The Florence Downtown Development Corporation has made application to the South Carolina Department of Archives and History to nominate a portion of Downtown on the National Register of Historic Places. The National Register of Historic Places is a federal list of districts, buildings, sites and objects that have had significant impact on American history, architecture, and culture. The list fosters a greater understanding of historical and cultural foundations within the Country. Such a listing also allows for recognition and appreciation of historic properties; consideration in planning Federal and Federally-assisted projects; and, providing Federal and State tax benefits.
The proposed Florence Downtown Historic District is a collection of 30 commercial spaces in the Central Business District of Florence, South Carolina. The majority of the district encompasses the 100 block of North Dargan Street, the west side of the 100 block of South Dargan Street, and a portion of the 100 block of West Evans Street. This area, which includes Florence’s earliest beginnings, contains the majority of the late 19th to early 20th century architecture remaining in the City.
Of the 30 buildings within the nominated district, 24 actually contribute to the character of the district. They are mostly two-story brick buildings with embellished cornices. Many are characterized by flat rooflines, decorative brick moldings, and vertical pilasters. While all the properties have been modified to include modern storefronts, the upper facades are largely intact. The majority of the upper facades retain their original character and of those that have been modified, none are beyond capturing its original integrity.
These contributing resources are from a time during which Florence enjoyed tremendous growth and prosperity. They reflect the development of the City from the late 1800s to the mid 20th Century. Therefore, the addition of the Florence Downtown Historic District to the National Register is another important step in preserving the area's past while building its future.