South Carolina’s historic downtowns are more than commercial districts. Their walkable streets, unique buildings and lively gathering spots reflect each community’s character. Preserving that character while fostering economic growth requires vision, collaboration and strategy — qualities nurtured through Main Street South Carolina. Through training, resources and a statewide peer network, Main Street SC equips communities with tools to strengthen and sustain their downtowns.
For towns ready to elevate revitalization initiatives, national accreditation from Main Street America offers more than recognition. It provides credibility and a roadmap for lasting impact. It’s a mark of national distinction, honoring communities building comprehensive, sustainable efforts that deliver measurable economic and cultural impact.
A framework for excellence
Accredited programs demonstrate that they have the leadership, partnerships and systems to guide downtown revitalization with purpose. National standards emphasize six specific areas:
- broad-based engagement
- inclusive leadership
- diversified funding
- preservation-focused economic development
- strategy-driven programming
- measurable results
These six benchmarks validate progress while providing a clear path forward, ensuring revitalization is intentional, community-driven and sustainable.
Communities leading with purpose
South Carolina is home to five nationally accredited Main Street communities, each demonstrating how accreditation strengthens local momentum through preserved structures, improved systems and stronger partnerships.
Greenwood
In Uptown Greenwood, streetscape improvements on Waller Avenue, the redevelopment of Oregon Station and cultural projects like the Arts Center renovation and Lander University’s investments have illustrated the alignment of public and private partners.
“The number of projects and the dollars being invested in Uptown are proof that partners share a unified vision,” said Uptown Manager Gibson Hill.
Accreditation has opened doors to competitive funding, including a Hometown Economic Development Grant supporting the program’s new office and visitor center.
Hill emphasized that “these projects are essential investments in community vitality, business longevity and overall economic resilience. Accreditation also signals credibility to communities visiting Greenwood, reinforcing that we operate with professionalism, consistency and long-term strategy.”
Aiken
In Aiken, accreditation has helped the program refine internal systems, expand partnerships and energize downtown through seasonal events and enhanced merchant engagement.
“We focused on deepening our systems, improving internal processes and elevating our approach to downtown management. This year felt like a turning point where the foundation we’ve been building truly came together,” said Executive Director EmmaLee Sams.
Accreditation guides planning, ensures transparency and strengthens trust with residents, businesses and volunteers. Main Street SC training and peer support have helped Aiken refine committees, improve volunteer coordination, and evaluate successes — reinforcing stability and professionalism.
“Accreditation signals that downtown revitalization in Aiken is guided by best practices and a commitment to long-term success,” Sams added.
Florence
Florence illustrates how accreditation supports fast-growing communities with structure and long-term focus. A new business accelerator is underway to support entrepreneurs, expanding the district’s business pipeline, while the Carolina Theatre’s long-awaited restoration further revitalizes Dargan Street as a cultural anchor.
Partnerships with Francis Marion University provided walkability assessments and public health insights, while nearly 200 new housing units create intentionally cultivated “gentle density” in its urban fabric, supporting a vibrant live-work downtown.
Hannah Davis, Florence Main Street Director, noted that “accreditation shows our community that downtown revitalization is guided by national best practices, long-term strategy, and organizational integrity.”
Florence’s program also leverages peer networks and statewide initiatives like WeShopSC, an e-commerce marketplace, to expand visibility and support for local businesses.
Hartsville
In Hartsville, accreditation brings discipline and clarity to daily work. With the storefront occupancy rate at about 96%, the program uses data to guide decisions and demonstrate tangible impact.
“The accreditation process brings us back to our core strategies and helps us refocus when distractions pop up,” says Michelle Byers Brown, the program’s executive director.
Strategic attention to buildings on the district’s edge, proactive property engagement and relationships with realtors all reflect the forward-thinking approach encouraged by accreditation. Training, peer collaboration and adherence to national standards have helped Hartsville maintain governance, operational systems and credibility, ensuring long-term community trust.
Laurens
For Laurens, accreditation has provided stability during leadership transitions.
“Being part of the network has helped me tremendously — especially understanding the economic impact of our work and how other communities address challenges,” Brad Abercrombie, the program’s new executive director, said.
Board training and strong volunteer engagement has maintained momentum, while accreditation reinforced a culture of high performance and continuous improvement.
“Accreditation demonstrates a commitment by our board and community partners to function at a higher level,” Abercrombie said. “It lends credibility to the program’s work while guiding us toward long-term success.”
The power of connection
Accredited communities benefit from a statewide network of resources: quarterly trainings, professional development, peer connections and mentorship. Nationally, Main Street accreditation opens doors to grants, advanced certifications and leadership opportunities. These connections foster learning and sustain momentum across downtown initiatives.
Across the state, accredited programs share one common thread: revitalization is strongest when it is intentional, measured and rooted in community partnership. Accreditation provides the structure and the credibility that builds trust.
With national standards guiding their work and a statewide network reinforcing their efforts, South Carolina’s accredited Main Street communities are not just preserving the past — they are shaping vibrant, resilient downtowns for the future. By aligning local initiatives with Main Street America’s rigorous standards, these towns ensure revitalization is purposeful, impactful and sustainable..
Learn more about Main Street SC. Explore how national accreditation can guide a community’s downtown revitalization and learn about the six community evaluation standards at www.mainstreet.org.