The revitalization of Downtown Greenville is a 25 year success story. This extensive redevelopment project has resulted in a large central business district, a sought after residential area and the creation of numerous cultural, dining and entertainment venues.
Located midway between Atlanta and Charlotte, downtown Greenville is now one of the fastest growing areas in the country; however, business was not always booming here. Traditional downtown retailers took a big hit in the 1960's with the advent of enclosed malls and shopping centers. Downtown Greenville was littered with vacant buildings and few residents. Determined not to let this vital part of the city turn into a wasteland, the city planners began a redevelopment of the downtown area.
The first step involved changing the whole persona of Main Street. The street's four lanes were reduced to two, angled parking was added, trees were planted on both sides of the street and decorative light fixtures were installed. Parks and small plazas were also added. Moving into the 1970's, Downtown Greenville's cold, empty city streets had been transformed into a charming neighborhood with character.
By the 1980's Greenville had developed a new image, but it was time for the retail sector to be revitalized. The Greenville Commons/Hyatt Regency became the City's first luxury convention hotel. A Downtown Master Plan was developed outlining the creation of a dynamic community complete with residential areas, retail and office space and various entertainment venues.
The 1990's brought large developments, including the creation of the Peace Center for the Performing Arts, and their contribution of world class productions such as Phantom of the Opera and Riverdance.
For sports and concert enthusiasts, the 16,000 seat BI-LO Center was constructed.
In an effort to boost the historical district, The West End Market was conceived, providing a variety of shops, restaurants and office space.
Presently, a thriving downtown Greenville is reaping the benefits of many years of development. They've successfully aligned themselves to their master plan, resulting in an area where residents can live, work and play.
The Central Business District covers about 300 acres, and within this lies 3 million square feet of office space, the largest concentration in the region. It boasts a variety of spaces ranging from high-rise Class A office space to renovated historic warehouses and buildings.
Offices representing almost every major bank in the Southeast are situated downtown. In fact, all major legal, financial and government buildings are located in this region.
Over 70 restaurants and pubs thrive here with revenue totaling more than $50 million.
With over 130 retail shops, downtown retail sales totaled over $110 million. Over 700 hotel rooms are located in the downtown area alone.
The residential sector in Downtown Greenville is booming and has become a preferred place to live. Currently, there are over 1,200 residential units and another 630 units under construction, offering a large selection of homes such as the revived character houses in historical neighborhoods of Park Avenue, Hampton/Pinckney and Pettigru. Conveniently located to work and shopping, Main Street offers housing that varies from studio apartments to luxurious condominiums.
Home to over 300 events each year, there is no shortage of downtown celebrations. One of the most popular draws are the weekly downtown concerts ranging from folk to jazz occurring from March through October.
The City also prides itself in the Greenville county Art Museum, a number of private galleries, and live theatre venues.
The last area slated for development was the previously neglected Reedy River. The City of Greenville along with other committed individuals have cleaned up a section along the river and transformed the 26 surrounding acres into Falls Park. This major regional attraction comes complete with landscaped gardens, walking trails, a pedestrian bridge and waterfalls.
The city has recently met to revive the Downtown Master Plan in an effort to continue moving forward and ensure the continued success of downtown Greensville.
