Merchants Unite to Revitalize Main Street Clinton

In a bid to rejuvenate and uplift the heart of Clinton’s downtown area, a dedicated group of local merchants has come together to establish the Main Street Clinton group. Meetings began over a year ago at the Lumberyard—an apt setting for discussions focused on building up the community. With most downtown merchants having attended meetings at one time or another, this grassroots effort reflects a shared passion for downtown revitalization.

Jim Spry, co-owner of Aspen & Figs, reflects on the group’s motivation, stating, “We wanted to be truly helpful to the City of Clinton and harness our shared passion for downtown. Getting everyone aligned and committed took time, given our busy careers, but the dedication was unwavering.”

The group’s aspirations have now crystallized into a pivotal decision—to enroll in the Main Street South Carolina program. Recognizing the success of neighboring cities like Laurens, which have thrived under this initiative, Main Street Clinton seeks to follow suit and leverage this structured approach to revitalization.

“When submitting the application, we outlined our focus area around the historic overlay of our city, a significant cornerstone of our identity that we wish to preserve and celebrate,” shares Susan Tallman, realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services in Clinton. The process involves formalizing the group’s structure, establishing a Board of Directors, and obtaining nonprofit status—a step that is currently underway.

Main Street Clinton has already garnered crucial support from local stakeholders and secured council approval. While working cooperatively with city administration, the group aims to supplement municipal efforts without straining existing resources.

Currently at the “Friends” level within the Main Street program, Main Street Clinton has embarked on a journey of strategic planning and skill development. A modest membership fee of $400 per year has opened doors to valuable training sessions and collaborative opportunities.

The timing is ripe for Main Street Clinton’s endeavors. Recent years have witnessed a surge of positivity and growth in Clinton, and the group is determined to sustain this upward trajectory. Jim Spry emphasizes, “A thriving downtown benefits every member of our community—residents, businesses, and visitors alike. We’re committed to nurturing this momentum and creating a vibrant hub that reflects our city’s rich heritage.”

In joining the Main Street SC program, Clinton becomes the 34th community in 2024 to commit to Main Street America’s Four Point Approach to revitalizing their downtown!

As Main Street Clinton gains momentum, the collective spirit of local merchants promises to infuse new life into the historic streets of Clinton.