New Greenville developments

[GvilleSC]

I am not sure if anyone posted this yet, but at the end of October, the GADC reported that the Caterpillar plant in Fountain Inn is expanding once again. This will add even more engineering jobs to the county. Greenville recently ranked #1 in the U.S. for engineers per capita. This news should bolster that ranking.

That's great. I had not heard anything about this.

[atlrvr]

Sorry if this is a little off topic, but I didn't know which thread would be best.

I lived in Charlotte for 26 years, and never went to downtown Greenville in all that time. I recently moved to Boston for a new job, and was just sent to Greenville to scout the market for a new deal my company is considering investing in. (Actually in Traveler's Rest)

Anyway, I was VERY impressed with downtown Greenville, even though the weather left something to be desired. Two co-workers and myself stayed at the new Westin (which is much better in person than the renderings and photos suggested) and walked up and down Main St. (pedestrian activity was limited, but it was a cold rainy Monday night) and the whole area had a very organic urban feel, and the new park interacts amazingly with area. I drove out Main St. this morning and the area (West End?) had tons of potential and with the existing buildings very urban in nature.

All and all, it exceeded my expectations, even though people have told me for years when I lived in Charlotte, that it was worth checking out.

Oh yeah, and Larkin By The River was delicious, though I'm glad the company picked up the tab. I'd love to eat there on a warm summer night.

[GvilleSC]

Thanks for sharing your comments. It's always nice to hear an outsider's perspective. Glad you got the chance to visit. Sorry the weather wasn't better for your stay.

[RestedTraveler]

Sorry if this is a little off topic, but I didn't know which thread would be best.

I lived in Charlotte for 26 years, and never went to downtown Greenville in all that time. I recently moved to Boston for a new job, and was just sent to Greenville to scout the market for a new deal my company is considering investing in. (Actually in Traveler's Rest)

Anyway, I was VERY impressed with downtown Greenville, even though the weather left something to be desired. Two co-workers and myself stayed at the new Westin (which is much better in person than the renderings and photos suggested) and walked up and down Main St. (pedestrian activity was limited, but it was a cold rainy Monday night) and the whole area had a very organic urban feel, and the new park interacts amazingly with area. I drove out Main St. this morning and the area (West End?) had tons of potential and with the existing buildings very urban in nature.

All and all, it exceeded my expectations, even though people have told me for years when I lived in Charlotte, that it was worth checking out.

Oh yeah, and Larkin By The River was delicious, though I'm glad the company picked up the tab. I'd love to eat there on a warm summer night.

Larkins's is even better on a late spring or early autumn evening, believe me!

Thanks for the comments. As GvilleSC said, it's always nice and refreshing to hear comments from an outside point of view.

The weather's not always this nasty, too. It's usually very much like what you'll see this afternoon.

Speaking of Travelers Rest, have you seen the proposed T.R. Redevelopment Master Plan? Greenville and T.R. are going to tie together very nicely with this new tram/trail. I'm sure T.R. will soon be to Greenville what Hendersonville is to Asheville in North Carolina.

[goodbye]

I am not sure where our "new restaurants" thread got to, but a new place is moving into the former location of The Glazing Pot. It will be called, "West Inlet Oyster Bar." More oysters in the Upstate.

[RestedTraveler]

I am not sure where our "new restaurants" thread got to, but a new place is moving into the former location of The Glazing Pot. It will be called, "West Inlet Oyster Bar." More oysters in the Upstate.

HERE it is.

That thread was moved over to the coffee house with all the other food-related threads some time back as part of the re-org.

[LuvSC]

I am not sure if anyone posted this yet, but at the end of October, the GADC reported that the Caterpillar plant in Fountain Inn is expanding once again. This will add even more engineering jobs to the county. Greenville recently ranked #1 in the U.S. for engineers per capita. This news should bolster that ranking.

The Caterpillar deal was all spelled out in an article in the Greenville News Oct. 31.

If find it very interesting that Greenville was recently ranked #1 for engineers per capita. Mind sharing where that comes from?

[vicupstate]

I noticed on realtor.com that there are a couple dozen (at least) listings for houses and condos near the proposed Kroc Center. These are new construction, yet to be built.

2/2 1,200 sq. ft $250,000

2/3 1,800 sq. ft $300,000

I haven't heard anyhting about these. HAs anyone else?

The addresses are listed as Hudson, Oscar and Mayfield Streets.

[GvilleSC]

Nice pics. I wonder if the city has any major plans for the actual roadway. I wouldn't mind seeing the asphalt in the middle of the inersection replaced with pavers of some sort to actually make the "square" distinct. Just an idea.

