Fountain Inn Receives Preservation Service Award for Outstanding Contributions to Historic Preservation

Fountain Inn, SC June 21st, 2024—The City of Fountain Inn’s Main Street Grant Program was selected as a recipient of the prestigious Preservation Service Award for their remarkable efforts in preserving their historic downtown. This recognition underscores Fountain Inn’s dedication and commitment to preserving its rich cultural heritage and architectural legacy while supporting local businesses. City Administrator Shawn Bell, Mayor Pro-Tem John Don, and Representative Mark Willis accepted the award on behalf of the City of Fountain Inn at the award ceremony on June 20th, 2024, at the South Carolina State House.

The Main Street Improvement Program is a reimbursement-based grant program created from funds received through the American Rescue Plan. The City allocated $250,000 in 2022 and 2023 to help reestablish and rejuvenate a better downtown district. From this investment, downtown Fountain Inn saw nearly $6 million in private investment, 59 new jobs created, and 41 buildings rehabilitated.  

This financial support was made available to our local merchants in three reimbursement-based grant programs: Outdoor Expansion and Beautification, Façade Improvement, and Outdoor Seating and Accessories for Tourism and Hospitality Businesses. In addition to helping local businesses survive, many of these improvements have preserved the historical architecture of our buildings within our Main Street Program Area.

The Preservation Service Awards, administered annually by Preservation South Carolina, honor projects and activities demonstrating exceptional historic preservation achievement. Fountain Inn’s submission stood out for its comprehensive approach to encouraging the restoration of the city's historical infrastructure and suggesting alternative options to merchants for serving their customers.

"We are deeply honored to receive the Preservation Service Award," said GP McLeer, Mayor of Fountain Inn. "This recognition is a testament to the collaborative spirit and unwavering dedication of our community, City Council, and preservation partners who have worked tirelessly to protect our heritage for future generations."

The Preservation Service Award is a significant recognition, highlighting Fountain Inn as a leader in historic preservation. It underscores the importance of preserving our cultural heritage as a vital component of community identity and sustainable development, inspiring us to continue our efforts in this direction.

For more information about Fountain Inn’s preservation efforts or to schedule an interview, please get in touch with Martin Lane, Director of Community Relations, at 864-862-4421 or martin.lane@fountaininn.org.

About Preservation South Carolina Preservation South Carolina was formed in 1990 and is dedicated to preserving and protecting South Carolina's historic buildings and places, advocating for their productive use, and promoting the state's diverse cultural legacy.

Contact: preservesc.org