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The Main Street Children’s Museum in the Dalton Building, one of NTCIC’s early investments. Photo courtesy of the Main Street Children’s Museum.
In 2001, Main Street America’s sister organization, the National Trust Community Investment Corporation (NTCIC), formed out of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. In that same year, NTCIC made its first investment in Rock Hill, South Carolina, supporting the rehabilitation of two historic buildings on East Main Street.
Located just outside of Charlotte, North Carolina with a population of around 75,000, the town of Rock Hill balances small‑town warmth with access to urban amenities, offering residents both opportunity and connection. What truly defines Rock Hill is its commitment to community. The revival of its downtown and historic corridors has transformed once quiet streets into vibrant spaces filled with local shops, restaurants, and other community amenities.
NTCIC’s investment in Rock Hill’s historic building had a transformational impact on the community. The rehabilitation of the buildings opened opportunities for engaging new uses. The Main Street Children’s Museum, located in one of the historic buildings, invites children to explore and imagine while connecting with the historic space. It’s location within Rock Hill’s Main Street connects it with the community and allows families to play, explore, and gather in the downtown.
NTCIC’s first investment, which supported the Dalton and Annex Buildings, marked not only the beginning of a quarter-century of impact for the company, but also a beacon of revitalization in Rock Hill. At the time, the restored buildings were reintroduced as a mixed-use development, with commercial space energizing the ground floors and residential units bringing new life to the upper levels. This thoughtful blend of uses helped reestablish Rock Hill’s Main Street as a place to live, work, and gather. NTCIC’s investment helped cover a construction financing gap and supported the historic preservation elements.
This renewed Main Street does more than stimulate economic growth, it creates a shared sense of place where neighbors gather, traditions are celebrated, and community identity is reinforced. In communities like Rock Hill, such revitalization is essential, anchoring the city’s history while shaping its future and ensuring that residents feel not only feel the impact of a growing economy but the benefits of being part of a strong community.
Today, the Dalton and Annex buildings continue to serve the community in new and meaningful ways. The Dalton Building is home to the Main Street Children’s Museum, a joyful space for learning and play, while the Annex supports Performance Staffing Solutions, an organization helping local residents connect with quality jobs. The Main Street Children’s Museum was inspired by the works of famed Rock Hill resident Vernon Grant. Grant, an illustrator best known for creating Kellogg’s characters Snap, Crackle, and Pop, moved to the city after marrying a Rock Hill native and was active in the Chamber of Commerce, even serving as the city’s first ever director of public housing from 1965 – 1971.
The Main Street Children’s Museum helps young people engage with a historic space. Photo courtesy of the Main Street Children’s Museum.
“Our vision is to create a community valuing natural, historical, and cultural heritage,” said Sarah Lewis, Site Director of the Main Street Children’s Museum. “Preserving the building and being in a historic space is very important. Kids love playing in the vault, looking at the beautiful scrollwork on the ceiling, and seeing the history come alive. While we look toward the future, we connect children to the past.”
Rock Hill’s Main Street plays a crucial role in the success of the children’s museum. “Main Street communities are perfect for children’s museums, and they offer a lot for young children and their families. You can get coffee, lunch, go to the library, shop, and visit the museum without loading children into cars,” said Lewis. “There’s a strong sense of community in Rock Hill’s Main Street, especially during our various annual festivals where we offer free admission and get lots of foot traffic. Being downtown is great for visibility; new families discover us while out and about.”
Nearly 25 years later, NTCIC’s investment in the Dalton and Annex buildings remains a cornerstone of Rock Hill’s downtown. It’s a testament to how historic preservation, when paired with community-focused development, can create lasting impact, economically, culturally, and socially.
Are you interested in leveraging preservation investment on your Main Street? Check out these resources from our Knowledge Hub:
A handbook on how urban design principles can be used to improve economic development, placemaking, safety, and community.
This guide from Main Street Alabama explores how design relates to urban planning, construction, storefronts, existing assets, public space, art, and building codes.
This slideshow provides an introductory overview of the history of Main Street buildings, common architectural features, signage, and preservation guidelines. Published by Indiana Main Street.
It is important for Main Streets to understanding the architectural features of their historic assets. This hand-out provides an introductory overview of different façade elements like windows, transoms, columns, and awnings. Published by Nebraska Main Street Network.
Downtown Decorations, a Main Street America Allied Member, is this quarter’s Main Spotlight advertiser. For more information about what they do to support Main Street organizations, click here.
Main Street America is thrilled to announce the 12 Science Discovery on Main Street grant program recipients.
Learn how to leverage the Main Street Approach during natural disaster recovery.
Creating real change in business ownership starts with local communities leading the way, backed by strong partnerships and collaborations.
