barkmenton

You are probably correct. Would be dictatorial to be able to close a business that is operating legally. I had a brief conversation with Ed Memmott a couple of years back after a particular incident (Cate Ryba put me in touch with him--miss her but not to say others aren't doing a great job). He strongly encouraged us, and the rest of our neighborhood, to call the police for any and all incidents. Reading (listening) between the lines, I took that as him saying some of the best ammunition the city has against the motels are police reports from residents in the area. This wasn't long before the Economy Inn was shuttered. The worst part about the College Inn is that the "residents" like to walk/saunter through our neighborhood on the way to the Spinx. Most of the folks mean no harm and I have no issue with them--just try to say a friendly hello. Granted, we chose this neighborhood and are willing to deal with its shortcomings and hope for continual improvement, but if the College Inn were gone, 90% of my concerns about safety and theft would also be gone. I really applaud the city for their efforts in this, though. We're at the nascent stages of what will eventually be an inviting, reimagined Main/Pine intersection with the Economy Inn being demo'ed and the large lot put up for sale. It should be an inviting gateway to the city for visitors. It's a first impression that folks get when they arrive at Main St. coming from 85. I wish we could do more as residents to push it along.

I agree; that is great news! I am excited for the future of this intersection; it's awful at the moment, but has so much potential and is the main gateway to Spartanburg. I'm happy to finally see something positive. We live in close proximity to the College Inn, and that place is a complete dump. It seems to get most of the business of our lovely motel collection. Had to call police multiple times the past few years for various reasons that can all be attributed to the College Inn. It needs to go. The Super Lodge would definitely make a cool, mid-century boutique motel.

I just don't see it being feasible to realign the intersection. I do agree that as downtown becomes more developed, which it seems to be finally gaining momentum, those areas east of downtown should garner more attention. The Main St. Challenge should help out with the east side of downtown, and with the Catholic church being built in addition to the competition, maybe we can hope the city can reignite interest in a road diet, bike lanes, and streetscaping project for the section of Main St. between Converse and Pine. My take is that this section of downtown, basically between Converse St. and the St. John connector east of Pine, is a diamond in the rough that most are unable and unwilling to envision what it could be. The traffic count is massive running north/south, it is right behind the city's flagship historic neighborhood, and with some redevelopment, streetscaping, and improved signage, it could be a lovely, inviting gateway to downtown. It's a chicken and egg thing; yes, if the shops on the east side of Church St. are leased and the general area improves, it will trickle over to the Pine St. intersection. However, I think we should consider in greater detail the melancholy, depressing atmosphere at the Pine St. intersection coupled with the Main St. asphalt desert and how that is detrimental to the development of downtown. In order for businesses to thrive downtown, we need more customers downtown. While it is on the right path, downtown is an island with depressed areas on all sides. Why would a visitor to Spartanburg, if arriving in town from I-85 at the Pine St./Main St. intersection, want to turn right and go to downtown, unless they were knowingly going there? The gateway should be of equal importance to the destination.

My enthusiasm has been tempered after driving by the Economy Inn a few minutes ago. There is a sign which says "closed for remodeling," and they have dumpsters outside. Make what you will of that, but at least on the surface, it appears we may have jumped to conclusions thinking it has been permanently closed. I believe that new visitors, especially those coming from more advanced cities, will not take Spartanburg seriously until the downtown area improves and this gateway to downtown is improved along with it. Yes, I am very happy that the city is working hard on development for downtown, but this gateway to downtown needs serious consideration. I realize that we are talking about big $ the city simply does not have, but I feel sure that more can be done prior to spending big money.

WHATTTT!? Where did you hear that? That is fantastic news! Cheers to the city for working to improve this area, and as you said, let's hope the other three go away with it! I have been ranting for the past three years, since my wife and I moved here, that the Main St./Pine St. intersection is the gateway to the city for most traveling from 85, and yet it has to be one of the nastiest intersections in the whole city. Imagine it with no motels, streetscaping, bike lanes, improved landscaping and "Welcome to Spartanburg" signage. It would be such an improved first impression for anyone visiting the city. The strip of shops across from Bob's Car Wash could be a great little strip in a few years if the motels were gone. I could go on and on. This news has made my week! Thanks for posting.

Anyone hunting for a 1917 fixer-upper house deal in Converse Heights? A house on our street, Lucas Ct., just went up for sale. Here is the link: http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/488-Lucas-Ct-Spartanburg-SC-29302/11822908_zpid/ I am on a mission to help continue the revitalization of our street and would be elated if someone purchased this house and converted it to owner-occupied. My wife and I bought our house on Lucas exactly a year ago. If you are from Spartanburg and know Converse Heights, you may view Lucas Ct. as the redheaded stepchild of the neighborhood. Contrary to popular belief, we have found Lucas to be a delightful street and microcosm within Converse Heights; many of the houses have been renovated in the past 5 years, and most of the homes are owner-occupied. The people in the neighborhood are great, it is the closest street in Converse Heights to downtown (this house is exactly 1 mile from Morgan Square), about 400 yards from the YMCA, and we have several young families with children on the street. Since Lucas is not a through street, we have very little traffic. I assume the house needs work, but at this price, it is probably a great candidate for a 203(k) loan which builds the cost of renovations into the mortgage. If you know of any young folks looking to renovate a house, find a house in district 7 that doesn't break the bank, or find an affordable place in Converse Heights, PLEASE spread the word! I would be delighted to discuss the neighborhood and introduce you (or the interested party) to some of the wonderful people on this street.

This is fantastic news; my wife and I walk our dogs downtown often and have remarked many times how that building would make an incredible pizza & beer joint. Makes me happy to see the C&S building revived as my great grandfather was a C&S employee for a long time.

Funny, I was thinking just two days ago how SCC won't necessarily help Renato's, but that I could see some quick/fun/innovative/inexpensive eateries popping up along Kennedy St. to serve the SCC crowd and increased traffic/visibility. Great to see an established restaurant moving downtown! We have not been to Renato's, but will after the move. What used to be in the drive-thru further east on Kennedy, just past the shopping center with Farmer's Table? I agree, that would be a bit lame if those places will just become parking. At least make it parking + a small coffee shop, smoothie shop, etc.