North Florence apartments revitalized. Will it spur more redevelopment? (2024)

FLORENCE — A $4.5 million renovation of the Florence Flats Apartment Homes in North Florence could create more redevelopment in surrounding neighborhoods.

Florence Flats Apartment Homes, 805 W. Darlington St., were built in 1950. Renovations started in June 2023 and were completed earlier this year.

A majority of the renovated units feature two bedrooms and one bath. A limited number of one-bedroom units also are available.

When Chanse Beinke purchased the Florence Flats Apartment Homes complex, tenants pointed out the terrible living conditions. Beinke said he knew he had to do something immediately,

“Everyone deserves to have a nice, clean and comfortable place to live,” Beinke said.

The renovations included plumbing upgrades, installation of central air and heat, fresh landscaping and fixing a water drainage issue, he said.

The city of Florence and the South Carolina Department of Transportation helped solve the water drainage issues around the Florence Flats Apartment Homes, interim Florence City Manager Scotty Davis said.

The state owns Herald Street and allowed the city to improve drainage on the street, which runs north and south of the apartment complex. The city also cleared debris from the stormwater drains on West Marion Street, which runs east and west of the complex.

Michael Walls has spent seven years in North Florence and owns a corner store near the Florence Flats Apartment Homes complex. North Florence, Walls said, has lagged behind the rest of the city of Florence in growth and development.

He said he doesn't have much faith in plans to revamp North Florence. If it does happen, Walls said the growth will cause a demographic transition.

“It would be nice for them to do more,” Walls said.

Traditionally, neighborhood renovations start with government and nonprofit entities. Private investments also are encouraged in those areas.

The city of Florence has worked for several years to bring development to North Florence and has rehabilitated a number of homes in the area, Davis said.

The city has demolished vacant houses, purchased vacant lots and worked with developers to reinvest in those areas, he said.

Davis said he feels the Florence Flats Apartment Home investment reflect the fruits of their labor. He is pleased with the private investment.

“Whenever you have private developers invest in areas they normally do not invest in, you know that what you are doing is successful,” Davis said.

The city has made several investments in the North Florence area, he said.

It has set aside money to upgrade Dr. Iola Jones Park with an amphitheater. The North Pointe Subdivision is a new subdivision on Williams Boulevard in North Florence. It was planned and funded by the city of Florence.

The city also is building several homes on Vista Street in North Florence, Davis said.

The South Carolina Department of Transportation will be improving Oakland Avenue in North Florence. The city also will renovate Northside Park on 310 Lincoln Street.

Gloria Luke has lived in North Florence for 11 years. She said she has faith that the area will grow. She likes living in the area and enjoys the quiet.

“I liked the renovations, and I do think they will work on building up the rest of the area,” Luke said.