The Charleston Urban Renewal Authority has big plans for the area, including improving infrastructure, rehabbing existing buildings, and fixing up visual elements on the streets.
One example of the projects underway is the restoration of a mural, an ad for Gold Medal Flour that dates back to the early 20th Century. Kayleigh Phillips, a local artist, has been hired to restore and update the sign, making it relevant to the current community. The mural lives on the side of a building in the Elk City historic district.
Phillips started her career in advertising and graphic design, where she developed an appreciation for hand lettering. In addition to the updated Gold Medal mural, her handiwork can be seen all over the West Side, including the storefronts for Kin Ship Goods, Elk City Records, and Bully Trap Barber Shop.
Tighe Bullock, the president of Bullock Properties and Crawford Holdings, told the Charleston Gazette-Mail that the goal is to create "a walkable, art-friendly and affordable community."
Bullock has been working with his dad, John Bullock, the CEO of Gaddy Engineering Company to restore historic buildings in the Elk City section, giving residents and businesses a chance to move into the area.
The pair are particularly interested in attracting artists to the area, as businesses and residents usually follow. John Bullock summarizes:
"If you can bring in art, you can bring in people."