NEWBERRY, S.C. — The City of Newberry is experiencing significant growth, prompting a proactive effort to address the rising demand for housing, especially for the expanding college population.
"Over the next four years, we hope to add about 400 or so new rooftops. We hope it will be a great boom for the economy, and will bring stores and more," said Newberry Director of Planning and Development Wayne Redfern.
The city welcomes change as developers plan to convert a 2.5-acre site at First and College Street.
"Not used for a number of years, they've become run down and aren't used. They are going to redevelop this into about 24 town home-type units and save the older building, the antique store, for hopefully a food service," Redfern said.
"The intent of it is to help serve the college as the freshman class continues to grow but also develop in a way it becomes that type of starter home so a lower-cost way of getting someone into a starter home market," Redfern said.
This initial project is just the beginning of a broader transformation, with blueprints underway for housing projects across the city to address affordable housing and the growing college's housing needs.
"The second is over on Radio Road. They are going to do nine duplexes there, Redfern said. "Those would be mostly sold, but I'm sure some will be rented. The college is actually developing six town home-type developments down the road on property they have, and they are trying to get another couple of duplexes done this year."
Cheryl Harrington lives just feet from the proposed development on Radio Road and thinks any new roof will help those struggling for an affordable place to live.
"I looked here about six years ago and I had a terrible time finding something within my price range," Harrington said. "I'm sure that there's a lot of kids and adults that need housing."
Newberry College said they had their largest enrollment this past fall and their most significant fall graduating class.
The college is building a new residence hall with 104 beds, which is expected to open as soon as next fall.
The goal is to complete all three developments by the end of July before students return.