“We can’t let up, y’all”

Tangy chili on a fall night wasn’t all it took to warm the hearts for the faithful of Walhalla’s Partners for Progress. They are encouraged for the future and the change it will bring to a town known as a gateway to the mountains. After hearing the mayor say streetscape is on the way, Partners for Progress members heard realtor and developer John Powell outline various projects to restore old Walhalla buildings and put them to new use. They include converting the old courthouse into a 55-room hotel with what Powell called a first-class restaurant facing Main Street. He also announced projects to renovate the former Owens 66 station on Main, as well as a new use for the Keowee Courier building. To his audience of about 50 people, Powell exhorted, “We can’t let up y’all.”