DARLINGTON, SC – The City of Darlington hopes a new Walmart Supercenter will spark downtown revitalization.
However, another piece of revitalization sits just right on the Darlington Square on the corner of Ward and Exchange streets.
Hammond’s Corner is the oldest surviving commercial building in the city.
It’s been vacant for the last 15 years.
The building now has broken windows and a contorted cast iron staircase among other things.
However, previous investors failed to fulfill their promise of renovating Hammond’s Corner.
“Having been burned before you do want protect the city’s investment,” said Lisa Chalian-Rock, Planning Director.
“But that didn’t change the opinion of council to extent that there were no strings attached,” she added.
Last month, the city agreed to hand over the keys to Webstar Properties LLC. for $100.
“We were excited to see that somebody that saw the potential in Darlington that we see. They have a track record, members of that company of revitalizing buildings and properties downtown in Florence. Them having been involved in that process gave us a certain amount of confidence,” Rock explained.
Hammond’s Corner was built around 1859 and will be the home of a new pub and grill restaurant.
“We need to have young energetic investors come to our town and invest in our town,” said Rock.
They are expecting it to be about $300,000 to restore the entire building, as phase one will be to renovate the property.
According to Rock, investors have 180 days to bring plans to the building inspector.
