Renovation and preparatory work continues on the old Russell Street Winn-Dixie with plans for the building to become a restaurant/bar and retail outlet.

"Work is in progress," said Joy Campbell, interim project manager. "The inspection has been passed. Work is going on, but it is going very slowly."

Brooklyn, N.Y., couple Deserie and John W.B. Campbell originally looked to develop an 8,000-square-foot portion of the 24,000-square-foot building into the "Garden City Restaurant."

The restaurant, which was originally a part of the project's first phase, was tentatively scheduled to open in middle to late September of last year, but contractual issues have delayed the project.

"We have gotten new plans drawn up," said Joy Campbell, sister-in-law of owner John. "I would say it is in the third phase."

Campbell said more information would be forthcoming as an opening date approaches. She hesitated to release more details as to when an opening may occur.

Originally, plans called for a dining courtyard, bar and small state-of-the art conference room for business gatherings and small parties.

In addition to dining, plans were to feature a stage for entertainment.

Beyond the restaurant, the other portion of the project called for a retail outlet and possibly an art gallery where local artists could showcase and sell their wares.

Fledgling business entrepreneurs John Campbell and his wife said they looked at various buildings in Orangeburg for more than a year before choosing the Winn-Dixie facility because of its size, its proximity to the colleges and universities, and ongoing downtown revitalization.

With a lack of restaurant experience, the couple joined with Joy Campbell, who is sharing her expertise. Campbell formerly owned the Joy restaurant on John C. Calhoun Drive and about four years ago opened The Yard restaurant near South Carolina State University Bulldog Stadium.

The Campbells purchased the former Winn-Dixie building in the spring of 2006 for $475,000. The property was formerly owned by Annie L.W. Dibble and family.

The building housed a Winn-Dixie from 1958 until the grocery store closed its doors in June 1997. A Winn-Dixie at the Orangeburg Mall also closed its doors at the same time and moved to a Chestnut Street location.

In August 2005, Winn-Dixie closed the doors on its Chestnut Street location as part of a company-wide bankruptcy reorganization plan. The store has remained vacant.

City and DORA officials have gone on record in support of further development of the area known as Railroad Corner. The area's proximity to both South Carolina State and Claflin universities has been cited as an asset.

The Claflin University Community Development Corporation was looking at the Russell Street building as a community resource center, but the project was not considered cost-effective at the time.

T&D Staff Writer Gene Zaleski can be reached by e-mail at gzaleski@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-533-5551. Discuss this and other stories at TheTandD.com.

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