Archways and asphalt: Simpsonville’s South Main Street prepares for “Festival” transformation

The blueprint for a more vibrant downtown is moving into the bidding phase this month as city leaders look to finalize plans for the much-anticipated Festival Street project. A mandatory pre-bid conference was held on February 4, signaling that major construction for the South Main Street corridor is on the horizon.

Reimagining South Main

The centerpiece of the $14 million downtown revitalization initiative is the transformation of South Main Street—specifically the area near the iconic Ice Cream Station—into a dedicated Festival Street. While the road will continue to function as a standard thoroughfare for daily traffic, the redesign includes specialized infrastructure to allow the city to quickly and safely close the blocks for major community events.

Key features of the Festival Street include:

• Decorative Archways: Large, ornamental arches will bookend the district, serving as a gateway and reinforcing Simpsonville’s brand as the Stage of the Upstate.

• Level Curbs and Paving: The streetscape will be overhauled with wider, pedestrian-friendly sidewalks and upgraded lighting, creating a seamless “civic canvas” for vendors and crowds.

• Underground Utilities: Much of the initial work will involve moving utility lines underground to clear the skyline and allow for a more open, aesthetically pleasing environment.

A New Traffic Loop

To accommodate the pedestrian-first focus of the Festival Street, the city is also moving forward with a plan to convert three nearby streets—including sections of College and Curtis streets—into one-way traffic patterns. This creates a “loop” around the downtown core, which city officials say will improve vehicle stacking and make navigating the central business district easier even when South Main is closed for festivals.

Linking the Hubs

The timing of the streetscape project aligns with the upcoming spring construction of the Community Hub Plaza at 136 S. Main St. The private development, which will feature a performance stage, duckpin bowling, and a gastropub, is designed to feed directly into the new Festival Street environment.

With bids for the city-led streetscape work due by February 24, residents can expect to see a detailed construction timeline shortly thereafter. The city’s goal is to have the majority of the new corridors completed by the end of 2026, creating a downtown that is as much a destination for local families as it is for national touring acts.