You're viewing Success Stories of Historic Rock Hill...

O.K. - now we're going to toot our own horn just a bit...

   Displayed below are some of the most recent Success Stories of Historic Rock Hill. These are projects that focus on both home and commercial properties that have a historical significance in Rock Hill, SC. These structures and the history they represent were at one time in danger of being lost forever due to neglect or lack of restoration funds. Historic Rock Hill worked with the City of Rock Hill local government, public corporations, and private citizens to find not only funds for restoration but occupants and, in some cases, new uses for the properties. Today many of these properties have been or are in the process of being returned to their original state. In the instances where that is not possible, every effort is given to creating a look that will remain true to the feel of the period and appropriate for the use of the structure. To view a larger version of each photo, just point and click on the Project Photos below.

The White Home - A Work In Progress! This is currently Historic Rock Hill's Flagship Project and is by far the largest, most ambitious restoration project our group has been involved in to date. Built in 1847 in what is now the Historic East Town District of Rock Hill, SC, the White Home was the first house ever built in our city and represents the beginning of Rock Hill! The present-day site covers over 3 acres and includes the main house and several out-buildings. When restoration is completed, the White Home will become a gathering place for tourists and community groups and will host local activities, including business meetings, weddings, family picnics, and historical tours. Check the Historic White Home web site often to follow the progress first-hand!

324 Marion Street - This home was scheduled for demolition in the late 1990's after sitting vacant and deteriorating for quite some time. With a lot of volunteer labor - and even more contracted work - Historic Rock Hill assisted the new owners in restoring the home to their satisfaction. After restoration was completed, the owners lived in the home for the next several years, then sold the property to a second couple who have called it home ever since. Instead of a vacant lot, the City of Rock Hill has another rescued historic home in the Marion Street Historic District!

339 Green Street - This home also was scheduled for demolition in the late 1990's after sitting vacant with several feet of water in the basement. Historic Rock Hill purchased the home, found a buyer, and brought this lovely house back to life as home to a family. What would have been another vacant lot in the Marion Street Historic District is now a useful and attractive addition for the homeowners, the neighborhood, and the entire City of Rock Hill!

343 East White Street - This beautiful two-story home, built in the early 1900's, had seen use as a family home for most of it's life, then as a rooming house for several decades. After a fire destroyed the interior of the home in the mid 1990's, demolition was imminent. Again, Historic Rock Hill purchased the home, found a buyer, and financed a partial restoration. After "burning out" from clearing the interior of all plaster, wiring and plumbing, the original purchasers threw in the towel on the project. Historic Rock Hill regained ownership and found a buyer willing to finish the restoration. The home is now well on its way to becoming another Success Story for Historic Rock Hill and our community. (Move your pointer over the photo to see the building's condition before renovation.)

142 Oakland Avenue - Williams Gulf Station - In it's heyday, Williams Gulf Station was a popular gathering spot for many Rock Hill citizens. Federal, state, and local politicians regularly stopped here to meet with the locals and discuss political issues while shaking hands and drumming up support.  After the station ceased operations it was used as a muffler shop, followed by several other uses, to finally sit vacant and crumbling for many years. Again, when the City threatened demolition, Historic Rock Hill stepped in and found a way to save this local landmark by purchasing the property, replacing the tile roof, and making repairs needed to get it ready to market. After many months of effort, the property was sold to a local couple for use as a restaurant and is known today as "The Station". And once again, it has become a gathering place for the community!