Flurry of Construction, Activity Marked 2025 in Pelzer

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Pelzer is closing out the year with a flurry of construction, infrastructure upgrades, and a sense of cautious optimism about its future, according to outgoing Mayor Will Ragland.  Ragland, who, reflecting on his final days in office, described a town transformed by new housing, water and sewer improvements, and long-delayed renovations to its historic community building.

The most visible change is the construction of Courtney Park, a new subdivision that will add 125 single-family homes and 18 townhomes to the town.  Ragland said the site is bustling with activity, with earth-moving equipment working daily and the project expected to be finished by late spring.  Alongside the new homes, Pelzer has also undergone major upgrades to its water and sewer systems, tearing up streets in the process.  Ragland called these improvements “transformational,” setting the stage for new businesses and investment in the town.

Ragland also highlighted the transfer of the old mill properties to Anderson County, which will work with the Pelzer Heritage Commission to attract investors.  He expressed hope for a restaurant on the riverfront, calling it “what we need more than anything else.”  In the meantime, the town has embraced Cryptid Coffee, a coffee shop that has quickly become a popular spot for locals and visitors.

But Ragland’s proudest achievement may be the start of renovations to Pelzer’s historic structures, including the community building, a project he described as a “hard-fought battle” that has finally come to fruition after years of effort.  With construction underway, the building is poised to become a centerpiece of town life once again.

As Ragland prepares to step down, he leaves behind a town that is visibly changing, with new homes, new businesses, and new hope for Pelzer’s future.