Downtown News
Downtown Streetscape
Chandler Construction is working steadily on nearly $3 million of streetscape improvements. These improvements include West Earle Street, North Main Street (between Earle and Tribble Streets), Federal and Sharpe Streets, West Whitner (between Main and Murray) and East Benson Street. This project began in November 2006 with an anticipated 28 month duration (Spring 2009). Constructing a typical, simple block of streetscape is a 6-8 week process. Pardon our progress as we make downtown improvements for all to enjoy.
Update
October 17, 2008
Most recent updates highlighted in red.
Our streetscape plans continue to move forward and significant steps have been made. To the extent possible, the closures are being limited to the minimum area necessary to complete the scope of construction and for the safety of the workers and traveling public.
All businesses will have traffic access to their off-street parking and to their driveways. Off-street parking lots are still accessible. On-street parking will only be affected where construction is occurring.
The below schedule of work and partial closures are designed to provide as much access as possible to businesses in this area. Proper signage and traffic control measures will be in place to facilitate motorist’s travel.
The installation of the crosswalk on W. Earle St at N Main St began on Friday morning, 9/26/08. To facilitate this work W. Earle St was closed west of N. Main St where the work was occurring and W. Earle St re-opened on Tuesday, 10/7/08.
The installation of the crosswalk on W. Orr St at N Main St began on Monday morning, 9/29/08. To facilitate this work W. Orr St was closed at N. Main St where the work was occurring and re-opened on Wednesday, 10/8/08.
The construction of the last two crosswalks – one on Federal at North Main and one on North Main at Federal – are being installed this week. Specifically, the installation of the crosswalk on Main Street at Federal began on Monday, 10/06/08 and is scheduled to re-open on 10/14/08. The installation of the crosswalk on Federal Street at Main began on 10/07/08 and is scheduled to re-open on 10/15/08.
N. Main St. – milling and paving: Demolition of unsuitable subsurface to allow street construction activities has begun today, 10/17/08, between the crosswalk at Tribble St to the crosswalk at the Arts Center; during this construction this area will be closed to traffic.
Milling and paving has begun today 10/17/08 in the area between the crosswalk at the Arts Center and Federal St; this work should only take a couple of days.
On Monday, 10/20/08 milling and paving of areas that do not require demolition between Federal St and Earle St will begin. One lane of travel will remain open while milling and paving is taking place.
Our streetscape plans continue to move forward and significant steps have been made. To the extent possible, the closures are being limited to the minimum area necessary to complete the scope of construction and for the safety of the workers and traveling public.
All businesses will have traffic access to their off-street parking and to their driveways. Off-street parking lots are still accessible. On-street parking will only be affected where construction is occurring.
Signage has been placed to facilitate motorist’s travel in Downtown and to inform them that our businesses are open.
For more info on “where to park” go to www.downtownanderson.com/downloads/parking.pdf.
We all know with progress comes a certain amount of pain but rest assured we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Please pardon the inconvenience while our masterpiece is in progress. We sincerely appreciate your continued patience and understanding.
Please check back often for construction updates.
D.A.S.H. – Downtown Anderson Shuttle
Ride the fare-free Trolley in Downtown Anderson every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, from 6:30-10:00 p.m., beginning July 31, 2008. The Trolley will move continuously throughout Downtown to take you to The Farmer's Market, Arts Center Warehouse, your favorite restaurant, events or any of your favorite destinations in Downtown. Hail the Trolley from one of our parking areas or whenever you see the Trolley.
Belk Site
The City of Anderson feels the redevelopment of the former Belk Site will play a vital role in the continued revitalization of Downtown. In 2007, a real estate development firm called Civic Square, owned by Anderson native David Agnew, was selected by City Council to develop a concept for the Belk 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 requested a more formal plan from Agnew. If the plans are finalized, the hotel could be operational by fall 2010.
Parking Update
We continually assess our parking dynamics to adequately meet the needs of our Downtown Community.
Former Belk’s Parking Lot:
Therefore, you will be seeing changes to the spaces in the former Belk’s parking lot very soon. Reserved spaces will be reduced to 10; therefore providing 28 additional 2 hour and all day spaces for visitors to our Downtown. To facilitate these changes re-striping of the spaces are needed to properly identify their use. This will occur sometime the week of 11/10/08; weather permitting. This work will be conducted in two phases and will require the closure of the area they are re-striping only; therefore partial use of the lot will be available to you at all times.
Church St Parking Lot:
Additionally we are making changes to the Church St Parking lot; therefore providing 20 additional 2 hour parking spaces for our visitors to Downtown. You will have access to this lot while the re-striping is being performed.
Parking Garage Construction
The erection of the precast panels for the parking garage began at the end of June, 2008, and will take approximately 90 days. Site constraints make it impossible to house the precast panels, equipment and the erector on site. To facilitate this phase of the construction the following traffic control measures will take place:
- One lane of Murray Ave will be closed from W. Benson St to Townsend St.
- W. Whitner will be closed west of the exit of Courthouse parking lot.
The exit of the Courthouse parking lot will be used as an entrance. The entrance of the Courthouse parking lot will be used as both an exit and an entrance; when exiting you will be able to turn left only. Appropriate signage will be placed to route traffic as mentioned above. We appreciate your patience and your cooperation during this time. Progress can be painful but we will all enjoy the benefit of the additional parking when construction is complete.
Demolition was completed in December 2007, site clearance in January, and groundbreaking in February, 2008. Construction is underway for the parking deck which is slated to contain between 230-250 spaces. Other facts about the deck include:
- 10,000+ sq. ft. of retail space
- Streetscape improvements to West Whitner Street and Murray Avenue
- McCrory Construction is the design/builder along with design partner MCA Architecture (Greenville) and engineering partner H2L (Greenville)
- Projected completion date: January 2009
- Deck construction cost: about $8 million
Thanks to School District 5 and Anderson County for their support and participation.
"Best of Be"
It's time for the 2008 Best of Be Readers' Choice Awards! "Be" is the entertainment supplement to the Anderson Independent-Mail newspaper, and your voice is needed to let them know which businesses and restaurants are the best in our area. You could win a cash prize of $1,000, $500, or $250 just for filling out a ballot. The Anderson Independent-Mail will accept ballots until October 15, 2008 at 11:59 p.m. Find a ballot in the newspaper or visit www.independentmail.com/bestofbe to fill one out online. We would sincerely appreciate your consideration of our Downtown businesses as you fill out the form. Last year, five categories were won by Downtown Businesses:
- Best Antiques: Avenue of Oaks
- Best Bar/Beer Selection: McGee's Irish Pub
- Best Fine Dining: Sullivan's Metropolitan Grill
- Best Jewelry Store: Phil Jewelers
- Best Lunch: Doo Dah Café
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