The City of Cayce and the Cayce River Arts District (CRAD) are experiencing a “previtalization.” In 2015, Cayce Mayor Elise Partin attended the Mayors Institute on City Design where she introduced the idea of “prerevitalization” to connect art, community, and business.
How did it start?
Thanks in large part to grants from the Central Carolina Community Foundation and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, public art has given new life to the city just across the Congaree River from Cola.
Now, when you drive down State Street towards Frink Street, you’re welcomed with the “original heart of Cayce” by several eye-catching murals, sculptures, and an Art Lot open to residents, artists, and art-focused events.
Buildings like the Old Cayce Foundry, Coffey’s Corner, and the Frink Street Body Shop have turned from drab colors and flaking paint, to brightly colored buildings with artistic flair. Just look at these before and after images.
What’s new?
The goal of the previtalization is to attract new business, improve quality of life, and increase property values. So far, it’s seen success with several new businesses opening in the past few years.
- Dialed, 1902 State St. A
- Piecewise Coffee, 2001 State St.
- Swatch Graphics, 1931 State St.
- Steel Hands Brewing, 2350 Foreman St.
- Salvage Sisters, coming soon
- State of the Art, 2007 State St.
- Trini Lime Caribbean Cafe, 2008 State St.
- The Studio Square, coming soon
Celebrate fall
Visit Cayce this weekend for the annual fall fest featuring live music, a local artisan market, face painting, and fun for the entire family. Two new businesses — Salvage Sisters + Trini Lime Caribbean Cafe — will both be showcasing new spaces set to open soon.
Cayce Fall Fest | Sat., Oct. 1 | 12-6 p.m. | Free | Celebrate fall in Cayce surrounded by art, shopping, and more.
