The Breezeway has been developed into a walk-through park that connects interior parking with the West Evans Street retail area. The overall project involves constructing a breezeway from Evans Street to the interior parking lot in order for patrons to safely and conveniently park and shop; resurfacing an existing interior parking lot; removing metal screening from the rear of buildings that overlook the interior parking lot; constructing a new parking lot; and creating paths for pedestrians throughout the parking areas in order to keep the parking interconnected.
The pedestrian pathway system, as it has been called, is a joint effort between the City of Florence and the Florence Downtown Development Corporation. It is an integral component of the Downtown Florence Revitalization Strategy. It will provide parking for approximately 30,000 square feet of commercial and educational space including offices, retail, restaurants and the Florence Center for Performing Arts.
In addition, the pathway system also facilitates the Downtown Florence Revitalization Strategy in that it links the Historic District to the Arts and Cultural District where the new Florence Little Theater will be located. The project is needed to serve the sudden influx of Francis Marion University students and staff, merchant employees, and consumers attracted to the Florence Center for Performing Arts and Florence Little Theater. The additional parking and open space will increase the area’s economic competitiveness as it attracts even more development. It also serves as a public service to the community in that it offers visitors an inviting space of undeniable charm and appeal.