ORANGEBURG, S.C. — The City of Orangeburg is using capital project sales tax money to replace the roof on the Stevenson Auditorium, its premier event venue. The auditorium has a nearly 100 year legacy embedded into the city.
However, its age has come with structural issues like a leaky roof. That's why the city approved a $695,000 roof replacement project for the building.
“It’s a historic facility. It’s a great community asset. It’s an anchor for our downtown," said city administrator Sidney Evering.
Orangeburg city offices have been operating in the building since 1927. The building also hosts much of the city's entertainment like plays and musicals that bring the community together. The auditorium reopened to the public in March for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic.
City leaders say this capital project sales tax investment aims to protect the building for current and future use.
“We certainly want to take advantage of what we have here and that it’s used and enjoyed by the public because it’s such a great facility," said Evering.
Construction of the roof is expected to begin in May and end in June.
The city has long-term plans of doing more detailed renovations of the auditorium after the city transitions to its new city hall being built in the coming years. Those upgrades include lighting, stage and carpet.