Rock Hill’s creative heartbeat has been given a vital lifeline with a new month-to-month lease extension at the Tom S. Gettys Center. This 1930s era landmark, formerly a courthouse and post office, remains a unique incubator for the city’s original music scene and arts community even as the city moves forward with plans to sell the property.
Originally, the artists and arts council tenants were facing eviction by the end of summer 2025. Now, they can stay temporarily while a buyer is found, ensuring that studios and live music performances continue uninterrupted for the time being. This includes Michael Gentry’s beloved ongoing shows and an upcoming August 8 gig featuring The Orchids—both cornerstones of Rock Hill’s cultural calendar.
Temporary Reprieve, Uncertain Future
Despite this welcome extension, the battle isn’t over. The scarcity of dedicated performance venues in Rock Hill continues to challenge its vibrant local scene. Some artists are preparing to relocate, casting a shadow over the community’s stability. Gentry’s nonprofit, Don’t Sweat It Inc., which orchestrates many of the rotating shows that fuel the local creative economy, highlights just how critical this venue is to the ecosystem.
- Historic Venue: Tom S. Gettys Center, a former courthouse/post office, now a hub for studios and live music.
- Lease Extension: Month-to-month arrangement allowing artists to remain while city seeks a buyer.
- Upcoming Shows: Michael Gentry returns with live sets; The Orchids headline August 8.
- Community Impact: Venue supports local artists and the broader creative economy via nonprofits.
- Long-Term Threats: Potential sale of the building risks displacing core artists and eroding the scene.
This situation exemplifies the precariousness faced by many arts communities nationwide, where longstanding creative spaces are at risk amid redevelopment pressures. For the moment, Rock Hill creators can breathe easier—but the fight to preserve their cultural home continues.
Stay tuned for updates as we follow the sale process and the fate of the Gettys Center’s role in sustaining Rock Hill’s vibrant festival and music environment.
Source: Temporary stay: Rock Hill creators get more time at Gettys Center