The announcement on its own is certainly worth celebrating — 30 buildings in the Florence Downtown Historic District have been listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
According to the announcement, 24 of the buildings “contribute to the historic and architectural character of the district.”
The majority of the district includes the 100 block of North Dargan Street, the west side of the 100 block of South Dargan Street and a portion of the 100 block of West Evans Street.
Through the years, either through neglect, fires or owners who didn’t care, Florence has lost its share of valuable, historic buildings in its downtown.
Also, in hindsight, everybody seems to bemoan the fact that the downtown court house was torn down.
Even though being on the list doesn’t prevent the buildings from being torn down, it makes it more difficult.
Also being on the list makes it possible for the owners to try to get a 20 percent federal historic rehabilitation tax credit and a 10 percent state historic rehabilitation tax credit.
Along with the master plan for downtown, this is just another step in the steady, slow process being made to improve and preserve the city’s downtown area.
As we watch the new Florence Little Theatre near completion and plans proceed for the Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center, we continue to be encouraged about downtown.
And even though it involves “destruction,” we also realize the demolition of the old Heritage Place Motel, is another step forward for downtown.
Cleaning up that site for future development as well as the old House of Louie site at Irby and Palmetto are other pieces of the downtown puzzle falling into place.
There are lots more to go, but we need to continually recognize and celebrate each one and push for more.
Town Meeting
A “Town Meeting” to kickoff a branding and marketing campaign for the city of Florence will be held 6 p.m. Tuesday at Poynor Adult/Community Center in the Caulder Auditorium on Dargan Street.
This meeting, hosted by the Florence Downtown Development Corporation, is part of an effort during the next several months to give the Florence community a chance to help develop a distinctive “brand” or special identity.
In addition to the presentation about the process, there will be an update on recent and upcoming developments taking place in downtown Florence.
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