Mayor: Preserving Town’s Heritage Key to Future
Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
In the small, historic town of Pelzer, a quiet battle is being waged over its identity. At the heart of it are three aging structures, remnants of the town's mill history, that Mayor Will Ragland is fighting to save and restore. Ragland views their preservation not just as an act of historical stewardship but as a key to securing the town’s financial future.
For years, the town has faced a familiar struggle for places built around a single industry: how to maintain a sense of history while charting a path forward. According to Ragland, Pelzer has found a compelling answer in its own past.
"One of the many things that makes Pelzer unique is its history," Ragland said in a recent interview. "It's important to save the last few original buildings we have."
The town owns three such buildings, including a historic gym and a former hospital. The old hospital, built in 1890 as a library and later converted, has been abandoned since 2009. Ragland has ambitious plans to restore it to serve as the new town hall. Architectural designs and structural plans are already paid for, and the town is now seeking bids for an asbestos evaluation.
A similar project is underway for the community building, an early 20th-century structure that began as an open-air skating rink. During a recent inspection, workers discovered its original maple floors and massive windows hidden behind modern additions. The building qualifies for both historic and abandoned building tax credits, potentially allowing the town to recoup 70 percent of restoration costs.
"This is not just about saving old buildings," Ragland said. "It's about making a smart investment. We’re going to get a significant portion of our money back, and these buildings will become a source of revenue for the town."
The mayor points to the recent sale of the town’s water and sewer systems to outside agencies as a financial catalyst. The move brought in over $2.2 million and relieved the town of the burden of maintaining aging infrastructure. Ragland believes this financial windfall should be dedicated to the restoration projects.
"We have the money," said Ragland. "Pelzer is in great financial health right now. The only thing stopping us is the town council saying no."
Ragland, who will not be seeking re-election, said he hopes the council will approve the community building contract soon, as the contractor has estimated the project could be completed in five to six months. He framed the choice starkly: preserve the town’s historic identity or allow it to be replaced by what he called a "shed" or "parking lot."
"Fifty years from now, do we want to have this beautiful, historic community building restored and in use for generations to come, or are we just going to see a parking lot?" Ragland asked. "That's the choice, and we get to make that right now."
