Morgan Square Enhancement Plan Spartanburg, South Carolina

Services Provided

Placemaking
Public Engagement
Landscape Architecture
Documentation

People Involved

Darren Meyer
Haoting Shi
Haylee McManus

Transforming Downtown Spartanburg into a premier public gathering space

MKSK worked with the City of Spartanburg as the lead designer and landscape architect for the Morgan Square Enhancement Plan. The Morgan Square Enhancement Plan aims to provide an opportunity to maximize the space’s potential as Downtown Spartanburg’s premier public gathering space. Working with local leaders, downtown stakeholders, and area residents, MKSK conducted a series of community outreach and public engagement.

Enhancement recommendations include permanent pedestrian sections of West Main and Dunbar streets along the square. This creates festival streets that increase the functional size of Morgan Square and create a cohesive feel across the entire space. The enlarged performance lawn at the square’s eastern end will have adjacent public restrooms and a staffed visitor kiosk. A new stage orientation will allow upwards of 800 audience members to enjoy performances and will continue to serve as the home of longtime City events, such as Music on Main. Other additions include lounging terraces, a programmable water feature, bench swings, and an outdoor dining zone. The enhancements also create a 70% increase in Morgan Square’s total green space.

The Morgan Square Enhancement Committee approved a final design that was presented to City Council in August 2023.