Spartanburg’s Morgan Square Undergoes Remarkable Redesign
Sunny and clear Spartanburg is all geared up as its beloved Morgan Square sees a fascinating transformation, thanks largely to the city’s Design Review Board’s latest approval on December 3. The spotlight is on the innovative Morgan Square Pavilion, visualized as a troika of small but significant structures beneath an artistically designed canopy on Church Street.
The smart triad comprises two public restrooms, a visitorโs informational kiosk-cum-meet and greet hub, and a city storage room – all swanked up by a freeform canopy overhead. While many may question the intent behind such an upgrade, it is clearly aimed at making booming Spartanburg even more vibrant and visitor-friendly.
The Makeover: Boon or Bane?
Faced with a few gripes, the unanimous approval by the board on the proposed design and layout still managed to outrun the dislikes. Spartanburg resident, Bob Tillotson, for instance, expressed his disapproval towards the proposed relocation of the cityโs iconic clock tower, a sentiment echoed by many of his fellow townsmen. Meanwhile, Alexander Newman, a board member, raised concerns over the lack of gender-neutral washrooms as part of the project.
Some of the disgruntled voices criticized the pavilion’s perceived lack of zest. The accusations ranged from being monotonous, to surplus space dedicated to storage, disregarding more significant public interests in the process. Criticisms, however, were more or less outshined by positive feedback, especially for the uniquely designed canopy โ with Lukas Hauser, a board member, hailing it as “marvelous” and a potential crowd-puller. Fellow board member, Jean Crowther, also shared the sentiment stating that “the pavilion adds to the squareโs attractiveness and should be useful for the area.”
The Redesign: Shaping Spartanburg’s Future
Morgan Square, which has been standing tall since 2005, was long overdue for a timely facelift. The redesign included proposals to close off the part of Dunbar Street adjacent to the square, and also visualized the inclusion of green terraces in the square’s heart. Future projections also hinted at refreshing Spartanburg’s dining scene with sidewalk cafes.
These projects, considered the cornerstone of Spartanburg’s future, are poised to make the city more pedestrian-friendly. The transformation was heralded in May 2020, as part of a larger initiative to make room for outdoor activities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
No significant changes are on the cards for the rainy days of December, nor the cold January winds. But with the City Council’s approval expected in the coming weeks, construction could kick off as early as 2025. The transformation is estimated at $15 million, and the city’s officials are eager to have the work done in time for the next holiday season.
This isn’t just a facelift; it’s a fresh vision for Spartanburg, nourishing hopes that the city will march into a brighter, more vibrant tomorrow.
