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
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.
N. Main St, Sharpe St, Federal St, W. Earle St: Now that the paving is finally finished on N. Main St; the only remaining activity for this area is permanent striping of the lanes and parking spaces. This work is scheduled to begin the week of 12/1/08.
E. Benson St (from the alley to the W. Church St parking lot to McDuffie St): The streetscape construction is scheduled to begin the week of 12/1/08; the following activities will take place:
| Activity |
Duration |
| Mobilize, survey and layout |
5 days |
| Demolition of sidewalks and install storm drain on E. Benson St |
10 days |
| Traffic signal relocation |
5 days |
| Demolition, pour curb and patch on S. McDuffie St |
5 days |
| Demolition, pour curb and planter curbs on E. Benson St |
5 days |
| Pour and joint all concrete sidewalks |
5 days |
| Install pavers, lights and landscaping |
5 days |
| Demolition, mill, patch and overlay E. Benson St |
5 days |
This schedule is subject to change due to inclement weather and any unknown conditions/situations that may arise.
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.
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 construction of the approximately 250 space garage has gone smoothly and is on schedule to open in January, 2009. The majority of the major construction activities related to the parking garage have been completed. Items left to finish are installation of the elevator, lighting, signage, striping, fire alarm and security work.
The construction of the 10,000+ sq ft of retail space began in October, 2008 and is scheduled to be complete by the end of March, 2009. The streetscape construction of W. Whitner St, Townsend St and Murray Ave along the side of the garage will take place after major construction activities of the retail space has been completed.
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 stations are networked and will accept coins, tokens, smart cards and credit cards.
"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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