Uptown Will See Progress In 2007
January 29, 2007
By CHRIS TRAINOR
Index-Journal staff writer
While improvements and renovations to several landmarks in Uptown Greenwood are well under way, the area is set to see even more progress.
With the work on Greenwood Community Theatre nearly completed and the city forging ahead with plans on updates to the Federal Building, Greenwood City Council has given the go-ahead for establishing an overlay design review district Uptown.
The district will include all properties within and adjacent to the Emerald Triangle Arts and Cultural District along Oregon and Maxwell avenues.
The city recently was awarded a S.C. Department of Commerce Opportunity Grant for facade improvements to 26 buildings in the area.
According to a city news release, the design review process’ intent is to ensure alterations, additions, demolitions and new construction will not adversely affect the architectural character in the district.
Greenwood assistant city manager Charlie Barrineau said the city took a close look at architectural characteristics of downtown areas in other Upstate cities.
“We studied Laurens, Newberry, Greenville and Anderson, among others,” Barrineau said.
“Newberry, for example, is very historic in their property guidelines. We wanted to create more balanced language in our review district. It allows for property owners to display a bit more architectural character.”
Barrineau said Furman Architects Inc. of Greenwood developed the district guidelines with the input of the City and County Planning department and property owners within the Emerald Triangle.
Barrineau said the grant the city received allows for about $20,000 for facade improvements for each of the buildings. The property owners of the buildings are responsible for a 10 percent match on the grant.
Another reason for the proposed revitalization in the Maxwell and Oregon Avenue areas is that council wanted to protect recent investments in the Arts Center at the Federal Building and GCT.
Barrineau said streetscape improvements could begin as early as mid- to late March.
At least one property owner along Maxwell Avenue is thrilled about the upcoming improvements.
Photographer Jon Holloway will be opening a large photography studio/gallery, which also will be available for social events.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for Greenwood. It really feels like a sense of rebirth for these streets. It could be like a mini-West End,” Holloway said, referring to the resurgent and wildly popular renovated district in downtown Greenville. “We certainly have a lot of potential.”
Holloway said he is pleased to see many towns, and Greenwood in particular, returning to downtown areas as cultural hubs.
“There is a lot of history in Uptown and where it all started,” Holloway said as he strolled around the still-under-construction studio on Maxwell Wednesday morning. “You won’t see that with a strip mall. When retirees or new business owners look to come into an area, they want to see more than a strip mall.”
Photographer Jon Holloway leans against scaffolding in what will be his new photography studio/gallery on Maxwell Avenue in Greenwood. Holloway's property is one of the 26 buildings that will be affected by the city's new overlay design review district (Photo By Chris Trainor).
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