We Bought An Abandoned Bank 

Congratulations, as a former contractor, i always tell people in your situation, check out the roof first. If it needs work, do that first, if it leaks, it can ruin all your hard work

I’m from Johnston. I’m 56 years old and it was a laundry mat as far back as I can remember. Thank you for fixing it up.

Remember the primary rule of big projects. The first 90% of any job takes 90% of the time. The last 10% takes the other 90% of the time. This rule also applies to estimated expenses.

I was so excited when my sister Stacey texted this video to our family group text. She works at the Edgefield County courthouse tax auditor office. We were born and raised in Johnston. As children we went to that very same building when it was the laundromat. As a child it looked a lot bigger to me then. We loved going there. Never knew it was an apartment over it. This is so cool to see my hometown. I live in Baltimore now and work in DC for the Federal government. Due to my health issues I don’t get home too often now. Yes peach Capitol of the world. I worked in the peach packing sheds when I was little. Lewis F. Holmes and Son down Aiken hwy. Thanks for sharing 😊

These old abandoned towns can make a comeback with decently paid remote workers.

Welcome to Johnston. I’ve lived here all my life and also a member of the Fire Department across the street. Enjoy your time and I hope whatever business you decide to go into does well for you.

It makes me a little nervous that most of the storefronts look empty. I hope you are able to determine what might help bring business back to that area. I'll be rooting for you.

Wow, I'm hooked after one episode!! I'm a retired builder/engineering designer and I see a lot of potential in this building. Even with your limited camera work I can see a flat ceiling above the first floor and no major cracks in the slab. Both good signs. Perhaps when you get some more light in there we can take a closer look. With your camera work that is. I know you didn't ask, but here is what I would do in the first 30 days. Start with a blank notebook of drawing paper and start with a basic floor and make a bunch of sketches based on what you want to do. Then hire a designer to come in and take the critical measurements of the interior of the building and draw a scaled plan of your ideas. Then take it to a local architect who is savvy to the local architectural control board, if there is one, and see if he/she thinks what they will think about your ideas. After that you can consider where to start your electrical and water and HVAC in the future. Just my 2 cents. Good luck and Greetings from Texas....John B. Now I'm going to check out your previous videos......JB

It can’t be a coincidence that you met someone living in the apartment in the 30’s!! The building has so much life attached to it. You are doing a great thing…..Hopefully the town council has some old blueprints and info on the bank. Congratulations and good luck

Bank, nothing! That's the Ghostbusters firehouse!

I truly love old architecture and anytime it can be saved it saves a bit of history because for sure newer buildings do NOT have the charm and beauty of old architecture ❤❤

I don't care about learning how to do things, but I love watching renovations. This one looks interesting!

A Cafe! The Banker's Lunch !!!!

Lawrence KS has a busy downtown, since it's where KS Univ is located. An old bank was turned into a restaurant. The vault door is still there. The vault was turned into the bathrooms.

I don’t think you guys are crazy; quite the opposite actually. Super excited for the both of you and wishing I could rescue an old building.

We restored an old bank building in Arizona and now it's our home.

Outdoor dining is the secret weapon for success of a downtown these days. Your Granville video shows a good example of that.

You bought an old world building. Spectacular!❤❤

I would put in ALL new windows. Turn the upstairs into living area and main floor into a cafe. Coffee shop, internet cafe, book ( reading ) area. Let ur imagination go. What is most needed in that area RIGHT NOW ?

What a fun project to tackle! The upstairs is wonderful with the fireplaces and the half-round window. I was really glad to hear you both say you would have still bought the building if you had seen it first. I can’t wait to see what you make of it.

This was once a very beautiful building, but all of the residents and business people as well as architects and builders who lived or worked there over the last few decades were absolute art philistines. that hurts

What an exciting new venture! Can't wait to see how you transform the abandoned bank in Johnston, South Carolina. Sounds like a unique and thrilling adventure ahead!

Omstars… I’m from Johnston and one of my few fond memories of that tiny place is the smell of the laundry mat❤️❤️ I always loved the smell of fabric softener and clean clothes. There used to be a nice restaurant over by the police station and a theatre around the corner on the main street back in the 80s. I don’t know what in the world you’re going to do with it but I hope the locals appreciate it. Good for you in seeing the adventure in this!

I am so please that you two are not disappointed in your finds, Thanks, and welcome to the Peach. Capital of the WORLD. Johnston, S.C.

I deeply hope you guys do weekly/monthly videos on start to finish on this project. Awesome bringing history back to life, Good Luck and will be watching. Bobby

In NYC, SOHO loft and business owners (on a tight budget) used to spray paint ceilings flat black or flat dark brown. Amazing how all the structural features and HVAC and electrical stuff nearly disappear visually when painted flat black.

I live in a town in California that has a peach festival every July. Our area harvests peaches and prunes, almonds, kiwi, grapes, rice,and melons. Apple Hill is not far.

this is going to be a cool restoration. As cool as the windows are I would recommend modernizing them, single pane windows do absolutely nothing against the cold or heat, they just keep the wind out. Being able to maintain the proper temperature in your abode will save you a lot of pain in the end. I'm excited to see how well you restore this building it has a lot of character, good luck!

