News Summary
Florence, South Carolina, is on the brink of transformation with several new developments aimed at revitalizing its downtown area. A new four-story parking deck has recently opened, serving as the initial phase of the Urban Square project. Additionally, the upcoming Sarah retail center and townhome development promises to add vibrancy to the district. Ongoing construction projects aim to enhance educational and healthcare facilities, while plans for a new hotel and office space are also in the works. These initiatives signify an exciting future for the community.
Florence, SC: Exciting Developments and Expansions Coming to Downtown!
Florence, South Carolina, is buzzing with new developments that are set to enhance its vibrant downtown area! Residents and visitors can look forward to more than just pretty streets—the city is rolling up its sleeves and getting ready for some serious growth.
A New Parking Deck is Here!
First up, on West Evans Street, the city has just completed a snazzy four-story parking deck that will be opening its doors to the public very soon. This parking deck serves as the first component of the ambitious Urban Square project, which aims to give the downtown area a fresh and modern feel. Gone are the days of struggling to find parking when visiting local shops and eateries!
The Sarah: A Retail Haven and Cozy Townhomes
But that’s not all, folks! Site preparation is underway for an exciting new venture called The Sarah. This $4 million retail center and townhome development on East NB Baroody Street is shaping up to be a major attraction. The project will consist of three buildings: one three-story commercial space and two adorable two-story townhomes. When it’s all said and done, The Sarah will have a total square footage of 26,000 and feature townhomes with three bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms. Perfect for families or anyone looking for a cozy spot in the heart of the city!
Education and Healthcare Projects Progressing
Meanwhile, construction is buzzing along at the Floyd Medical Education Consortium Building at the west end of Cheves Street. This is a big project aimed at improving educational facilities in the health sector, with completion expected in 2026. The city also has its sights set on constructing the Urban Square apartments, which are slated to start in the spring of 2025. To accompany all this growth, a new hotel will be breaking ground on the block of West Evans, Coit, and McQueen Streets, with a goal to kick-start construction by the summer of 2026. This hotel promises to add a touch of comfort for visitors, further enhancing Florence’s appeal.
Future Plans on the Horizon
As the city gears up for these exciting changes, they are also laying out plans for a 30,000 square-foot office space, which is expected to be in construction by 2027. The overarching goal is to transform downtown Florence into a bustling hub of activity and community. Residents can also look forward to beautification projects on South Dargan Street—although these have been put on hold until renovations to the Poynor Building wrap up in early 2026.
Enhancing Downtown Access
The Florence Downtown Development Corporation has been working tirelessly for over 20 years to improve the historic downtown district, leading to an exciting array of new restaurants and businesses. They are now turning their attention to gateways and corridors that lead into the area, ensuring that anyone coming in gets to experience the charm and energy of the district right away. Streetscape improvements are set to begin soon on North Dargan Street, focusing on enhancing parking and pedestrian safety. Additionally, a market study is in the works to determine the best businesses for the Irby Street corridor and Cheves Street, with results expected to be announced in March 2025.
The Big Picture
Florence is not just stopping at commercial and educational developments. The city’s ultimate goal is to add 1,000 residential units to downtown over the next ten years. With all these initiatives in motion, the downtown area is on the brink of a vibrant transformation, making it an even more attractive place to live, work, and play.
As Florence forges ahead with these major developments, the community can expect a more lively urban experience, filled with dining, shopping, and living opportunities!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Charlotte Leads Change in Healthcare Leadership Model
Governor Upholds Mayor’s Position Amid Corruption Claims
Florence Homebuyers Face Challenges Amid Housing Inventory Surge
Networking Event at South Carolina Aquarium
Florence Regional Airport Launches Electric Aircraft Charging Station
North Charleston Man Faces Serious Criminal Charges
End of an Era: Seibels Bruce & Company Closes in Columbia
New Housing Developments Approved in Florence
South Carolina’s Tourism Sector Experiences Significant Growth
Panda Express to Open in Florence, SC
Additional Resources
- Charleston Business: $66M Distribution Facility in Florence County
- Wikipedia: Florence, South Carolina
- Ground Break Carolinas: Cheney Brothers Cold Distribution Facility
- Google Search: Florence SC construction updates
- Food Manufacturing: Cheney Brothers South Carolina Hub
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Florence
- Global Mining Review: Taseko Construction Update on Florence Copper Project
- Google News: Florence development projects
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
