Downtown Florence Main Street has received the prestigious Great American Main Street Award, or GAMSA, presented by Main Street America. GAMSA winners are selected by a national jury of industry professionals and local leaders in the fields of economic development and historic preservation.
For Downtown Florence Main Street, the award recognizes its efforts to create community engagement in the revitalization process through the use of representative leadership and inclusive programming, to develop a strong culture of volunteerism, and support pathways to increased downtown housing, while also championing the preservation of historic community assets. Through initiatives to leverage volunteers, establish partnerships and support catalytic projects, Downtown Florence Main Street has generated more than 100 units of new housing, $300 million in investment, and 80 new businesses.
“The Downtown Florence Main Street team models exemplary revitalization with strong partnerships, visible transformation, and a commitment to historic preservation,” said Jenny Boulware, Main Street South Carolina manager. “Downtown Florence has brought a new level of respect and awareness to the power of the Main Street Approach in South Carolina.”
Florence’s downtown district, eight blocks in size, has emerged as a destination where locals and visitors find local dining, entertainment venues, public art and buildings rich in architectural heritage.
“Being selected as a winner of the 2023 GAMSA is an unbelievable honor, said Hannah Davis, Florence’s Main Street program manager. it’s the once-in-a-lifetime achievement representing the boundless investment, hard work, tenacity, and vision from local investors and partners, small business owners and residents, government officials and leaders, and our statewide Main Street network over the last 20 years — and especially over the last decade. Once described as too far gone to be saved, Downtown Florence has become the place to be, to live and to do business in our region, and we aren’t done yet!”
Learn more about Downtown Florence Main Street and Main Street SC.