News Summary
The historic Tom S. Gettys Center in Rock Hill is closing after 40 years, due to high maintenance costs. Local artists and organizations are scrambling to find new spaces as community members express concern over the cultural impact of this decision.
Rock Hill Faces Tough Choices as Tom S. Gettys Center Closes Its Doors
Rock Hill, a charming city known for its vibrant arts scene, is gearing up for some significant changes as it prepares to close the historic Tom S. Gettys Center. After a remarkable 40 years of serving as a creative hub, the city has decided to end its lease with the center due to soaring maintenance costs that have become increasingly burdensome.
A Shocking Decision
On February 28, the Arts Council of York County delivered the unsettling news to its tenants through an email announcement. It’s set in stone: artists and organizations must vacate the building by August 31. This decision comes as Mayor John Gettys has indicated that maintaining the aging structure has turned into a considerable “drain” on the city’s resources.
What’s Wrong with the Building?
So, what’s causing all this fuss? The city estimates that the Gettys Center needs around $3.2 million for crucial long-term maintenance projects. Repairing the roof, not to mention upgrades to the elevator, electrical systems, and plumbing, are all on the to-do list. With the building previously yielding only $1,200 in annual rent against annual maintenance costs of about $62,000, the math simply isn’t working out.
The Heart of Rock Hill’s Arts Scene
Located in the heart of downtown Rock Hill, the Gettys Center has long been a meeting place for creativity and community. It houses nine local artist studios, three nonprofit organizations, and a few small business ventures led by artists. The building also plays host to numerous concerts, theater productions, and various community events that often come at little to no cost. It’s hard not to feel the pulse of creativity that has thrived in this space.
Community Up in Arms
No Clear Alternatives
The situation is precarious, as no alternative space has been identified for the Arts Council or the artists currently enjoying the Gettys Center. The city recently put the building up for sale at an asking price of $2.26 million, hoping to attract interested buyers in the market.
A Historic Building with a Rich Past
What makes this closure even more poignant is the historical significance of the Gettys Center. Originally constructed in 1931, it has served as both a courthouse and a post office and is even listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It has been a cornerstone of Rock Hill’s identity for decades.
Looking Ahead
City officials are quick to state that changing the building’s use does not equate to the end of the arts in Rock Hill. There’s talk of interest from potential buyers, yet the existing arts community is clamoring for the opportunity to match any offers made for the beloved center.
What’s Next?
As the clock ticks down towards that August deadline, discussions about the future of the arts in Rock Hill are heating up. The community is gathering to explore what is next for their local talent and shared space. The insights and emotions surrounding this transition reveal just how much the Gettys Center means to the heart and soul of Rock Hill. Will these local artists find a way to keep their creative community alive? Only time will tell.
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Additional Resources
- The Herald: Rock Hill Faces Tough Choices as Tom S. Gettys Center Closes Its Doors
- WCNC: Rock Hill Artists May Lose Building
- WSOCTV: Rock Hill Artists Fear Loss Studios After City Puts Gettys Center Up for Sale
- WBTV: Community Rallies Behind Family After Deadly Rock Hill Smoke Shop Shooting
- The Herald: Community’s Reaction to Gettys Center’s Closure
- Wikipedia: Arts in the United States
- Google Search: Rock Hill Gettys Center
- Google Scholar: Rock Hill arts community
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Arts
- Google News: Rock Hill art scene
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
The ROCK HILL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERockHill.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Rock Hill, York 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 Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill Arts Festival, and motorsport events at the Rock Hill Velodrome. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Culture & Heritage Museums, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and technology that power the local economy such as 3D Systems and Comporium. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
