Downtown Yesterday and Today

The vision for a revitalized downtown is to make it Sumter's signature image, an impressive showplace that nurtures and affirms our sense of community, our shared hopes and history, our collective accomplishments and our civic pride. Combining the historic flavor and the sense of place that only a downtown can achieve, the vision is to make Downtown Sumter a convenient gathering place, where people come together for food, entertainment, shopping, recreation and culture.

Map/Directory of Downtown (PDF*)

History
A complete historical documentation of Downtown Sumter is being researched and prepared by the "Hands-On History Class" of Sumter High School and will be available in June 2004.

The Vision
In 1999 a group of several hundred citizens representing all segments of the Sumter community gathered together to create a Vision for Downtown Sumter. The plan was updated during the 2002-2003 community wide visioning process. The strategic plan has been developed through 2013 and has been divided into three phases. The first, the "Demonstration" phase sets the goal for the years 2002-2005. The second phase is "Expansion" and covers the years of 2006-2008. The final stage of the plan is "Realization" and includes those goals set for 2009-2013. To view the entire strategic plan, click here: Downtown Vision (PDF*).

Revitalization Photos

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