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Prosper in Downtown
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Public and private investment continues to be strong as the revitalization of downtown moves forward. With vacant properties redeveloped and renewed, new development planned, and public amenities expanded, now is a great time to invest. With wide sidewalks, public artwork, premium landscaping, and dedicated maintenance, downtown is the place customers will enjoy and business can thrive.
Downtown is easy to access only 3 miles from Interstate 77 via Dave Lyle Boulevard (exit 79). Once here, enjoy plenty of free, convenient parking and hop online using the free downtown Wi-Fi service around Main Street and City Hall.
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Succeed in Business
With underserved neighborhoods (lacking sufficient retail, entertainment, and restaurant choices) surrounding downtown and a very healthy workforce population (employees in downtown between 8 am and 6 pm daily), there are strong opportunities to launch a successful business in downtown. Please review the following data demonstrating the strength of the downtown market:
Investment in Downtown
The Citizen - $1 million, redevelopment of this historic building offering 4 levels for office space and two levels for dining and entertainment.
Rock Hill Cotton Factory: $11million redevelopment, 100,000 sq. ft. of office and retail space; home to 200+ new employees at Williams & Fudge, Inc.
West Main Townhomes: $2 million in new residential construction.
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Downtown Incentives
To help business grow in Downtown Rock Hill, the following incentives may be appropriate for new business investment:
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Jumpstart Main Street Program: The City of Rock Hill may provide a grant for 50% of the cost (subject to eligibility, funding limits, and other policies) of marketing and advertising expenses for eligible retail and restaurant businesses. See Jumpstart Main Street Program Application (pdf 91.3 KB) for details.
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Tax-Increment Financing (TIF): For larger redevelopment projects and other public improvements, TIF funds may be used to leverage private investment by supporting the cost of public infrastructure.
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Tax credits: Where appropriate, the City of Rock Hill will work with developers to access tax credits associated with historic buildings, the use of former textile industry buildings, affordable housing, and investment in low-to-moderate income census tracts.
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Development Projects
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TownCenter Site
In January 2008, the City of Rock Hill issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking development interest in two City-owned parcels located at the intersection of East Main Street and Dave Lyle Boulevard. The parcels are referred to the TownCenter Sites. Site 1 measures approximately 0.9 acre and it is adjacent to the Black Street Parking Deck. Site 2 measures approximately 1.9 acres and it is situated along Dave Lyle Boulevard between East Main Street and East White Street.
Four (4) proposals were received in March 2008. After learning more about all of the interested developers and their proposals for both sites through interviews, the City of Rock Hill removed Site 2 from active discussions. Opportunities related to a confidential anchor project are being explored with one developer for Site 2. On Site 1, the field of interested developers has been reduced to two (2). Currently, the City of Rock Hill is holding further discussions with these two developers to receive more detailed information about the project timelines and financial commitments associated with these two development proposals. A selection of a designated developer for Site 1 is expected this fall. Mixed-use (residential, office, and retail/restaurant uses are being considering.
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Umbrella Market
An important component of the White Street Development Plan approved by City Council last year is the creation of an outdoor market area and additional retail/restaurant space on Caldwell Street. Dubbed the "Umbrella Market", an area currently utilized for parking and as an entrance/exit way into the White Street Parking Lot will be improved with various landscaping and sidewalk upgrades, along with umbrellas or canopies to encourage temporary retail sales and gatherings. The City of Rock Hill has committed tax-increment financing funds to the project. A key portion of this project also involves the redevelopment of the buildings located at 111 Caldwell Street and 121-123 Caldwell Street. The buildings will be sub-divided into three or four retail/restaurant spaces facing the Umbrella Market. The City is working with these two property owners to develop and distribute a project marketing package in an effort to secure tenants in the soon to be reconfigured buildings.
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Support for Existing Businesses
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Shop. Dine. & Unwind.
There are a multitude of retail, restaurant, office, arts, and public facilities to experience. Retailers like Overhead Station (fine gifts) and Old Town Outfitters (outdoor sports gear) provide a diverse array of quality products. Those in need of a meal or just a cold beverage can stop at one of six downtown restaurants including Thi's Place on Main (authentic Vietnamese cuisine), McHale’s, or Old Town Bistro. Numerous legal, accounting, insurance, banking offices make downtown the place for professional services. The Arts Council of York County, Gallery Up! , and the Dalton Gallery lead the way to celebrate the arts in our community. Rock Hill City Hall and the public library represent the public buildings located in downtown. |
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Sidewalk Dining
Several Downtown Rock Hill restaurants have now made available sidewalk dining for their customers, offering another reason to dine and relax in the heart of Old Town. In August 2007, the City of Rock Hill approved a Sidewalk Dining Ordinance permitting restaurants to place tables, chairs, and related items on City sidewalks, on patios, and in plaza areas. A process and standards have been created to ensure easy pedestrian movement and attractive settings. Old Town Bistro and McHale's on Main are already offering this enjoyable dining option. For more information on sidewalk dining in downtown, contact David Lawrence, Downtown Development Manager, at dlawrence@cityofrockhill.com or 803-326-3827.
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