ORANGEBURG, S.C. – Today, U.S. Congressman James E. Clyburn (SC-06) celebrated the groundbreaking of the Railroad Corner Redevelopment project in Orangeburg, South Carolina. This project will revitalize downtown Orangeburg and unify the city’s business district and universities.
“It is an honor to participate in today’s groundbreaking. During my time as a student at South Carolina State, Orangeburg was a hub for innovation and industry. Now is the time for the city to reclaim that role once more,” Congressman Clyburn said. “Today marks the beginning of our efforts to revitalize and reconnect this historic and dynamic community.”
Once completed, the Railroad Corner Redevelopment Project will provide office and commercial space as well as housing for students at South Carolina State University and Claflin University. This project will also improve parking and transit infrastructure and provide a pedestrian bridge over highways and railroad tracks. Included in the redevelopment will be the Cecil Williams Civil Rights Museum, which will serve as the centerpiece of the redevelopment.
This redevelopment project was made possible through the $29 million in federal investments. This figure includes the more than $700,000 in community project funding that Congressman Clyburn secured for the restoration of the Old State Theatre, which is slated to house the Cecil Williams Civil Rights Museum, as part of the Fiscal Year 2023 minibus appropriations bill.