Rock Hill, October 16, 2025
News Summary
Southern Street Development has revealed plans to transform an abandoned storefront in Rock Hill, located at East White Street and South Charlotte Avenue. Acquired for $190,000, the property has remained vacant for five years. Plans include converting part of the space into an office and adding a second floor. The Rock Hill City Council aims to classify the building as abandoned to access state tax credits for restoration. A final vote on this classification is set for October 27, which could pave the way for much-needed revitalization.
Rock Hill
Southern Street Development has announced plans to redevelop an abandoned storefront located at the corner of East White Street and South Charlotte Avenue. The property was purchased for $190,000 in February 2025 and has sat vacant for five years. The windows of the building are either broken or missing, and the interior is in a state of disrepair.
A faded advertisement for the Hallman Petroleum Company, which operated from 1960 to 1964, still marks one side of the brick building. Over the years, it has housed a variety of tenants, including a sewing store, an accountant, various gift shops, a photography studio, and a candy store. The most recent tenant was Sisters Decor, which operated until 2020; after that, city services were cut off and utilities were removed.
The Rock Hill City Council has taken steps to classify the building as abandoned, which would open the door for state income tax credits under the South Carolina’s Abandoned Buildings Restoration Act. On October 13, the council unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance to deem the building abandoned. A final vote on this ordinance is scheduled for October 27.
Since city services were cut off in the summer of 2020, efforts to revitalize the property have gained momentum. The redevelopment plan proposed by Southern Street Development includes transforming a portion of the space into an office on the first floor and adding a second floor with a yet-to-be-determined use. The development team is collaborating with a Nashville developer to ensure cohesive planning with the nearby Sowell’s Meats store.
While preliminary renderings of the redevelopment project have been reviewed, no specific timeline has been established for when the project will commence. The approval for the classification of the building as abandoned will significantly influence the potential for redevelopment funding and incentives.
Background on the Building
The building has an extensive history dating back to 1947, with various businesses contributing to Rock Hill’s local economy over the decades. As the area has evolved, so has the need for revitalization of underused properties like this one. Its poor condition has attracted the attention of local officials who are eager to see it restored and beneficially utilized.
With the potential redevelopment, city officials are hopeful the renewed activity in the area can spark further development in the vicinity, improving not just the storefront but also enhancing the neighborhood’s overall appeal.
Next Steps
The upcoming meeting on October 27 will be crucial in determining the building’s future. If the ordinance is passed, it will mark a significant step towards utilizing state tax incentives for restoring the property, bringing new life to a long-abandoned site in Rock Hill.
FAQ
- What building did Southern Street Development purchase?
- The abandoned storefront located at the corner of East White Street and South Charlotte Avenue.
- How much did Southern Street Development pay for the property?
- The property was purchased for $190,000.
- How long has the building been vacant?
- The property has been vacant for five years.
- What is the history of the building?
- It has housed various tenants since 1947, including a sewing store, an accountant, and Sisters Decor.
- What are the redevelopment plans for the building?
- The redevelopment plan includes an office on the first floor and a second floor with a yet-to-be-determined use.
- When is the final vote on the ordinance to deem the building abandoned?
- The final vote is expected on October 27.
Key Features of the Redevelopment
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $190,000 |
| Vacancy Duration | 5 years |
| Previous Tenants | Sewing store, accountant, Sisters Decor, etc. |
| Redevelopment Plan | Office on first floor, second floor TBD |
| Council Vote Date | October 27 |
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Abandoned Downtown Rock Hill Storefront Redevelopment
- Herald: Business News
- WSOC TV: Rock Hill Development News
- Post and Courier: Rock Hill Guardian Building Redevelopment
- Philly Burbs: New Housing Project
- Wikipedia: Rock Hill, South Carolina
- Google Search: Rock Hill South Carolina redevelopment
- Google Scholar: Rock Hill South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rock Hill
- Google News: Rock Hill SC redevelopment
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
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