Revitalizing Rock Hill: A quarter-Century of Community Investment
for 25 years, the National Trust Community Investment Corporation (NTCIC) has been dedicated to community preservation and economic development. In its inaugural year, NTCIC demonstrated this commitment by making its first investment in Rock Hill, South Carolina, supporting the rehabilitation of two historic buildings on East Main Street.
Located just outside of Charlotte, north Carolina, Rock hill boasts a population of approximately 75,000 and offers a unique blend of small-town charm and urban accessibility. However, what truly distinguishes Rock Hill is its strong sense of community. A intentional focus on revitalization has transformed the downtown area and historic corridors, converting previously quiet streets into vibrant hubs filled with local businesses, restaurants, and community amenities.
NTCIC’s initial investment proved transformational. The rehabilitation of the buildings unlocked opportunities for innovative new uses. The Main Street Children’s Museum, now housed within one of the restored structures, provides a space for children to explore, learn, and connect with the city’s history. Its central location on Main Street fosters community engagement, offering families a place to play, explore, and gather.
This first investment,focused on the Dalton and Annex Buildings,signaled the beginning of NTCIC’s long-term impact. The restored buildings were reintroduced as a mixed-use development, featuring commercial spaces on the ground floor and residential units above. This strategic combination of uses helped re-establish Rock Hill’s Main Street as a thriving destination for living,working,and socializing. NTCIC’s financial support specifically addressed a construction financing gap and facilitated the essential historic preservation work.
The renewed Main Street extends beyond economic stimulation; it cultivates a shared sense of place where residents connect, traditions are celebrated, and community identity is strengthened. In cities like Rock Hill, this type of revitalization is crucial, anchoring the city’s past while simultaneously shaping its future and ensuring residents benefit from both economic growth and a robust community.
Today, the Dalton and Annex buildings continue to serve the community in meaningful ways. The Dalton Building is home to the Main Street Children’s Museum, a vibrant center for learning and play.The Annex building supports Performance Staffing Solutions, an organization dedicated to connecting local residents with employment opportunities. The Main Street Children’s Museum itself was inspired by the work of Vernon Grant, a celebrated Rock Hill resident. Grant,best known as the illustrator who created the Kellogg’s characters Snap,Crackle,and Pop,settled in Rock Hill after marrying a local woman and actively contributed to the city,serving as its first director of public housing from 1965 to 1971,and participating in the Chamber of Commerce.
