• Downtown Building Renovations

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    Downtown Building Renovations

    A key government building underwent a much-needed makeover and renovation.

    Work got underway at the Liberty Center in mid-October 2020 to bring a fresh look to the busy multi-faceted office space, and renovations were completed in the Spring of 2021.

    With $894,600 in funding, this project is part of the One Cent Capital Projects Sales Tax Referendum, commonly known as the Penny for Progress, which Sumter County voters approved of in 2014.

    Situated at 12 West Liberty Street, the 22,000-square-foot building houses several offices that serve both the City of Sumter and Sumter County Government: The Planning and Building departments as well as the Business License Department. Additionally, it’s the home of Sumter Police Department’s Community Services Unit and Worthless Check Division and the City/County Credit Union. Also part of the Liberty Center are the City’s Communications, Information Technology, Events & Tourism, Community Development, Codes Enforcement and Sumter Volunteers.

    Tripper Lee, a construction project manager with the City of Sumter, said the renovations will incorporate two new conference suites at the storefront of Liberty Center.

    New ductwork is going in as well, along with new flooring and painting throughout the building, he said. Bathroom ceilings are being lowered to increase energy efficiency and new vanities will be installed.

    Howie Owens, Assistant Manager for the City of Sumter, said there’s excitement about the updates to the Liberty Center as the changes are designed to improve the customer experience for the citizens and business owners of Sumter.

    “Not only will it look better, but it will be an all-around improved experience,” he said.

    The Planning and Building departments routinely meet with property and business owners and private developers, and the two new conference rooms are designed to create a more user-friendly environment with ample space and display screens for presenting maps and other pertinent information, he said.

    “We look forward to serving the public in a space that they can be proud of,” he said.

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