Revitalizing Uptown Greenwood: Exciting Streetscape Project to Begin Soon
Welcome to Greenwood, a city that’s about to undergo a fantastic transformation! If you’ve ever strolled down Waller Avenue, you know this charming spot with its historic cobblestone streets and tree-lined sidewalks.
Well, hold onto your hats, folks, because starting mid-November, Waller Avenue is getting a massive makeover! This $1.2 million streetscape project, generously funded by a $750,000 Community Development Block Grant and $482,000 from city hospitality tax dollars, will breathe new life into this delightful spot.
What’s in Store for Waller Avenue?
The project aims to replace and restore almost everything you see on Waller Avenue – from new brickwork, sidewalks, and lights to curbs. But that’s not all! There’s a promise of new sitting areas, enhanced walkability, and even some landscaping treats. All these improvements will make the avenue a hotspot for shopping, relaxing, and hanging out!
Who’s Behind the Exciting Revamp?
Greenwood City Council approved this incredible project, making sure no general fund dollars would be used and confirming there would be no tax increase for residents. Mayor Brandon Smith is over the moon about this initiative, highlighting how this hidden gem will become a more pedestrian-friendly area, shining a light on Uptown Greenwood’s fantastic merchants.
City Manager Julie Wilkie also chimed in, stating the City has historically used these funds for city center improvements since 2009. Julie added, “The design includes several decorative elements including a metal arbor and a concrete circle and semi-circle in the street itself. Large power will be installed to offer the city and Uptown the ability to host events in this space.”
The Impact on Local Businesses
For local business owners like Denise Manley, who runs Mary Frances Limited and Sweet Teas Children’s Boutique on Waller Avenue, this project is a dream come true. “I have always felt that Waller Avenue was a hidden gem in Uptown Greenwood. It used to be so popular years and years ago. With the enhancement and driving people over here, it’s going to be a lot more pedestrian-friendly, more seating around available, which will cause people to come and browse and sit and congregate. So I’m excited about it,” Manley said with a big grin.
Denise isn’t just excited for herself but for all small businesses in the area. She believes that efforts like these are crucial for building the local economy and supporting small enterprises. “Anything that communities can do to help build small business and shop local is definitely going to help our local economy and local small businesses. I do believe that small business is the backbone economy,” she added.
Construction Timeline and Details
Get ready, because construction kicks off in mid-November and is slated for completion by March 2025, weather permitting. The city promises to preserve the beautiful existing trees and iconic brickwork that give Waller Avenue its unique character. One tree will be removed, but don’t worry – it’s all for the greater good.
This major facelift will make the avenue more inviting than ever with improved lighting, new curbs, and enhanced landscaping. Plus, there will be more seating areas for you to relax, shop, or just watch the world go by.
Final Thoughts
This ambitious project shows how committed Greenwood is to maintaining its historic charm while enhancing modern amenities. Uptown is on the brink of an exciting transformation, and the community is buzzing with anticipation.
So mark your calendars and keep an eye out for those construction crews. Come March 2025, Greenwood’s Waller Avenue will be the place to be! And hey, maybe we’ll bump into each other while grabbing a coffee and admiring the new streetscape.
Stay tuned, Greenwood – exciting times are just around the corner!
