Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
The vacant lot behind the historic Anderson County Courthouse may not be empty much longer.
The purchase of the land and demolition of the old Balles/Woolworth buildings in 2016, means Anderson County owns the original plot of land - the blocks borders on the North and South by Whitner and Market Streets and on the East and West by McDuffie Street and Murray Ave. - for the first time since shortly after the county was founded in 1833.
After failing to find the right fit for the property, Anderson County is now exploring a partnership with Peach Properties of Columbia to help find the perfect fit for this valuable real estate which formerly served as home to the Bailes/Woolworth businesses.
The goal has long been to build a public/private partnership facility on the site, one which will bring more people downtown and provide both retail, office and potentially residential space.
Anderson County Administrator Rusty Burns would even like to see an observation deck on top of the new structure, offering a panoramic view of Anderson from downtown.
The plan for for 2-3 buildings behind the current historic courthouse for mixed use. Between 67-100 condominiums, office space for Anderson County’s economic development department and retail businesses are all part of the plan. There are even tentative plans to move the historic downtown fountain, which now resides on the Anderson County Museum property to the site to create a park/green space between the historic courthouse and new buildings.
Burns said he would like whatever is constructed to be the most significant building downtown.