This year, we celebrate the rehabilitation of a two-story masonry powerhouse in the historic Rock Hill Printing and Finishing Company district. Built circa 1929, with an addition in 1949, the restored building now features retail and office space on the first floor and four apartments on the second.

The project involved $18.415 million in rehabilitation expenditures, supported by $3.683 million in federal tax credits and $1.8415 million in state tax credits. This achievement was made possible through collaboration with the South Carolina State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and the National Park Service, who provided invaluable support to overcome financial and design challenges.

This revitalization exemplifies the transformative power of historic preservation as a catalyst for cultural and economic renewal.

We are thrilled to recognize Hobo’s Rock Hill, a true champion of Rock Hill's history, as our 2023 Preservation Award winner.

Their dedication to preserving Rock Hill's past is evident in his recent project: the revitalization of the historic Coca-Cola Bottling Company building on Cherry Road. Originally established in 1906, the Coca Cola building moved to its Cherry Road location in 1941. This stunning renovation, now home to Hobo's Restaurant and Off the Track's Brewery, breathes new life into a significant piece of our city's heritage.

By carefully preserving the building's original character, including the iconic Coca-Cola sign and incorporating original wood into the restaurant's design, they have ensured that this historic landmark remains a cherished part of Rock Hill's landscape.

Stop by to see this iconic building.

We awarded Pat for her commitment to the preservation of our local history. Our organization was lucky enough to work with Pat as she published this work that uncovers a pivotal figure in our history. Historic Rock Hill aims to share the collective stories of our community, especially those that are at risk of being forgotten.

Join us in supporting a native Rock Hillian and sharing the Carhartt story with others:

Hamilton Carhartt, founder of Carhartt Clothing, came to Rock Hill in 1907 looking for a cotton mill to make the denim for his iconic bib overalls, which he proudly labeled, Made in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Because of his presence in this booming textile town, Carhartt acquired massive acreage and built a mansion, family houses, and a farm on the banks of the Catawba River, known throughout South Carolina as Carhartt Plantation. His farm produced a variety of agricultural and dairy products, housed domestic and exotic animals, and even bred prized Arabian Horses. However, Carhartt’s most enduring legacy was the care and respect he showed for his employees by providing for their physical, educational, and recreational needs. He believed that “the prosperity of his employees created better denim.” Carhartt demonstrated these core values by providing beautifully designed housing with modern conveniences, night schools, childcare, meals, parties, swimming pools, and other amenities that were rare at that time. Though Carhartt’s time in Rock Hill ended with the 1920-1921 Global Recession, his positive impact on the landscape and community remain.

Purchase Your Copy HERE.