By Jenny Boulware, Main Street South Carolina Manager
Each time I explore a historic Main Street commercial district — whether framed by 1920s brick storefronts, marked by mid-century charm, nestled beside railroad tracks or shaded by century-old trees — I’m reminded that historic preservation isn’t just about buildings. It’s about pride, people and purpose.
In South Carolina, restoring our downtowns is an investment in our future. When a community chooses to preserve its historic core, it sends a powerful message: this place matters. It matters to small business owners, longtime residents, first-time visitors — and most of all, to the next generation.
More Than Bricks and Mortar
Across the state, many cities and towns are turning vacant storefronts into thriving businesses, uncovering hidden beauty and transforming forgotten upper floors into residences and offices. These efforts go beyond physical construction — they build community.
Historic preservation connects us. A strong downtown gives people a place to gather, a reason to stay, and something to be proud of. It fuels local investment, supports entrepreneurs, creates jobs and pays homage to a community’s evolution.
The Whistle Stop Cottage, built in 1895 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places,
has been restored and managed by Main Street Laurens volunteers. It features a full kitchen,
cozy living areas, in-unit laundry and on-site parking — perfect for visitors enjoying
downtown events, shopping or a getaway. It was a major undertaking for a nonprofit
downtown revitalization organization; acquiring and saving a structure to address overnight lodging needs.
Getting Started: Tools and Resources
Preservation can feel overwhelming at first, and you may have no idea where to start. The good news: you are not alone. There are proven tools, helpful partners, and neighboring communities eager to share their experiences.
Tap Into Incentives and Tax Credits
One of the underutilized tools is historic preservation tax credits, state incentives like the Bailey Bill and local incentives. Each can dramatically reduce the cost of rehabilitating historic properties — making revitalization more attainable. You can explore the Main Street South Carolina Economic Incentive Toolkit here.
See Preservation in Action
Looking for inspiration? Take a field trip. Visit nearby towns that have hosted preservation workshops, repurposed upper floors and tackled vacant storefronts. Whether it’s a post office turned arts center or a coffee shop in a former bank, real life examples spark ideas to adapt and apply locally.
Lean on Partners
You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Tap into resources from the SC Department of Archives & History, the National Park Service, Main Street America, and others offering grants, trainings and technical assistance to guide your efforts.
Learn From Fellow Doers and Dreamers
South Carolina’s Main Street network is powered by passionate local programs committed to building stronger, more vibrant communities. We celebrate each other’s wins and learn through peer-to-peer exchanges. When one community succeeds, we all move forward.
Main Street Georgetown has worked to wrap electrical transformers in its downtown
with art to celebrate local history. It also uses artwork as vinyl clings on the widows of
vacant downtown storefronts. Photo: Main Street Georgetown.
Harnessing the Power of Place
This year’s National Historic Preservation Month theme — Harnessing the Power of Place — reminds us that preservation anchors our state’s identity and unlocks our potential. Purposeful preservation honors South Carolina’s past and shapes our future.
Simple Ways to Preserve Your Downtown Today
You don’t need a big budget to make a big impact. Start with one of these fun and meaningful activities:
- Document your district. Take current photos, compare them to historic photographs and learn more about your town’s architectural history.
- Conduct regular, annual maintenance. Small acts like removing debris, minimizing window clutter or cleaning gutters help extend the life and vibrancy of historic buildings.
- Volunteer locally. Support local Main Street committees by helping document the district’s history and assisting with cleanup days downtown.
- Share your stories. Talk with longtime locals, visit your library and celebrate legacy businesses with family and friends.
Each of these simple steps builds awareness, stewardship and community pride.
In Greenwood, where the Main Street district is known as Uptown Greenwood, the
program’s board regularly monitors engagement- and preservation-related opportunities.
Each week, take time to stroll downtown. Look up. Look around. Look ahead. Believe in the potential of your place — and in the people working to make it stronger every day.
Learn more about Main Street South Carolina and explore upcoming training sessions here.