Downtown News
A Little Birdie Told Me
A little birdie toldme that Anderson is a great place to live, work, and play! Carolina Wrens: A Bird's Eye View of Downtown Anderson is a special installation of bronze wren sculptures throughout Downtown. These intriguing sculptures were brought Downtown by the group "TBA" and were designed by artist Zan Wells. Taking a stroll down Main Street-- a unique "bird watching" experience. Click on here for clues to the locations of the 22 Carolina Wrens.
 EC Playhouse Fundraiser for Upstate Marines
With all branches of the military represented, a packed house for Showtime at First Baptist helped the Electric City Playhouse’s December 17th performance raise $1,450 for the Upstate Marine Corps League Detachment #1106. The Upstate Marines Detachment #1106, located in Anderson, SC, was chartered in 2002 and currently has more than 60 members who live in the Upstate and Northeast GA. It is the first local branch to be established in the Upstate area to serve Anderson County. This is the second year in a row that the Electric City Playhouse donated show proceeds to the Marines.
By representing their diverse talents and commitment to Anderson, the Showtime at First Baptist fundraiser and the Clay Ross 9th Annual Reunion Show were a perfect culmination of the Electric City Playhouse’s 25th Anniversary Year in the community. Throughout all of those years, ECP has continually given back to Anderson and the surrounding areas by providing a variety of entertaining, quality theatre experiences to a diverse audience, and has partnered with other community organizations to promote growth, outreach, and education of the arts.
Pictured is Dave Morrissey of the Upstate Marines presenting a gift of gratitude to Sabrina Robinson. Also pictured from left to right are Paula Doolittle, Tracy Furlong, Rachel Gunby and Jimmy Burdette.
Downtown Development Commission Vacancy: Downtown Resident
We have a vacancy on the Downtown Development Commission in the category of downtown resident. The composition, purpose and meeting date are listed in the attachments.
If you are interested or know of anyone please fill out our application form that can be used for any Board, Commission or Committee found on our website, www.CityofAndersonSC.com. We will be accepting applications until 2/15/10; City Council will approve the committee member nomination in March 2010.
Former Belk Site
Request for Qualifications were received in January, 2007 and David Agnew, Civic Square, was selected as the developer for this site. After intense study and analysis, David presented a proposed 50-room, high-quality hotel with a 5,000-sq-ft. meeting facility, restaurant, and retail spaces. In April 2008, City Council voted to support this concept and David Agnew proceeded with a more formal plan of implementation. In early 2009 David Agnew accepted a job in Washington, D.C. as an advocate for municipalities.
The City of Anderson remains committed to the redevelopment of the former Belk site in Downtown Anderson. The time and efforts spent by David Agnew (Civic Square) and his team produced viable concepts of how this urban site can be redeveloped. These efforts also produced a vital and dedicated level of community interest showing support for a phased mixed use development. Most importantly, the thought process involved in redeveloping this acre plus urban site resulted in ideas that advance the whole downtown with uses:
having a sensitivity to our civic presence
exhibiting an awareness of our historic character and structures
designed to create and advance a 24 hour vibrancy
intended to stimulate additional private sector investment
The City may choose to issue new "Requests for Qualifications" being cognizant of the economy and timing of this market opportunity.
Parking Garage Construction Update 9/3/09
The construction of the 250 space garage and 11,000 sq ft of retail space which began in early 2008 has been completed. The Parking Garage structure has certainly changed the landscape of Downtown and is a major development in furthering our Downtown revitalization efforts.
Parking is free after 5 pm and on weekends. The parking meter system for the garage will be pay by space stations; not individual space meters. There will be 8 pay by space stations with 2 on each floor at the access points. The daily rate is $.50 an hour; you may pay at any pay stations. The pay stations will accept coins, tokens, debit cards, and credit cards.
The pay stations are user friendly and will guide you on how to pay for parking much like an ATM or paying for goods with a debit or credit card at a store.
Instructions are listed on the pay station and are as follows:
Coin or Token Payment
1. Select your space number.
2. Insert coins or tokens for desired time.
MasterCard or Visa Payment
1. Select your space number.
2. Press OK.
3. Use up and down arrow for desired time and payment.
4. Press OK to confirm.
5. Insert and remove card as shown.
Note: No receipts are given. MasterCard and Visa transactions will appear on statement. At any time you want to know how much time is left select your space number.
"Best of Be"
The 2009 Best of Be Readers' Choice Awards results are in! "Be" is the entertainment supplement to the Anderson Independent-Mail newspaper, and the annual awards are for the best businesses and restaurants in the Upstate of South Carolina. Thanks for your consideration of Downtown businesses – TEN of Downtown Anderson's businesses/events took home wins in TWELVE categories. Congratulations to:
- Best Antiques: Avenue of Oaks
- Best Bar: McGee's Irish Pub
- Best Beer Selection: McGee's Irish Pub
- Best Burger: Matty's Downtown
- Best Car Wash: Perx Car Wash
- Best Casual Dining: Matty's Downtown
- Best Cocktail Selection: Halfway to Habana 2
- Best Festival: Greek Festival
- Best Furniture Store: Hampton Furniture
- Best Jewelry Store: Phil Jewelers
- Best Place for Live Music: Burgundy Blues Jazz Club
- Best Sandwich: Main Street Deli
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