[GvilleSC]

I imagine they would have major plans for that roadway GvilleSC, seeing how it is part of the Verdae Development project.

Not verdae, I was referring to the pictures, the intersection of Main and Washington...

I wonder if 2007 construction on a MultiModal transportation center is even realistic though. Are there plans, land, etc to allow construction to commence so soon?

[Greenville]

Oh, I thought you were talking about the widening of Salters Road. I'm not sure if they have plans for that intersection at Main and Washington or not. Yes it is realistic, because I think the city has received 1 million dollars in funds to commence with construction of a multi-modal tranportation center in 2007. I will have more info on this tomorrow.

Unless the multi-modal center is going to be REALLY scaled back from previous proposals and discussions, $1 million is not nearly enough. Are they still planning on doing it in the Pleasantburg area near the Expo Center and downtown airport? I hope they can get the funding to make this happen, and do it the right way from the start!

[greenvilleguy]

I don't know if this has been mentioned or if anyone has noticed but the Regal Cinemas at Pelham Road has been completely demolished...any news??

[Greenville]

School planned to be built next to the Kroc Center. More info: http://www.greenvilleonline.com/apps/pbcs....EWS04/611140443

This makes perfect sense! How ideal will it be for kids at this school to walk to the adjacent Kroc Center after school for programs, supervision, and learning opportunities? I also imagine that kids at this elementary school, based on its surrounding neighborhood, are exactly the ones the Kroc Center hopes to reach. Good job, Greenville County School District!

[GvilleSC]

200 jobs may be headed to TR. Known as project Apple, it will be taken up at the council meeting to discuss an incentives package.

Project Apple

[RestedTraveler]

I wonder if this is what our visitor from Boston by way of Charlotte was in town to negotiate a week or so back...

[vicupstate]

The majority of people that I have shown these condos to have been people looking to retire. The fact that the units in the Bookends are mostly, if not all, 2 story has been THE major issue for the buyers. I hope that the design for phase 2 will incorporate more units with no stairs.

That was the case with Poinsett Corners too. At the Auction, the Townhouse (two story) units did not get choose, so they re-worked the design to make them flats.

There has been a rendering posted BTW, it should be SOMEWHERE in this forum. There are fewer residential units in this phase BTW.

[atlrvr]

I wonder if this is what our visitor from Boston by way of Charlotte was in town to negotiate a week or so back...

Sorry....nothing that grand. We are considering financing the rehab of an exisitng apartment community. While not glamorous, it is always a boost to improve property appearances.

[RestedTraveler]

Sorry....nothing that grand. We are considering financing the rehab of an exisitng apartment community. While not glamorous, it is always a boost to improve property appearances.

Hey! That's alright with me. Anything to improve how T.R. presents itself is a plus in my book. It's such a great little city.

[gs3]

Some nice, quality infill between Haywood and Verdae.....

[goodbye]

The Greenville Area Development Corporation has released information about a $100 Million expansion of the 3M plant at Donaldson Center Industrial Air Park in Greenville.

Engineering and design of the $100 Million expansion will begin this year and construction is expected to begin in May 2007. Production is scheduled to begin in 2008. 3M produces a variety of films for customers in a number of markets, including the Industrial, Display and Graphics businesses. The expansion is expected to create approximately 50 jobs. Currently, the site employs approximately 435. The SC Department of Commerce supported the GADC in the recruitment effort.

[goodbye]

In that same release, I found this quote by Jay Rogers, Chairman of the GADC to be very encouraging. :

"Year to date capital investment in the community is more than $300 million roughly doubling the amount invested in 2005, and six weeks still remain before the year ends."

[gs3]

Sportsclub is opening a new location at Five Forks:

http://www.greenvilleonline.com/apps/pbcs....1/1003/BUSINESS

[GvilleSC]

I didn't realize this building had been painted until I saw it on Greenville Daily Photo, here

I think it looks great! The last comment was nice to hear that some people are begining to see a different side of SC.

[GvilleSC]

I noticed new streetscaping in front of the new courthouse site, along Church Street and maybe North St. Looked nice, I wish they were moving along with the courthouse...

[vicupstate]

the sale of 2 Rutherford Street was in the Journal today. The buyer is Shane Howard. The price was 200k, which seems like a very good deal to me. There is a 15,400 commercial/warehouse type building there now. Anyone heard anything on the future plans, or know what type of developer this is?

BTW, this is at the junction of Rutherford and Buncombe/Pete Hollis.

Inquiring minds want to know!!