North Carolina Construction News staff writer
A 40-acre redevelopment along University Ridge is moving closer to vertical construction, with infrastructure work now largely complete and developers preparing to begin construction on the first phase of County Square.
Greenville City Council received an update on the project from Greenville County Administrator Joe Kernell and Interim Director of Planning and Development Michael Frixen. Kernell said internal roads and utilities were completed this spring, clearing the way for construction of buildings on the site.
“There are 31 miles of conduit and electric. We are positioned and ready for developers,” Kernell said.
Phase 1 construction will include 10 mixed-use buildings supported by three parking decks. Schematic designs for eight of the buildings have received either full or conditional approval.
The redevelopment is being planned as a walkable urban district extending downtown Greenville. Mayor Knox White said the project will need to reflect the character of downtown, including landscaping and pedestrian amenities.
“It needs to feel like an extension of downtown Greenville, with the trees and the furniture and the wide sidewalks,” White said.
Developers will be required to follow the city’s adopted Downtown Design Guidelines.
Parking infrastructure is already under construction. The city broke ground on the Howe Street parking garage in July. The garage will provide nearly 400 spaces and is intended to reduce congestion in the West End and around Fluor Field. Completion is expected by May 2027.
Letters of intent are in place for a 155-key hotel, a condominium project and a build-to-suit office building. If those agreements are finalized, the development team expects to announce tenants later this fall and the project is drawing interest from major corporate tenants. District 1 Councilmember John DeWorken said he is excited about the possibility of a Fortune 500 company locating at County Square.
With roads, utilities and other infrastructure in place, County Square is now positioned to transition from site preparation and planning to construction of the mixed-use development in Greenville, South Carolina.