Turner Padget Relocates to Historic Florence Library

FLORENCE, S.C. (June 6, 2011) - Turner Padget Graham & Laney, P.A. is pleased to announce that it has relocated its Florence office today to the former Florence County Memorial Library Building at 319 S. Irby Street. It will now serve as a 24,000 square foot office space for the firm, split over several levels with eight conference rooms. Turner Padget is the largest law firm in Florence.

“The opportunity to preserve part of our city’s rich past is one that we could not pass up,” said Walter H. Barefoot, managing shareholder of Turner Padget’s Florence office. “While this move allows us the additional office space that our growing firm requires, we are also able to conserve an architectural gem for the citizens of Florence. We are very excited about the redevelopment of downtown Florence, and are proud to contribute to our community in this capacity.”

The building was constructed around 1925 on the original home site of General William Wallace Harlee, founder of Florence. It served as the city’s library for over 80 years, and was named in 2006 to the National Register of Historical Places. Renovations began last year, and the building has been restored to its original design and elevation, completed with modern amenities and state-of-the-art technology.

“This project is a testament to our firm’s commitment to Florence,” added Edward W. Laney, IV, chief executive officer of Turner Padget. “Our attorneys are deeply embedded in the communities in which we serve, and we are pleased to have this opportunity to assist in the revitalization of downtown Florence.” 

Turner Padget has signed a long-term lease as the anchor tenant. LIBRIS Development LLC’s John Chase and Randy Key, along with Florence attorney Ben Zeigler (not of Turner Padget) purchased the building in 2009 with the intent to redevelop it into professional commercial space. 

Turner Padget celebrated its 25th anniversary in the Florence community in 2010. The firm employs 18 attorneys and 18 staff members in Florence.

About Turner Padget

Founded in 1929, Turner Padget is one of South Carolina’s largest law firms with 90 attorneys and five offices in Charleston, Columbia, Florence, Greenville and Myrtle Beach. The firm provides clients in many industries with quality legal services in areas such as arbitration and mediation, business entity planning and organization, business litigation, construction and environmental litigation, employment and labor law, estate and tax planning, insurance coverage analysis and litigation, intellectual property, personal injury defense litigation, products liability, professional liability, real estate transactions, trucking and transportation, and workers’ compensation. For additional information, visit http://www.turnerpadget.com.