for all of these in Florence (PAC....Florence Civic Center...Timrod Park...FLT).
It is possible and it's worked before for a region much larger than ours.
So, if you're ever doubting the potential of a Downtown Florence revitalization, take a drive through Greenville.
It's a nice place.

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