In a recent Florence City Council special meeting, city officials gathered to discuss a significant development proposal that could reshape a key corner of the community. The focus was on a one-acre site located at the intersection of US Highway 42 and Farmview Drive, which is currently split between the cities of Union and Florence.

The proposal under review involves a concept development plan for a new Bank of America branch, which seeks to amend previous architectural and lighting conditions established for the site. This area is adjacent to a Publix supermarket currently under construction, with two outlots planned for future development.

City planners highlighted that the property is zoned for commercial use and is forecasted for such purposes as early as 1940. The existing conditions require that any buildings in the outlots maintain specific architectural standards, including a fully pitched roof and exterior lighting that matches the Publix design. However, Bank of America’s initial proposal did not meet these standards, particularly regarding the choice of materials and roof design.

During the meeting, city staff expressed concerns about the initial design, which featured a gray brick that lacked the detailing required by the 2021 concept plan. After feedback from the public hearing process, Bank of America revised their proposal, enhancing the architectural detailing and adjusting the lighting to align with the established standards. The updated design now includes a red brick facade and a standing seam metal roof, although it still requests an exception for the roof pitch.

The Planning and Zoning Committee recently recommended approval of the application without additional conditions, signaling a positive step forward for the project. As the city continues to grow, this development could play a crucial role in shaping the commercial landscape of Florence, providing new services to residents while adhering to the community's architectural vision.

As discussions continue, residents and stakeholders remain eager to see how this project will unfold and what it will mean for the future of Florence.