Anderson County has agreed to help redevelop the former Pelzer Upper and Lower Mill site, located east of South Gossett Street and south of Minor Street.
The former mill sites have been abandoned since the 1900s.
The Pelzer Heritage Commission currently owns the former Pelzer Mill property, according to Anderson County meeting minutes.
Anderson County Council approved a memorandum agreement between Anderson County and the Pelzer Heritage Commission.
The redevelopment of the Pelzer Mill property aims to breathe new life into the historic site that has remained unused.
Despite previous efforts, such as the announcement of Daleview Biscuits and Beer in 2021 and a proposed 200 housing units, which unfortunately came to a halt, this new memorandum represents a renewed commitment to revitalizing the area.
"We are seeking to transform the site into a commercially viable area while maintaining its historical significance, said Laura Rainey, Planning Commission chairwoman.
Here is what you should know about the approved Memorandum Agreement surrounding the former Pelzer Mill property.
What to know about approved Memorandum Agreement?
The Pelzer Heritage Commission asked Anderson County to facilitate the redevelopment process, focusing on preserving the site's rich history.
According to the agreement, the Pelzer Heritage Commission will collaborate closely with Anderson County to preserve the site's historical integrity while being commercially viable.
The plan will involve a public hearing and input from local historians and community members to incorporate their perspectives and maintain the cultural value of the site, Rainey said.
The Pelzer Heritage Commission agrees to the following.
Anderson County agrees to the following.
Here is what you should know about the condition of former mill sites.
What to know about the condition of former mill sites
Rainey stated that the first step will involve cleaning up the properties to prepare them for redevelopment.
Anderson County Assistant Attorney Jordan Thayer explained that there are usually many contaminants when old mill sites close.
As a result, this site was contaminated, Thayer said.
The site had been placed under a voluntary clean-up contract restricting what the County can do with the property.
The clean-up process will address environmental concerns, ensuring that the site is safe for future development, he said. The hazardous materials present in the soil have gradually decayed over time.
"We’re at the point where the Department of Environmental Services is allowing the County to use the property, but we will have to restrict certain uses," he said.
"We’re restricting single-family residential use," Thayer said.
"This would allow us to put multi-residential properties or commercial facilities on the property," he said.
The purpose of this memorandum is to allow the County to develop the land in the future, which is not possible right now, Thayer said.
Following the cleanup process, a developer or engineer would assess the sites to determine the most suitable options for development, Rainey said.
Next, a master plan would be created.
Keep reading to learn about the history of the former Pelzer Mill sites.
What to know about the history of the former Pelzer Mill site?
The Pelzer Mill sites have a rich history tied to the textile industry, according to the South Carolina Picture Project.
The Upper and Lower Mill sites have remnants of cotton warehouses that once belonged to the Pelzer Manufacturing Companies.
These mills were built along the Saluda River and were founded in 1880 by Captain Ellison A. Smyth, Francis J. Pelzer, and William Lebby.
Will Ragland, the mayor of Pelzer, said these sites played a pivotal role in the region's economic development.
The mills contributed significantly to the local community's growth and prosperity.
Ragland noted that in 1890, Pelzer had a population of over 4,000 people and was half the size of Greenville, making it the second-largest city in the county after Anderson.
The mill owned nearly everything in town, from houses to schools, churches, and even a local zoo, Ragland said.
He explained that losing a job at the mill meant losing one's home, too.
The decline of the textile industry led to the closure of the Pelzer Upper and Lower Mills in the late 1990s when Gerber, the company operating the mill, shut down operations, according to the South Carolina Picture Project.
Ragland expressed that this marked the end of an era for the community, which relied heavily on the mills for economic stability.
The closure resulted in a significant economic downturn for the area, as many residents lost their primary source of employment, and the community had to adapt to new economic realities.
As the mills shut down, the town gradually lost many amenities and services.
Pelzer reinventing itself
Over the years, the Town of Pelzer has seen its population grow to around 1,400 residents, Ragland said.
Despite the challenges faced after the mill closures, Pelzer has slowly begun reinventing itself while preserving its historical roots.
The former post office building is now a coffee shop, Cryptid Coffee, that serves food and is available for private events, Ragland said.
It was opened by sisters Caitlyn and Calle Walters.
Calle Walters said that as someone with a soft spot for small towns and historic properties, she is very excited to see Pelzer getting the recognition it deserves.
She explained that back when the Mill was operational, her building was the pharmacy, soda shop, and doctor's office - a gathering place for the town.
"Since being open, we've had people tell us stories about visiting Frierson's drugstore as a kid or getting their hair cut when it became Scott's Barbershop," Walters said.
"We would love to see more retail and dining options come to Pelzer," Rainey said.
While growth can be challenging and not everyone supports it, it brings opportunities for new development, she said.
"This is similar to what is happening at the old mill sites," Rainey said.
"We're only so big, but as we grow, we'll undergo many changes," she said. "It's exciting to see Pelzer's potential to transform and offer more to its residents."
Travis Rose covers Anderson County for the Independent Mail. Reach him via email at [email protected].