The Tom S. Gettys Center, a cornerstone of Rock Hill's arts community, faces closure after four decades.
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Sponsor Our ArticlesThe historic Tom S. Gettys Center in Rock Hill is closing after 40 years, due to high maintenance costs. Local artists and organizations are scrambling to find new spaces as community members express concern over the cultural impact of this decision.
Rock Hill, a charming city known for its vibrant arts scene, is gearing up for some significant changes as it prepares to close the historic Tom S. Gettys Center. After a remarkable 40 years of serving as a creative hub, the city has decided to end its lease with the center due to soaring maintenance costs that have become increasingly burdensome.
On February 28, the Arts Council of York County delivered the unsettling news to its tenants through an email announcement. It’s set in stone: artists and organizations must vacate the building by August 31. This decision comes as Mayor John Gettys has indicated that maintaining the aging structure has turned into a considerable “drain” on the city’s resources.
So, what’s causing all this fuss? The city estimates that the Gettys Center needs around $3.2 million for crucial long-term maintenance projects. Repairing the roof, not to mention upgrades to the elevator, electrical systems, and plumbing, are all on the to-do list. With the building previously yielding only $1,200 in annual rent against annual maintenance costs of about $62,000, the math simply isn’t working out.
Located in the heart of downtown Rock Hill, the Gettys Center has long been a meeting place for creativity and community. It houses nine local artist studios, three nonprofit organizations, and a few small business ventures led by artists. The building also plays host to numerous concerts, theater productions, and various community events that often come at little to no cost. It’s hard not to feel the pulse of creativity that has thrived in this space.
The situation is precarious, as no alternative space has been identified for the Arts Council or the artists currently enjoying the Gettys Center. The city recently put the building up for sale at an asking price of $2.26 million, hoping to attract interested buyers in the market.
What makes this closure even more poignant is the historical significance of the Gettys Center. Originally constructed in 1931, it has served as both a courthouse and a post office and is even listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It has been a cornerstone of Rock Hill’s identity for decades.
City officials are quick to state that changing the building’s use does not equate to the end of the arts in Rock Hill. There’s talk of interest from potential buyers, yet the existing arts community is clamoring for the opportunity to match any offers made for the beloved center.
As the clock ticks down towards that August deadline, discussions about the future of the arts in Rock Hill are heating up. The community is gathering to explore what is next for their local talent and shared space. The insights and emotions surrounding this transition reveal just how much the Gettys Center means to the heart and soul of Rock Hill. Will these local artists find a way to keep their creative community alive? Only time will tell.
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