The Holmes family of Laurens wins Main Street South Carolina Outstanding Service Award
August 2, 2022
Main Street South Carolina has recognized the Holmes family of Laurens with the Main Street South Carolina Downtown Service Award.
The award recognizes an elected official, appointed public official, resident or organization who contributes leadership, vision and support to downtown revitalization efforts beyond the normal call of duty.
Seeing new opportunities in the resurgence of downtown building rehabilitation in their hometown of Laurens, the Holmes family decided to purchase and rehabilitate two commercial structures using local contractors. The family has also contributed to the downtown district with committee and board service. Barrett Holmes serves on the City of Laurens planning commission, his wife Beth Holmes serves on the city’s historic preservation commission, and their son Barton serves on the board of Main Street Laurens.
The Midtown Building, bought by the family in 2019, is now the home of a coworking space, a corporate office and a new location for a local coffee shop, The Coffee Roost. In 2021, the family bought the deteriorated Swofford Building, which was facing the possibility of demolition. Once its rehabilitation is complete, it will house The Tailored Oak, a steak restaurant, corporate offices and potentially retail space.
“The Holmes family is the kind of family you want in every downtown. They are huge supporters of the community, not only with their business, but also with their time and talents,” said Jenny Boulware, Main Street SC manager.
Main Street SC is a program of the Municipal Association of South Carolina. It 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 SC 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, visit the Municipal Association’s website at www.masc.sc.
