Rock Hill’s Pump House Faces Major Flooding Sets Back Reopening Plans
In Rock Hill, the recent deluge from Tropical Storm Helene has left a significant mark on the iconic Pump House restaurant, located at 575 Herrons Ferry Rd. Co-owner Colby Mosier and his team are grappling with the aftermath of a flood that impacted the establishment like never before.
A Shocking Rise in Water Levels
Set against the backdrop of the beautiful Catawba River, the Pump House has served diners since 2016 after being converted from its days as a 1940s pump station. Previously, Mosier had only witnessed water rising to a foot deep in 2019. But this time, it was a completely different story. “This is a lot worse,” he remarked as he surveyed the damage where floodwaters reached an astonishing nine feet inside the restaurant, even breaching the top of the elevator!
The storm hit hard on Friday, forcing the restaurant to close. Mosier and his team decided to extend the closure through Monday, and by that afternoon, cleanup efforts were in full swing. Workers were busily shoveling silt and clearing debris, preparing for what is expected to be a long road to recovery. “We’ll likely be closed until Thursday or Friday at least,” Mosier added.
A Community-Focused Effort
Even amid the destruction, there seemed to be a sense of camaraderie among the crew. “Our entire staff is out there,” Mosier said, gesturing toward the muddy sidewalks. They began cleaning as early as 7 a.m. Monday morning, fully committed to restoring the beloved local eatery. Notably, Mosier and his business partner, Ell Close, also operate a boat-up restaurant called Drift on Lake Wylie, which luckily escaped any damage due to its elevated location.
Challenges Ahead
The Pump House was specifically constructed centuries before with no flood insurance options, complicating the recovery process. “We’re looking at probably $50,000 in ruined materials now sitting in a dumpster,” Mosier estimated. “But it’s not just about money—reopening safely is what matters most.”
A series of sanitation checks and repairs are on the horizon, including fixing the elevator and restocking food supplies, as much of it was lost despite the upper-level coolers and freezers maintaining power. Additionally, several large custom benches weighing around 400 pounds were unfortunately washed away into the river.
Resilience from Surrounding Businesses
Nearby businesses, while experiencing their own challenges, seemed to fare better. The Dog Bites Muchery & More store was partially affected, with water reaching the bottom of its entrance steps. Employee Alida Ellis admitted to watching the water rise with fascination rather than fear, asserting, “It’s really wild, but people come by here to check out the water and they say, ‘Oh, I didn’t know there was a dog place here.’”
Interestingly, the storm spurred an influx of new customers at Dog Bites, with many stopping by to investigate the rising waters. Other neighboring businesses, like Grapevine wine bar, also reported similar experiences. “The amphitheater was up to the top step,” said Grapevine worker Charles Holmes, though fortunately, the water stayed outside of his establishment.
A Hopeful Outlook
Although the Riverwalk is temporarily closed and the river remains high, there is a sense of optimism in the air. “It’s a lot of messy work,” Mosier said, exuding determination. “But we’ll get through it.” The sense of community support for the Pump House is clear; friends and neighbors are anxiously awaiting their reopening day, ready to fill tables with patrons once more.
In the meantime, it’s all hands on deck as cleanup efforts continue, and the team works tirelessly to bring back the unique dining experience that the Pump House proudly offers.