Where's the vault?

Wow, you two really have a lot of work ahead of you . I see lots of possibilities in this old place.

Hey Dray, welcome to Johnston, and congratulations to you and your partner on purchasing the old Bank! My husband and I are in our mid/early thirties, and we love living in Johnston. If you want any advice on things to do or places to eat, please reach out. There are great people here and some great local restaurants / things to do, but you just need to know where to look. If y'all would like to have lunch sometime, let me know, and we can grab a bite!

it needs a lot of work. hope you are either a very good construction person or have lots of money, probably need both.

Welcome to South Carolina! You will have endless amounts of fun as you restore the old place.

Looks like a great place to survive the zombie apocalypse - from the vision you've shown us, most of the population seems to have fled already. Good luck with the project.

Welcome to Johnston, we are happy to have you here! Best wishes for your new business! If you’re looking for a good church to visit, we have a wonderful community of people at Johnston First Baptist Church right around the corner from your new place. We’d love to have you anytime.

Johnston native. always remembered it being a laundromat and I’m only 33 lol welcome! Can’t wait to see what you do with it 😊

I'm so excited for the two of you on this adventure! I love it when people are not afraid to tackle these awesome projects......you won't regret (when your done)!

That former bank is a hellish disaster. OMG!

How awesome of an adventure this will be. I admire you and your girlfriend's sense of adventure. Looking forward to see the progress. If I could work remotely, I'd be doing similar things.

How exciting!! I love it when people remodel old historic buildings especially downtown town. Downtown is the heart of every town. Keep it beating and bring back the beautiful of that building. I’m excited to see what you decide what to do with the main part of the old bank/laundry mat. All the best in your new adventure!!

Welcome to South Carolina!! I hope you love living here as much as I do. Lots of history and beautiful abandoned locations near Johnston. I don't live far from there myself. Always happy to see beautiful old buildings being restored and can't wait to see what you do with such a great space.

I love restoration/refurbish videos. It will be great to follow your journey.

Sad to see there was no vault or safe left behind...keep the old plaster on the walls with the brick...it is a very cool look and very popular in old industial warehouses renovated to living spaces. Plus it will save you time and money in disposal fees. Happy transformation! 😊

So many people I know including you, are moving up to the Carolinas from Florida. Happy to watch you and keep up with your adventures here on YT,

I can sum this building up in Two words.... Money Pit!!! 🤠👍

Congratulations on your purchase of that Gem Property. I look forward to following along on your renovation. It looks like it will be a very interesting renovation. All the Best & good Luck.

Question: "We've got a good building here what do you think?' Answer: "I think it's ours...." 😂 Best non answer I've ever heard!

I am so excited for the two of you. I’m a builder up in Westlake Ohio near Cleveland. Put word out to find old pictures of the bank at its heyday day and maybe during use. Good news!! Most of the hard demo is done. Too bad the old vault isn’t still in place. Ok… now I’ve done a lot of remodels of old homes. My experience is… never do things half way. Get a plan together for the floor plan… make sure you have a small mud room, kitchen with island that is also a table, walk in pantry, family room, master suite with walk in closet and then the rest will fill in based on the space you have. If you do this right, you will make $$$ and or have a great income property.

Congratulations on your venture can’t wait to see what it is going to be!!

What an amazing building! So excited to see more of your journey!!! 🎉

I see a lot of thought, a lot of planning, a lot of time and a lot of money in your future and I'm excited for you. I wish you well.

There is no doubt on your faces that you bought this building with only excitement and happiness. Congrats from Macedonia, eastern Europe.

Beautiful building.

I was born in Spartanburg. Most of my family are from Inman or Prosperity. It was good to see that little country town of Johnston looking healthy and relatively prosperous compared to so many other rural towns across the country. Wish you and Sarah great success and enjoyment with this very unique adventure.

You bought yourself a nice shell. Short of any infiltrations, you got yourself a deal. Congrats.

Hey guys!!! Welcome to Edgefield County! We’re glad to have you. I was born here but also just moved back from Tampa Bay. Small world! 🌎 can’t wait to see what you guys do with the place. This is exciting!

Congrats to you both. Looks like it will be amazing once restored. Please both get a protective hard hat for your safety, you can’t be too careful in such a dilapidated space. Looking forward to seeing it come back to life.

What an awesome find! Looking forward to seeing y'alls progress! subbed!

What a beautiful building! Congratulations!

I LOVE your channel!!! Thank you for sharing with us your adventure!

Congrats on the purchase Dray! Look forward to the series. I will miss seeing you in Florida but happy for you dude.

Love it!!! I brought an renovated an abandoned bank in NZ many years ago- can’t wait to watch your progress

I just moved from South Carolina and miss it. I love old bank buildings, you can do a lot with that old building. Can't wait to see what you do with it.

