Morgan Square Redevelopment

[hub-city]

It's starting to take shape. It is going to be an improvement, but i still think that the traffic pattern around the clock might be confusing. We'll have to wait and see. I'm getting ready to try to go drive Main, because they have just opened it up back to traffic. http://www.goupstate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/art.../509210335/1051

They are going to still keep Dunbar closed for equipment etc... I'll report back after I've tried the drive. Hopefully today

[hub-city]

Well, it is a little confusing around the clock tower, but nothing like it used to be. it's great having parking back in front of those businesses. Had lunch at Wild Wings...still crowded. All roads are open, but Dunbar in front of Extended Stay.

[hub-city]

It looks like we're in the homestretch for Morgan Square. The general should be up by early November and a whole bunch of trees and plants coming soon.

http://www.goupstate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/art...360/1051/NEWS01

[goodbye]

That square will certainly look great in a few years. It already looks much nicer than it previously did. I was glad to see the statue still there.

[Spartan]

I'm assuming that they decided to put the original astature back on its pedestal?

[goodbye]

Daniel Morgan wasn't back yet, but th pedestal (as you already knew) was there. It was the first I had been by there in awhile.

[Spartan]

I was referring to the debate started on wether or not to put the original statue back, or put up a duplicate and leave the original in a museum. I think the original should be up there, as do most good Spartans.

[hub-city]

It's good to have the general back looking over the square. They are in the process of putting the pavers down and starting to bring in some trees for the streets. Everything is starting to take shape.

[hub-city]

Things are moving along pretty fast now. Most of the grass and landscaping is in the square. Pavers are down and they are working on the fountain and they haven't put up the fence yet. Lights are up and hope to be operational next week.

They are still working on the clock area. Currently putting down the foundations for the flag poles and also working on the sprinklers.

I think they are trying to have it pretty much wrapped up for "Dickens of a Christmas" on the 29th of November. Wouldn't be surprised if they close the area off to traffic pretty soon to put the final layer of asphalt and lines down.

Wish I had a digital camera. I've asked Santa (actually Mrs. Claus) for one.

[krazeeboi]

We look forward to some nice photos.

[RestedTraveler]

I had an excellent opportunity to take some photos today, but I couldn't convince my wife to stop and eat at Wild Wing.

It's looking GREAT! They were paving the streets today. I would have loved to have gotten out and walked around to take it all in and snap some photos.

[Spartan]

I got to walk around the square this weekend. It looks really great. It sure beats that parking lot that used to be there. I really like the crosswalks. It connects to the other side very well. The pavillion area is better than I thought it would be. Its just a space that is available for a stage, rather than some sort of permanent stage setup (which is what I was expecting). I'm not a fan of those magnolia trees though. They will be too large and will have to be cut down at some point- but hey, at least they arent bradford pears. That little fenced off area I find confusing. I'm not sure what its for. My guess is that once its grows out a bit it could be sort of an 'isolated' place to go and sit. I didn't notice many benches. I also noticed the fountain was not complete, so I'm wondering if they are part of the last bit of work? Anyway, the square looks really good.

Theey weren't done with the western part yet, but its already better than it used to be. Just being able to drive Main St straight through is a major improvement.

[goodbye]

I walked all over Morgan Square yesterday morning. Very nice! It isn't completely finished, but you could walk everywhere. I especially like the criss-crossing paths down by the clock tower. They seem to resemble the City of Spartanburg logo. I won't have a chance to be in town for tonight's Dickens of a Christmas (I'll be in DT Greenville at the Peace Center), but I'll certainly check it out sometime this week.

[Spartan]

Here is an image of the completed Square from the HJ:

Though its not entirely complete, what is left is nothing major. The city was impressed with nearly double the turn out for this years "Dicken's of a Christmas" festival, and businesses are already seeing an increase in business, or rather- a return to normal.

http://www.goupstate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/art...368/1051/NEWS01

[roads-scholar]

I was downtown last night and was amazed by the amount of pedestrian and vehicular traffic in and around Morgan Square. The restaurants and bars were not jammed but the crowds were surprisingly large for a cold Monday evening.

[Spartan]

Yeah, I often find that its difficult to find parking along the street though there is usually a spot or two along Spring St. I hope that the reduction in spaces is encouraging more people to use the garages.

[krazeeboi]

Here's the image just in case someone can't access the article:

Lookin' good!