Any ideas on Florence Downtown Redevelopment (Columbia, Charleston: city hall, crime, homes)

[Chico020]

I m just kind of curious about this and wondering on some opinions on how Florence should give its downtown a rebirth. If you know for the most part, majority of the dining and shopping is in the Western part of the city near the interstates. I never been to Greenville's downtown but heard its real nice but I think Florence's wants it to be more like a mixture of Columbia and Charleston downtown where they can attract tourist for the historical part of the city but have a urban city feel like Columbia.

[Woodlands]

Good Question.. Florence had one of the most underrated downtowns in the state 's "second tier" cities. It has some good bones.. but just needs some work.. Mcleod Hospital, DHEC, City/County Offices, Florence Darlington Tech in addition to several other banks and private offices have space downtown...which add bodies and it is very walkable.. just unattractive and there is no "there there".

One the up side.. Francis Marion University and the Florence Little Theatre have joined forces to build a performing arts Center on the edge of Downtown along Palmetto and Dargan Streets. The City has also completed a master plan that outlines the vision for the area.

I think given the solid base of university, industries, and other "old money" (ever notice the number of small banks in florence that do not have branches elsewhere in the state) Florence is poised to have a vibrant downtown. I think the problem is the City has sprawled south and west and it has severly impacted downtown. The Florence Civic Center being built out by I-20 was probably the worst decision ever made by the civic leaders. That was clearly an opportunity to bring some synergy downtown.

Whats interesting is when you compare Sumter to Florence..both cities again contrast very well. Sumter is spending a considerable amount of energy and effort revitalizing its downtown and less on the surrounding neighborhoods..Florence is spending a tremendous amount of effort on its surrounding neighborhoods and less on its downtown.. until recently. Sumter has not sprawled as much.. Broad Street development will be limited by the proximity to Shaw as will development along 521 N. The northern and eastern sides of the City lack infrastructure.. and the south side may grow but it too needs additional infrastructure and is separated from the urbanized area by the Pocotaligo Swamp. So Sumter has more incentive to redevelop its downtown to improve the tax base as opposed to Florence which can continue annex and develop up and down I-95 and I-20 and thus away from the Central City and consume new tax dollars generated by each new development...


Florence Downtown Development Current Development Projects

[SCGamecock]

On Sept. 4th, a 26 year old was shot to death with a rifle in downtown Florence. As long as things like this keep happening, there will be no development in downtown Florence except for the projects being funded by the Drs. Bruce and Lee Foundation. Any company seeing the City Council disagreements between Ed Robinson and Mayor Wukela is not going to open a new location in Florence. When the crime and bickering stops, then maybe someone will take downtown redevelopment seriously.

[Woodlands]

The section of downtown Florence known as "THE BLOCK" has historically harbored most of the crime downtown.. It was basically the Dargen Street area just north of the tracks.. though a portion drifted south all the way down to Evans Street. There were several "joints" there that had there share of issues. Many of them are gone now though a few remain. I do not know the particuliars surrounding the shooting that you mentioned, but it would not surprise me if it spilled out of one of the dargan street joints. Like in any redevelopment process.. it is just that a "process" so.. I agree it will only happen over time and as the City works to improve its image.. both in and outside of City Hall..

[wethrowpie]

There is no helping the degenerated area of Florence referred to as 'the Block' by Woodlands, which contains a large area of basic slum/ghetto. I was on Dargan St. the other day, and one of the homes across the street from Southland Nursing center was being raided by at least 30 heavily armed policemen. I don't see Florence doing anything but a long slow slide into similar conditions elsewhere.

[FMUPatriot]

If the City of Florence tries to mirror the development patterns of Columbia or Charleston, they will fail. Florence isnt even on the same level as those cities in a population aspect. Florence is not big enough to think like a Columbia. The development patterns should be greatly focused on the downtown revitalization. Have the development themes encompus the attributes that the city offers such as a "smaller city" atmosphere,and in ways even a "college town" atmosphere with Francis Marion University easily serving as one of the largest economic beneficiaries to the community. This type of growth will improve the quality of life in Florence, NOT this "big city" mindset. You cant grow out until you grow up.

[Woodlands]

Yeah... Florence was pushing downtown housing at one time...similiar to what most of the bigger cities in the state were doing. I dont think its going to happen any time soon..current housing market not withstanding. If FMU had a major branch of the school downtown.. maybe.. but that is not likely to happen either given the amount of land the school has to develop at the leisure. When they were talking about building the new nursing school/building.. They could have come downtown to be near McCleod and possibly created some synergy.. but I cant blame the school for placing it on the main campus for a variety of reasons.

The other issue is that if Florence gets labeled as the most "dangerous city" under 50,000 along with cities like Peterburg, VA, Chester, PA and whomever else.. its not going to make FMU embrace an already estranged relationship with the City for obvious reasons. Most parents would want their child going to school in a "little South Central and may choose other schools.

I had to throw in the "little South Central"...Years ago I was riding through "the Block" and made a U turn in a parking lot and remember seeing some graffiti scribbled on the wall that said something to the effect of "Welcome to Little South Central". THis is back when Boys N the Hood was out. The "S" and the "C" were more pronounced presumably to emphasize SC in South Carolina. I remember thinking who the F*ck would write and be proud of their neighborhood being compared to that neighborhood???? Must be a Florence wanna be

[Chico020]

I wasn't trying to compare Florence to Columbia or Charleston. Trust me, I know Florence isn't no where near that level as a city but its also not comparable to Sumter, Orangeburg, or Greenwood either. The downtown is a sketchy area, I do agree on that but the city and the citizens of people in Florence has to step up and change that rep about downtown. Hopefully, we can stop having so many conservative people as leaders of the city and find people who wants to see change immediately.

[gvillesc]

Originally Posted by Chico020

I m just kind of curious about this and wondering on some opinions on how Florence should give its downtown a rebirth. If you know for the most part, majority of the dining and shopping is in the Western part of the city near the interstates. I never been to Greenville's downtown but heard its real nice but I think Florence's wants it to be more like a mixture of Columbia and Charleston downtown where they can attract tourist for the historical part of the city but have a urban city feel like Columbia.

I understand what you're saying. You're not comparing to Columbia and Charleston, but asking for ways in which to follow in their successes. It makes sense. Since no one from Columbia or Charleston has offered help, I'll offer some from Greenville.

Public-private partnership in Greenville has constantly pushed the edges of downtown's activity further. Another HUGE aspect for Greenville is the pedestrian. Sidewalks, retail/restaurant space at street level, and public art all engage and encourage people to walk. Free parking is an important aspect, too. Additionally, well organized public events help.

And, just to emphasize, we're not talking about comparing Greenville and Florence. However, these building blocks that I've mentioned are things that can be implemented at a ANY scale in ANY city as the foundations for a successful urban environment. Just some ideas that have a proven track record when done correctly...

PS- you should come check out Greenville's downtown. You won't be disappointed.

[Hardbody1991]

aye wats that building theyre building by poynor????