Municipal Parking Lot - City of Orangeburg and the Downtown Orangeburg Revitalization Association

Nominated by Downtown Orangeburg Revitalization Association

Accessible and convenient parking is a critical component for the success of downtown businesses. Because they want to park directly in front of the store they want to visit, many shoppers find parking on Main Street is a frustrating experience.

Downtown Orangeburg Revitalization Association and the City of Orangeburg tackled this challenge head on. They set out to create off-street, public parking convenient to both shoppers and patrons of the nearby Stevenson Auditorium.

The area identified for the parking lot was comprised of numerous land parcels with separate property owners. DORA purchased two of the large parcels and contacted owners of several additional parcels. Four property owners donated their smaller parcels to help make the project a reality. With an understanding it would develop the space into the needed parking lot, DORA gave the parcels to the City.

City workers ensured the necessary infrastructure was in place to allow the area to accommodate street dances and other outdoor events. They moved the utilities underground and installed landscaping and decorative lighting.

What was once a neglected eyesore in downtown Orangeburg is now an inviting space where shoppers feel safe and welcome.

Contact: Jennifer Hoesing at jhoesing@orangeburg.sc.us or 803.531.6186