NORTH, S.C. — Highway 321 runs through the heart of North, a small town in Orangeburg County that sees a lot of traffic.
Over the years, businesses on Main Street have slowly started to close, and buildings have sat vacant for an extended period. Mayor Pro Tem Daniel Jackson said the town hopes to restore North to its former glory.
“We want to try and bring things back to the town that used to be in the town," said Jackson. "And, also, fill up all our storefront stores that has went out of business.”
Harriett Lane grew up in North and said the livelihood of Main Street slowly but surely faded.
“I remember growing up here that you had five grocery stores in this town. You had three barber shops, you had two drug stores and you could walk uptown and just get everything and anything you wanted, and it was beautiful," said Lane. "Today, it is nothing.”
Now, the town is trying to bring life back to its once-busy Main Street.
Recruiting business has been a priority for town officials over the last year.
A new grocery store opened in April, and a new restaurant will soon follow suit.
Sandra Vargas owns La Cienega Mexican Grill, which is expected to open by Sept. 19. She said her business will be able to provide jobs and opportunities to the town.
“What we’re trying to do in the town of North is bring more commercial into the property to better the community. Also, we are able to hire, you know, people from this area," said Vargas. "So, that’s mainly what we’re trying to do. We’re hoping to, I think we can probably sit at least 80-100 people in here, just depending, but you know, we want to bring what we offer, our presentation, our quality of food to help better the town.”
A laundromat and game room are expected to open in early 2025.
Damere Yon lives in North. His earliest memories include going to shops on Main Street with his cousins. He said he can't wait to experience that again.
“I’m excited for it, honestly. I’m very excited for it. North needs a revamp," said Yon. "We definitely need a revamp. We definitely need more things here, and I’m excited for it.”