The Town of Pelzer maintenance staff is removing the vinyl siding off of the Pelzer Community Building in order to apply for historic tax credits for the full restoration of the building, initially constructed prior to 1910 as an open air skating rink. The Town is working with Preservation South, a company that specializes in research, planning, and consulting services that preserve the architectural and structural history of properties. Preservation South has won multiple state preservation awards and has worked on such projects as the Wilkins Mansion in Greenville, Walnut Grove Plantation in Spartanburg, and Clemson University’s Lee Hall. Receiving historic tax credits will enable the town to retain 45% of the total cost of the project. The restoration of the Community Building will be the first of 3 restoration projects undertaken by the town over the next few years that will include the old hospital (1890) and gym (1922). Once the project is complete, the building will serve as an appealing venue for such uses as wedding receptions, reunions, parties, and meetings, as well as provide additional revenue to the town.
