Chick Springs Update - July 2025

Happy July, everyone! Wanted to give a brief update about our work at Chick Springs.

Completed: Existing Conditions Report

Last week, we hosted a special gathering to preview the Existing Conditions Report compiled by Preservation South. We invited individuals who had contributed to funding the plan, as well as members of the Historic Preservation Commission in Greenville County, who oversee the preservation of historic sites in the County.

We are grateful to all the individuals who contributed to this plan:

• Katherine White

• Russell Wilson

• J David Wilder

• Deb Regar

• Peggy Baker

• Karen Ramirez

• Susan Manwaring

• Brit Ream

• Rebecca Bagwell

• Keith Cunningham

• Taylors First Baptist Church

During the process of developing the plan, we decided to focus specifically on the restoration of the Spring House. You can view the full Chick Springs Spring House Restoration Plan, as the report was finally titled, here.

Next Step: The Site’s Master Plan

Now that we’ve captured key historical details and a plan to rebuild the spring house, we can complete the site master plan. While the ECR focused on the historic structures and elements, the master plan will guide us in developing the full +/- 8-acre site, along with some renderings to help individuals and groups envision what the property could be once completed. We are currently in the final stages of a grant application to fund this plan, which we will be notified about later in Q3. The outcome of that grant application will determine how we proceed. If awarded the grant, we will authorize the completion of the plan; otherwise, we will develop an alternate fundraising strategy.

What you can do now: Give

I know. I know. Asking for money. It’s not my favorite thing. But we are fully convinced of the importance of this work. Regardless of whether we receive the grant for the master plan, if you peruse the ECR, it estimates the reconstruction of the gazebo over the spring at over $100K.

Every step from here only gets more expensive. And I want you to be a part of us bridging that gap. Yes, we will apply for more grants. Yes, we will take our plans to the historic preservation groups. Yes, we will work with any entity willing to work with us on this project. But bringing our own funds to the table will make all that dramatically easier.

Please consider how you can get involved with our work on this project.

If you can give, you can do that here:

Thanks for your support thus far, and we’re excited to continue our work preserving the history of the Chick Springs site.