24-04-2025
Pelzer plans to restore historic community building
PELZER, S.C. (WSPA) – An Upstate town is trying to preserve one of the last few historic buildings, with hopes to turn it into a space for families.
Built nearly two centuries ago, the Pelzer Community Building is filled to the brim with history.
'This [area] was originally constructed as an open air skating rink — if you can believe that. The Victorians loved to skate,' said Will Ragland, the mayor of Pelzer. 'It used to be green, so all of this trim work might return to that original color.'
The goal is to bring the building back to its roots.
'To pursue historic tax credits in the process, which is going to be great for the town of Pelzer, because we do not have property taxes here in town,' Ragland added. 'So with those historic tax credits, up to 45% of our investment can come back to the town.'
When finished, the building could accommodate 500 people.
Ragland hopes the community is excited about having a restored space to rent for events.
'All of these windows are coming back. We are looking to see what colors they might have used back then. We've uncovered some, some green in there. That'll be fun to see. We're also adding another addition to the left here, which will house a new kitchen, storage space, and brand new restrooms,' Ragland continued. 'It's going to be a giant open room with very tall windows and lots of natural light.'
The building, located at 3-5 Park St, is one of the last original pieces of Pelzer.
'Many of our beautiful old buildings were torn down over the years,' Ragland said. 'The town owns three historic assets that we're trying to save and restore, and this is one of them.'
Construction is expected to start in the summer and will be completed no later than December 2026. American Rescue Plan Act funding is financing the buidling restoration.
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