Projects-RFPs

Town approves RFP for Retail Strategy plan

Williamston Town Council recently approved $45,000 in matching funds and proposals for an Appalachian Region Commission (ARC) grant to help with downtown retail revitalization and business recruitment. The development and revitalization initiative is called “The Retail Strategy: A Three Pronged Action Plan”. Council accepted two Request for Proposals (RFPs) for planning associated with the ARC initiative which will be used to develop and revitalize Williamston’s downtown historic corridor.
The two proposals, both by R.E.D. City Planning, are to provide a retail and light industry plan for the town at a cost of $43,000 and a residential plan and visitor and resident attraction plan at a cost of $35,000.

FALL 2019 – Town of Williamston/Envision Williamston Launches “The Retail Strategy: a Three-Pronged Action Plan”

The Retail Strategy Action Plan project follows the completion of the highly successful Williamston Downtown Acceleration Project (WDAP) funded by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) in 2017-18. It incorporated a series of beautification strategies including a streetscaping plan to create an inviting, walkable downtown environment, building on the charm and amenities of historic commercial buildings, Mineral Spring Park and the public municipal center. The WDAP streetscaping project complemented several projects to help revitalize the commercial center of the town and helped fulfill several strategies in its Community Master Plan. WDAP also laid the foundation for future economic development by providing the area with a new and fresh look that has helped spur heritage-oriented tourism and economically-oriented placemaking activities. In addition, and perhaps most importantly, this first phase helped start a buzz of activity and conversation about future redevelopment. Completed components include new streetscaped areas, welcome signage, banner extensions, a façade program improving over 20 commercial buildings, the addition of 5 art murals, and creation of 15 inviting rest stops with benches and planters placed throughout the downtown area.

The revitalization of the downtown area is paramount to the future of the Town. The next step for the town is to engage in the recruitment of residential developers (growth), light industry (job creation), and targeted retail sales operators to the Town (economic vibrancy). The intention is to create an inviting environment for the 10,000 daily commuters that drive through the downtown area on Highway 20, while also encouraging our residents to shop, dine and work locally. The historic Mineral Spring Park is already a frequent destination for day visitors and event-goers. However, Williamston has in its sights to be more. The town wishes to be known for offering high quality residential lifestyles and become an ongoing “hot spot” for activity, adventure, walkability, and enjoyment of arts and culture, all situated in a natural and thriving commercial center located in the heart of the community.

Two Requests for Proposals (RFPs) were available for vendors interested in assisting with this new phase of economic development:

  1. Retail and Light Industry:  Click Here for RFP on Retail and Light Industry
  2. Residential Development, Visitor and Resident Attraction: Click Here for RFP on ARC_RFP_Residential

The due date for responses to the RFPs was September 5, 2019 at 5:00 pm.

The selected firm is: R.E.D (Retail Economic Development) City Planning, based in Greenville, South Carolina. Project work begins in mid-October and will involve an updated market study of the trade area with maps; personal interviews with developers, potential investors, and/or landowners; two retail workshops; and public meetings.

Questions about this initiative may be directed to Sonya Crandall, Project Manager at 864.650.7075 or via email: sonyacew@gmail.com

Former Projects

Envision Williamston/Town of Williamston Downtown Acceleration Program

Request for Proposals – WDAP Design & Landscape Project
Fall 2017

The Town of Williamston is soliciting proposals from design and landscaping firms to help design and implement a Landscape Plan for the Town of Williamston. This project is the first phase in of a multi-phase approach to the redevelopment of the local streetscape in downtown Williamston.
Respondents should have broad experience in landscape architecture and design, historic preservation, transportation, irrigation, and installation of landscape and hardscape projects.
The Town of Williamston is currently participating in the Main Street Program with oversight from Main Street South Carolina.  A branding effort and Master Plan have been adopted (Spring 2016; the Plan may be viewed at https://envisionwilliamston.com/resources-3/community-master-plan/).
Project Description
The Design & Landscape Project is part of a larger multi-component streetscaping project called the Williamston Downtown Acceleration Program (WDAP), a federally funded initiative under the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). In this initiative, EW will launch an intensive streetscaping plan to create an inviting, walkable downtown environment, building on the charm and amenities of historic commercial buildings, Mineral Spring Park and the public municipal center. The WDAP streetscaping project will complement several recently launched projects to help revitalize this commercial center of the town. It will also lay the foundation for future economic development by providing the area with a new and fresh look that will help spur future heritage-oriented tourism and economically-oriented placemaking activities.
The revitalization of the downtown area using a Design & Landscape Project is the logical next step for improving the overall look and feel of the downtown area. The intention is to create an inviting environment for the 10,000 daily commuters that drive through the downtown area on Highway 20. With limited visual appeal, current travelers have little reason to stop and enjoy the historic Mineral Spring Park or frequent the downtown, shopping district. WDAP is strategically designed to help create the visual cues that the town is on the rebound and is becoming a “hot spot” for activity, using a “low cost, high impact” approach. More costly hardscaping projects are planned for subsequent phases of the WDAP initiative; however, this first phase will jumpstart the process and help start a buzz of activity and conversation about future redevelopment. Current components include the Landscape Project, banner extensions, a façade program, a decal and mural project, and the Adopt a Rest Stop Program (benches and planters).
The Design & Landscape Project is Step #1. Envision Williamston intends to contract with a local design and landscape firm to develop a detailed landscaping plan for the downtown area designated for revitalization and then implement the plan. (Main Street bounded by Academy Street to the west toward the cities of Belton and Anderson, and Hamilton Street to the east toward the city of W. Pelzer and Greenville.)
To apply, click above link or contact Sonya Crandall, Envision Williamston Executive Director at sonyacew@gmail.com

Envision Williamston – Mustang Alley Feasibility Study

(Deadline for RFPs Extended to Friday, May 12, 2017 at 5:00 PM.

Revised Request for Proposals

The Town of Williamston is soliciting proposals from planning and design consultants to help guide the development of a feasibility study for a pocket park in the Town of Williamston.

This project is cosponsored by the Municipal Association of South Carolina, the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor, and Envision Williamston.

The Town of Williamston is soliciting proposals from planning and design consultants to help guide the development of a feasibility study for the Town of Williamston. This project is intended to be highly illustrative and will be utilized as an aid in marketing the final ideas and recommendations to potential funders and community partners.

The Town of Williamston is seeking the services of a consultant firm/team with town planning and economic development experience.  Respondents should have broad experience in citizen involvement, visioning, community planning, commercial growth and redevelopment, landscape architecture, historic preservation, transportation, market analysis, and implementation.

Mustang Alley Feasibility Study Request for Proposals (Rev 5/12/17)

To apply, click here for RFP or contact Sonya Crandall, Envision Williamston Executive Director at sonyacew@gmail.com.