Main Street South Carolina recognized the Bistro on 2nd renovation, found at 168 Second St. in downtown Cheraw, with the Gaines Jontz Rehabilitation Award. Main Street South Carolina is a program of the Municipal Association of South Carolina.
This award recognizes excellence in facade or total building rehabilitation. The project must demonstrate quality and appropriateness of design, materials and construction, and have a positive impact on the commercial district.
The declining condition of historic storefronts in downtown Cheraw often makes rehabilitation economically unfeasible. This was the case when the owner of a 1,600-square-foot, circa-1907 storefront at 168 Second St. — previously used for storage — donated it to the city. The deteriorated building had excellent features, including an original pressed-tin ceiling, but no utilities.
The town sought proposals for ways that the building could contribute to downtown vitality, and found an answer from local contractor Axel Speer, with plans to renovate it as a restaurant space. After the town deeded it to him, he replaced the roof and floor, as well as its mechanical and electrical components. The $250,000 investment used $21,000 in town tax incentives, including a preservation grant funded by the Municipal Association’s Hometown Economic Development Grant, as well as Bailey Bill tax abatements projected to be worth at least $30,000.
Bistro on 2nd has become the first of several evening-oriented restaurants in Cheraw, with other establishments opening or renovating since then.
“This renovation in downtown Cheraw will be a game changer for residents, with more options for evening activities. I can’t wait to see what follows the bistro and how much more success Cheraw will see.” said Jenny Boulware, Main Street SC manager.
The award is named in memory of Gaines Jontz, an architect on staff at the Municipal Association, who worked with cities and towns across South Carolina on restoration efforts.
Main Street South Carolina empowers residents, business owners and local officials with the knowledge, skills, tools and organizational structure necessary to revitalize their downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts into vibrant centers of commerce and community.
Main Street South Carolina follows the National Main Street’s Four Point Approach — economic vitality, design, promotion and organization. Each year, Main Street South Carolina recognizes members’ achievements and successes in downtown revitalization. For more information about Main Street South Carolina, visit the Municipal Association’s website at www.masc.sc (keyword: Main Street).
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