SUMMERVILLE, S.C. — Big changes are coming to downtown Summerville, as town leaders and nonprofit partners move forward with plans to revitalize Short Central Street. This diagonal corridor, just off Hutchinson Square, will soon be transformed into a pedestrian-friendly area designed to foster community and provide a space for local events. The project will include a new performance pavilion, fresh landscaping, improved lighting, and safer crosswalks.
A Local, Intimate Vibe
The revamped space is meant to create a small-town, intimate vibe rather than a major concert venue. “This isn’t a major concert area,” explained Steve Doniger, executive director of Summerville DREAM, one of the project’s leading organizations. “This is more of that local feeling, that small vibe, that more intimate setting.”
A Long-Awaited Revitalization
The upgrades are part of a broader revitalization initiative aimed at enhancing the town’s historic district. The project has been years in the making and is being led by Summerville DREAM in partnership with the Town of Summerville. Both public and private funding sources have come together to support the effort.
Funding and Community Support
The project has received significant backing, including a $93,000 parks grant, $220,000 in accommodations tax funding from the town, and in-kind donations from local construction companies. Leaders highlight the importance of this widespread support in moving the project forward.
Mayor Russ Touchberry expressed his excitement for the project, saying, “It’s such a unique business area for our citizens to enjoy. And we want to beautify that to kind of encourage our citizens to come out more, shop at our local businesses, but also create a better quality of life for all those in town.”
Supporting Small Businesses and Tourism
The upgrades are designed to not only support tourism and community events but also provide a boost for small businesses along Short Central Street. Many local businesses have relied on foot traffic generated by pop-up events in the area. “It gives them another avenue, another opportunity, for additional exposure and additional opportunities for people to invest in the Summerville economy,” Doniger said.
Preserving Summerville’s Charm
While the project focuses on modernizing the area, Mayor Touchberry emphasized the importance of preserving Summerville’s charm. “Investment in our historic district, right here in downtown, where our shops and businesses are operating, is so vitally important,” he said. He expressed excitement about the prospect of enjoying live music, flowers, and shade trees while supporting small businesses along Short Central in the heart of downtown Summerville.
Project Timeline and Future Plans
If all goes according to plan, construction is expected to begin later this year or in early 2026. Once the project is completed, the performance pavilion will be managed by the town through its existing permit system, similar to how Hutchinson Square is operated.
