Main Street South Carolina recognized Bobby Wilson of Manning with the 2017 Gaines Jontz Rehabilitation Award. Main Street South Carolina is a program of the Municipal Association of South Carolina.
This award recognizes excellence in façade or total building rehabilitation. The project must demonstrate quality and appropriateness of design, materials and construction, and have a positive impact on the commercial district.
In 2012, the roof of the historic Alderman's 20 Stores in One building had collapsed, breaking the sprinkler line and flooding the building in downtown Manning.
"The renovation of the Alderman building is the perfect example of how a historical building renovation can have a positive impact on the community and local businesses," said Main Street SC Manager Beppie LeGrand.
The 14,750-square-foot structure was left vacant and deteriorating for two years before Bobby Wilson started renovating it. He returned the 1919 building to its former glory by using historical photographs and documents to guide restorations. Plus, he concealed modern building features to avoid compromising the structure's historic character.
By saving the building instead of razing it and starting over, Wilson's rehabilitation project serves as a success story to inspire the reuse of other buildings and promotes sustainability and economic development.
The award is named in memory of Gaines Jontz, an architect on staff at the Municipal Association, who worked with cities and towns across South Carolina on restoration efforts. Main Street South Carolina 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 South Carolina 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 about Main Street South Carolina, visit the Municipal Association's website at www.masc.sc.
Local Main Street Manning Director Carrie Trebil said Wilson will likely be presented with the award locally on Aug. 21 during Manning City Council's regular monthly meeting.
