First work finished on historic South Carolina attraction

CHARLESTON, S.C. -- The first phase is complete on a $5 million facelift for Charleston's open air city market, one of the most popular tourist attractions in South Carolina.

The Post and Courier reports market vendors were surprised Monday to discover the first market building had been finished, getting new paint, a new roof and other improvements.

Work began in January on renovating the buildings in the city's historic district dating to the 1800s. They were last refurbished more than 35 years ago.

One of the improvements allows customers to shop at counters from outside, as well as inside, of the market. Parking spaces that used to line the streets and block outside access have been removed and sidewalks will now line the market.