Downtown – Florence, South Carolina (2023)
We drove from New Jersey for a chance to see one of the three Great American Main Street Award winners for that year. My colleague Hannah Davis joined me to give a tour of Florence to me and my two kids who were travelling with me.
Right away we were struck by the presence of large institutions like this one, and a relatively unutilized green space in the heart of the downtown. This seemed to be screaming out for movable seating.
We observed many handsome buildings that had been lovingly restored. There were also several in need of restoration still, showing how the work was far from finished in Florence.
The Loft is a downtown bar and grill. Adjacent storefronts showed the potential on this block for the right business.
This blade sign for Cru Wine & Tap was effective with the use of a corkscrew to “show me” rather than “tell me” what the business is all about. Placement of the blade sign over the entrance helped to direct traffic to the front door of the business.
This custom metal and glass installation really enlivened an otherwise vacant location. It achieved “re-forming” by reconstituting the sidewalk wall where a building previously stood as evident by the ghost lines on the brick wall to the side.
In another area large-scale public art brought an unexpected element. This piece, “Big Bleu Birdnanna” by Mike and Patz Fowle was commissioned in 2013 by the Rediscover Downtown Florence membership support and the City of Florence.
This plaza with a water feature also had some seating beneath sunshades nearby. Such an amenity clearly appeals to families with kids, though also shows how well cared for public spaces are in Florence.
Birds Nest with their rolltop door and murals on either side wall of the recessed storefront created a cozy nook for people to enjoy a drink and to socialize. This further served to activate the street making this look like an exciting part of town to be at because of the presence of people having a good time.
Street crossings were both accessible and also functional with the street name inscribed in the ramp. The use of different materials (brick and stone) guided the pedestrian along a specified pathway.
One of the handsomest corners was here with a metal fountain, stone and brick detailing, and tasteful plantings. The use of metalwork in downtown Florence is a defining feature. Successfully restored buildings framed this space nicely, showing how private and public investment can work together well.
This pedestrian passageway provides convenience and some style with the pavers in herringbone pattern. Window inserts opening to the space connect the private indoor spaces with the public space that people pass by on.
This Black owned business and the public art on the side wall helped to identify this as an important part of town. Memorably as we passed by this was one of the only places where an owner of the business greeted us with a friendly hand wave from across the street.
New infill development in the form of this hotel, fits in with using materials consistent with older buildings, while also having a distinctive profile that stands out.
At this point Hannah had to continue on with her day, but we did catch a quick picture before saying goodbye. Two-thirds of the GAMSA-award winning directors in the country for 2023 are pictured here.
The boys and I went to Lula’s Coffee Co to get some rest and to rehydrate.
Inside I was impressed by their organization of the space and some of the features that were playful with the architecture. Never before have I seen artwork suspended from the ceiling, though somehow it worked. There was also a skylight with mosaic that I liked a lot.
One last picture before we left was of the Medical Education Complex of Francis Marion University. In a stylish Beaux Arts building, the rustication on ground floor, pediments over the upper story windows, and porthole windows in the roof gave a solidity and dignity to this corner. Overall I left with a very favorable impression of Florence and was happy to have had an opportunity to visit.