HARTSVILLE, S.C. (WBTW) – Construction along East College Avenue is coming to an end and business owners along the street have already seen an increase in business.
New and old businesses on East College Avenue will soon have a new road, parking lot, and wider sidewalks.
Hartsville City Manager, Natalie Ziegler said businesses along the road were the hardest hit during the 6 months of construction.
Zeigler explained, “I know it’s been tough for the businesses. They complained for years, ever since I’ve been here that they wanted this road repaved but when we started the work. I know it was a little tough on them.”
Owner of Vintage Beer and Wine on East College Ave., Cal Wheeler said before construction the road was very uneven but now that construction is almost finished business is improving.
Wheeler said, “It’s already bringing in more and better business.”
“It’s very exciting. I see nothing but good things on the way,” Wheeler adds.
The revamped road will link Coker College to Downtown Hartsville.
Executive Vice President, Tony Floyd said students and faculty like how close restaurants are to campus.
Floyd said, “The ability to be able to walk one block and be in a thriving community is exciting to the students”
“It’s been a long time coming but it’s been wonderful to see the excitement and the unity in town,” Floyd adds.
In the next two weeks, the street will have an archway and overhead lights installed marking an end to the road construction.
Zeigler said, “This road will be the best street in town!”
City officials say they plan to have an opening block party to celebrate the new additions and upgrades to the street.
