Historic Anderson Newsletter (PDF)
Anderson Heritage's New Grant Program Provides Funds for Historic Homes and Sites
Anderson Heritage, Inc. announces that a new grant program has been initiated offering up to $15,000 in total award monies for the renovation or preservation of historic homes and sites in Anderson, SC. Completed applications must be postmarked by October 1, 2007 and funded projects will be announced November 5, 2007. Applications will be reviewed and scored based on: merit, historical significance, project plan, and support materials. Applications are available at the following locations: the Anderson Convention & Visitors Bureau on the first floor and Anderson Arts Center Main Desk on the second floor of the Anderson Arts Warehouse. The application is also available via email request to patrick.s.kay@gmail.com or by clicking here.
Historic Guidelines
City Council established in November, 2006, the new Downtown Historic District and adopted design guidelines to help enhance the special quality of downtown Anderson, its architecture and history. Long recognized as a tool for economic development and revitalization, city officials, property owners, and downtown businesses hope to reap the rewards already visible in the existing historic districts. According to Board of Architectural Review member Lynn King, "The members of the BAR are looking forward to working with the residents and business people in the new Downtown Historic District to preserve and protect the unique quality of downtown Anderson." BAR member Bill Ducworth added, "Design review boards can help to protect the architectural integrity of downtown's post-reconstruction buildings by guiding the owner through a logical, honest, cost-effective process. The outcome is one that can leave the property timeless to its surroundings."
Sign Regulations
The City needs your help with signage. Because signage is placed on private property and public property, some regulation is necessary. Imagine if all businesses selected the most popular corner to place their signs! The proliferation of temporary signs seems to have less to do with directing the traveling public and more to do with cluttering the landscape.
City officials recognize that permanent advertising signage is a vital part of conducting business, and all should have the opportunity to reap equal benefits by adhering to the same set of rules known as the Sign Regulations (a part of the Zoning Ordinance).
Sign companies and resident business license holders are being notified by letter that as of September 12 all temporary signs in existence will be considered non-compliant and must be removed. A variety of temporary signs are allowed by permit with the following restrictions:
Call the Planning Department at (864) 231-2222 for more details
Preserve America Community
Congratulations to the City of Anderson for being the first in the state to be designated a Preserve America community. The Preserve America program recognizes communities that:
"The City applied for the Preserve America designation to honor the community's commitment to historic preservation and to enhance the historic assets of the City of Anderson," said City Planner Jeffrey Guilbault. Benefits of this designation include national recognition for Anderson's preservation efforts, potential access to preservation grant money, and community pride.