Completed: Dec 1, 2020
Railroad Corner Redevelopment
The Railroad Corner Redevelopment
The City of Orangeburg the Development Finance Initiative (DFI) in December 2020 to analyze the redevelopment feasibility of the Railroad Corner, and assist with attracting private investment for the redevelopment of the site.
Railroad Corner is located between Orangeburg's downtown core and the two area universities, Claflin University and South Carolina State University, making it a strategic location to create an attractive and welcoming gateway between the campuses and downtown. The City of Orangeburg intends to see the development include a range of public and private uses that would potentially occupy existing buildings as well as new infill construction.
Background and Process
The Railroad Corner site includes eleven parcels covering about 1.25 acres. The site is bounded by Russell Street to the South and Boulevard Street and Magnolia Street to the East, with two parcels located across Treadwell Street to the West. There are eight buildings currently located on the site parcels, many of which are currently vacant or distressed.
The redevelopment of Railroad Corner is part of a more general city effort to revitalize the Russell Street Corridor, which includes the building of a new county library and conference center, as well as a new commercial kitchen to be located at the Orangeburg market pavilion.
DFI will conduct feasibility analyses and identify several options for development while regularly seeking feedback and engagement with the City of Orangeburg leadership. Once a redevelopment scenario has been endorsed by the City, DFI will identify development partners with the experience and track record to make the vision a reality.
Documents
Solicitation for Development Partner Proposals
Solicitation for Development Partner Proposals
Railroad Corner Development Scenarios Fact Sheet
Fact Sheet for Development Scenarios
History of Railroad Corner - Dr. Barbara Jenkins
History of Railroad Corner - Provided by Dr. Barbara Jenkins
May 18 Railroad Corner Redevelopment Update
Guiding Public Interests
Railroad Corner City-Owned Properties
City-Owned Properties
Perkins & Will: Mid-Design Working Session Presentation
Perkins & Will Presentation: Aug 26, 2021
Project Updates
Guiding Public Interests and Architect Selection
Wednesday, May 19, 2021
On Tuesday, May 18, 2021, the Development Finance Initiative provided City Council with an update on the Railroad Corner Redevelopment project. The presentation included a high-level market analysis update and findings from the Phase 1 Community Engagement process the City and DFI undertook. At the end of the presentation, Council endorsed the following Guiding Public Interests for the project:
The Railroad Corner Redevelopment should…
- Provide a catalytic mixed-use development that connects downtown to the universities and serve as a gateway to downtown.
- Respect the historical significance and context of the site and integrate this history into the development.
- Consider options for preserving the State Theater building.
- Incorporate engaging street level uses attractive for students and the community.
- Enhance walkability to increase pedestrian activity from the universities to the Railroad Corner and along Russell St.
- Optimize public investment and maximize private investment.
DFI also introduced the architect team that will be working on the project, Perkins & Will. Malcolm Davis from Perkins & Will was present and introduced the firm and the type of work they do.
A copy of the memo DFI prepared for the May 18 Council meeting along with their presentation can be found in the "Documents" section of this webpage.
**New** Railroad Corner Call-In Input Session
Wednesday, March 31, 2021
In response to high demand from the community, the City of Orangeburg will host a third input session on Thursday, April 29 at 6:00 pm to solicit input from residents about the Railroad Corner Redevelopment.
Community members can participate by telephone using the information below:
Phone: (929) 436-2866
Meeting ID: 474 818 1118
Community members may also participate via Zoom using the following link: https://unc.zoom.us/j/4748181118
Railroad Corner Input Sessions
Tuesday, March 2, 2021
Share your input and help the city make critical decisions about the future of Railroad Corner.
Input sessions will be held on the following dates to solicit input from Orangeburg residents about the Railroad Corner Redevelopment project:
- Saturday, March 13 at 10:00 am - Event is closed
- Thursday, March 18 at 6:00 pm
Community members can opt to call into these sessions and participate by telephone or join by videoconference via Zoom. Call in and Zoom meeting details are provided below:
Phone: 1 929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 474 818 1118
https://unc.zoom.us/j/4748181118
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The Railroad Corner Survey is LIVE
Friday, February 26, 2021
The City of Orangeburg is conducting a survey to learn what residents would like to see happen on the Railroad Corner.
The Railroad Corner is located at the intersection of Russell Street and Magnolia Street and is a primary investment area and key focus of city leadership due to its proximity to two neighboring universities and its highly visible location.
Take a moment to complete this brief survey, and help the city make critical decisions about this property’s future.
The History of Railroad Corner
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
Read an excerpt about the history of Railroad Corner by Dr. Barbara Jenkins, former dean and professor of library and information services at South Carolina State University.