The Neighborhood

Dargan Street has long been considered the street most associated with Florence. In the early years it was considered "the" address to have in Florence and home to many prominent residents and businesses both black owned and white owned. It also included McClenaghan High School and Poyner Junior High School. Over the years and primarily after the 70s, many of the residences were torn down and businesses closed. After many years of decline, the City of Florence committed to a revitalization plan to bring this once vibrant street back to its former prominence.

Downtown Florence has seen tremendous growth over the past decade, transforming it into a destination for dining, entertainment and shopping. Downtown is currently home to two hotels, over a dozen independently owned restaurants, over a dozen unique shops, and is host to over twenty annual events and festivals each year. You can also find the Downtown Loop walking trail, City Center Farmers’ Market, and quaint public plaza spaces to relax and unwind.

Downtown Florence is home to several of Florence’s finest cultural institutions and facilities including the Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center, Florence County Museum & Waters Gallery, Florence Little Theatre, FMU University Place Gallery, Drs. Bruce and Lee Foundation Library, and Florence Regional Arts Alliance. Downtown Florence has also received the SC Arts Commission Cultural District of SC designation, joining only seven other communities throughout the state who have exhibited a concentration of walkable and connected cultural assets, amenities, and activities.