About DORA
Our Mission
To encourage the development, redevelopment, and improvement of downtown areas, and to promote downtown merchants and businesses, in order to create a strong
economic base for our community.
What is DORA?
The Downtown Orangeburg Revitalization Association (DORA) is an organization dedicated to the revitalization of Downtown Orangeburg, which serves between Amelia Street to the North, John C. Calhoun Drive on the South, Boulevard on the East and Riverside Drive on the West; a non-profit, funded in part by The City of Orangeburg along with support from Partners and dues-paying members.
DORA operates with the support of the Main Street South Carolina, a service of the Municipal Association of SC and is accredited by the National Main Street Center. The state and national programs assist by providing training, information, and other services. DORA is one of 15 certified Main Street Communities in the State of South Carolina.
Main Street is a unique and effective path to economic development through preservation. Using the four-point approach of organization, design, promotion and economic development.
History of Downtown Orangeburg
Downtown Orangeburg Revitalization Association was organized in 1992 as a non-profit organization and in 1993 was granted 501©(3) status by the Internal Revenue Service. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors. Charlie Boswell served as the organization’s first President.
Downtown Orangeburg Revitalization Association (hereafter referred to as DORA) is a member of Main Street South Carolina, the National Trust Main Street Center and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Structure for the organization is based on the National Trust Main Street’s Four Point Approach: Organization, Promotion, Design and Economic Development. DORA’s Board of Directors and committees meet on a monthly basis. DORA maintains a business office located at 152 Market Street. The DORA area of focus includes the area bordered by Orangeburg’s universities, Claflin University and South Carolina State University; Riverside Drive; John C. Calhoun Drive; and Amelia Street.
Since it was organized in 1993, DORA has been recognized with twenty-eight awards by Main Street South Carolina. DORA hosts a number of community building events throughout the year. Dates and locations for these events are listed in the Events section.
