GvilleSC

It's nice to see more condo units downtown. Appropriate scale for the location and I'm happy to see that the entry addresses the traffic circle.

Well, as stated, there was no timeline or expectation given. This could be a 10 year plan for their site. Who knows, but happy to know that they’re open to higher use on that corner.

Yes.

According to the mayor: The Bouharoun family has a concept for a hotel on their property at the corner of Broad & Falls. The liquor store would remain and be integrated into the development. No word on if or when it would be built. It's at least nice to know that they're think of higher uses for their site. Apparently the ownership of the land adjacent to the UCB parking lot is finally open to selling the land. It seemed that they're working on a deal with the bank to acquire that property. Anything on the site would be mixed use. And, as expected, County Square will be home to first-in-SC retail establishments. Announcements are forthcoming.

That's great news! I agree with your assessment of their food. They better publicize this well if they want to attract folks back.

Not sure if this was posted elsewhere, but The Cocktail Company is open as of last weekend.

These all seem like worthy investments that should boost quality of life.

The structure on the parking site has been demolished, and the last of the trees are coming down this morning. The site will be completely cleared. There were some rather large trees along the street, and adjacent to the small tan building next door. Seems like a real shame that none of them were saved.

Thanks for sharing! Falls Tower has an unfortunate presence from Falls Park.

Oooooh, the TOP top. Thanks!

Are they located in Stone + Main?

I'm happy to see them attempting to preserve and tell the story of this unique piece of history. Also, a great way to assist with financing.

Thanks for finding that out and sharing! Makes sense. I'm happy that the City still has potential leverage if the adjacent property is included. There's some really exciting pieces of land for sale right now.

Wow- it’s great to see a local establishment flourish. I hope they’re not biting off more than they can chew.

This looks nice from the aerial perspective that they're providing, and, at first glance, better than the apartment proposal that was previously proposed. Happy to see more residential coming to Church Street, especially within walking distance to County Square.

Did anyone from the adjacent neighborhood voice support?

BMW employs 11,000 at their plant in Greer.

^^ I'm sympathetic to the root of that argument, but I also recognize that, in practice, limitations do have a place in a functional society. As a downtown resident, I appreciate that bars close at 2. It eliminates not only drunkenness, but also associated street noise from cars and associated cruising.

I can only hope that this was not given tax incentives? Truly don’t know. As an out-of-towner, I’m not here to sh*t on Columbia’s new development. However, I have to question the design standards of the city (and Vision). There’s a long precedent of generic crap being built downtown (see most hotels in the Vista). You have a lot more to offer and a built-in visitor base that seems to be taken for granted. But, give a shock factor. Act like you deserve it (!!!). Leave them blown away.

Exactly.

That's really not relevent.

They can easily locate outside of the city limits if it's that important to them. However, if they want the demographics and traffic of this location, what are they willing to do to be granted access? One can also ask: does Whataburger not want Greenville? I appreciate the City taking a stance.

Is this really that big of a deal? If they want to be here, reduced (read: normal) operating hours isn't going to stop that.

It's only speculation, but I don't think it's a far reach to say that it would be future expansion of their HQ operations. They paid a hefty price for the land, and the city allowed it to be incorporated (after the fact) within the structure of their incentive package. I don't think the City would willingly encourage a surface parking lot in a prime location. But, who knows?

Various containers and staging equipment has been relocated, and construction parking has shifted out of the UCB parking lot. The chain link fence and banner is in the process of coming down. This must signal the start of the parking lot site work? While I hate that the current plan is for a surface lot, it will certainly improve aesthetics, and in theory it is only temporary.