It looks like a diamond in the rough. Congrats! A blank canvas to carry you to where ever your imagination take you! 🥳

I lived in a repurposed carriage house for many years. This should be a lot of fun to renovate.

I love the sound of American trains, that soft harmonica chord. It is, as you say, a very soothing sound. We lived by the RR when I was ten, and I used to climb up in the lilac bush to wave at the engineer, and the brakeman in his caboose (yes, I'm old!). Best of luck with your project. Good to hear that the roof is in good condition.

WOW~~~~Good Luck on your ADVENTURE!!

Wow, what an adventure. I’m sure the residents will provide you with a history of the building and town. Good luck!

Cannot wait to see what you do with the building.Will you be sharing some of the planns and ideas you have? Thanks for bringing us along for the ride. Good luck We had a grandson who lived in Sumter SC while in the air force. He is a fireman paramedic and now lives in Suffolk Va. I love the people of the south and the history.

We have been through this town several times( had a flat tire there one time) lots of peach trees around there! They have a great family diner there. The old town is a bustling town. Love this town- watching from Lake Wales, Florida

My wife and I bought an old house\church credit union ,we turned it back into a house.wet basement ,built a kitchen, bathroom, shower, one big room into 2 smaller rooms.

Congratulations! Looks like a Great Project, Gut the place and start fresh, will be a great addition to the town, looking forward to seeing your progress!

Just found your video. Can't wait to see what you do with this building. I've been doing historic restoration in Salisbury, NC for the jast 25 years. I love the first day seeing a project and knowing what it's going to be when I finish. I'll be watch ing your progress. Good luck.

Beautiful old building! Learn some of the local history.

Congrats I bought one last year. Built in 1906. Same tile. I have a small patch only. Bricks bricks bricks, yes removed fireplace....You got a winner bud! Be sure to look for any Federal Reserve notes that may have been issued by your bank. I bought mine site unseen, knew nothing about the town i purchased it in. ~ Julesburg, Co. Owner said it has some lingering spirits. Some say they seen her. I did buy a REM pod and got the most interesting results after it not making one beep for 6 months in my house. My building was offices upstairs and early in the morning around 4:30-6 you can hear the sound of people walking down stairs that were moved. Yeah I know sounds wild. LETS GO! Cheers!

Welcome to South Carolina ! Like the song says, " Nothin could be finer than to be in Carolina ".

What a wondrous money pit! I wish you the very best, whatever your plans. Such an architectural anchor of that little town - it sure would be nice to save.

I live in Aiken, SC! I’ve never been to Johnston (fairly new to Aiken!) but now I have a reason to drive by your old bank! This will be a great renovation project to watch!

So excited for you two. Many Blessings to you and Godspeed. Will be watching you! 🥳🍹👍 Kate, Texas 🤠

What an exciting new project! I’ve always wanted to convert an old town bank or firehouse. Can’t wait to see what you do with it.

Johnston is one of the first towns i fell in love with in SC. ❤ You get the peach blossom festival.

I like old building conversions. A club I used to belong to in the UK, had as their HQ and clubhouse, a converted courthouse. This was about 40 some years ago, and is now I believe some kind of private dwelling. I did stay there once, in rooms built into the roof area of the main courtroom I think. I remember thinking I would love to live there. Strangely, the whole thing felt welcoming, and the conversion was well done.

Thank you!! Great adventure.

Very excited to watch you both restore this building! I just subscribed! Godspeed!

I look forward to seeing your future endeavor and that old mantle and a lot of that stuff could definitely be brought back to life real cool building

Wow, congrats! Can't wait to watch these videos.

Good luck to you both. Can’t wait to see the future 😊

Thanks for the Video.

I just found your channel. Watching the next one now. Good job you guys!

Just happened upon your channel. Love watching this kind of stuff. Been watching This Old House for 30 plus years. Good luck to you guys and look forward to watching your progress.

This is very exciting guys, and the plaster is a small deal. Love the doors and fireplace.

Looks interesting, will watch your progress, I use to live in Concord and worked in the City in the 70's..I saw the destruction coming and left for Greener pastures. Good luck on your project.

That is cool! Congrats. I’m looking forward to video progress. I wish there were affordable opportunities like this in my area.

Congratulations I love old buildings! But as Sarah said it’s creepy. But as soon as you get going fixing it up with a little patience it’s going to be beautiful!!

Looking forward to seeing what you do with this! This is going to be fun!!

Congratulations!🎉🎉🎉🎉 looks very promising. Hope you can restore all the fireplaces. I subscribed and will be following your journey. Best wishes to you!!😊❤

Awesome! Can’t wait to see the progress!!

It's going to be awesome watching the renovation.

Good luck on the work ahead. Although you probably wont become rich renovating this property, I think you will make something beautiful from this sadly neglected wonder.

This is awesome! I used to live in Cheraw SC, about 2 hours north in Chesterfield county so very fond of SC ❤️ what a great place and so glad you bought it. Love the tall ceilings and the tin - just need a couple of Hunter Original ceiling fans for the perfect Southern look! Can’t wait to see the progress