Exciting Developments in Greenville: Bowater Building Enters Under Contract
GREENVILLE — Change is afoot in the heart of this vibrant city! The former Bowater building, a key landmark situated gracefully alongside the stunning Reedy River Falls, is now under contract, marking an exhilarating chapter in local transformation. This bustling property, which boasts an impressive office building, a parking garage, and surrounding land, has sat relatively quiet since the city’s previous attempt to make it the new home for City Hall floundered last year.
What Makes the Bowater Building Special?
The Bowater building, constructed back in the 1990s, served as the headquarters for Bowater Inc., a company that once made waves in the world of wood pulp and paper production. Today, it stands proud, occupying a prime downtown location that many would describe as one of the hottest spots in Greenville. The property includes an expansive 93,000 square-foot office space, a 346-space parking garage, and nearly an acre of verdant open space, all set on about 2.4 acres of land.
According to local commercial real estate experts from Crexi, the property had been intentionally kept at a low occupancy rate of only 22 percent, all in anticipation of a deal with the city. This strategic management may soon bear fruit as the potential buyer remains somewhat of a mystery, with insiders keeping details close to the vest.
A City in Transition
Previously, city officials had their sights set on relocating City Hall to the Bowater site, guided by optimism and a vision for revitalization. Mayor Knox White had been particularly vocal about the potential of the building, encouraging the plan to shift government operations into that prime location. However, when plans for this relocation unraveled, the city then shifted its focus to its current City Hall, which is located next to the historic courthouse on South Main Street, not far from the beautiful Westin Poinsett Hotel.
City Council had approved a strategy that would allow the city manager to sell the existing City Hall and instead purchase two floors within the Bowater building. But when collaboration failed to materialize, officials opted to keep their options open for the future. Mayor White noted that the current City Hall could undergo significant renovations if a deal with Bowater doesn’t come to fruition. “We haven’t given up on that,” he told the public, hinting at upcoming announcements regarding the city’s plans.
What’s Next for the Bowater Site?
The question on everyone’s lips is, what will happen next at the Bowater site? Mayor White aims to ensure that any plans for redevelopment maintain a human scale, much like the nearby Grand Bohemian Lodge, and incorporate open spaces into the project. “I know what’s going to happen there, but I can’t talk about it,” he shared teasingly, ensuring the community that the future holds big plans for this valuable property.
With anticipation brewing, White mentioned that he expects to witness more development in the neighborhood over the coming year, particularly concerning properties across Falls Street. These parcels are presently owned by different parties, but discussions regarding their future are already underway — an exciting prospect for Greenville!
Join the Conversation!
As the Bowater site gears up for its new chapter, it’s clear that locals will want to keep a close eye on this evolving saga. It’s an exciting time to be a part of Greenville’s growth and transformation. Stay tuned as we wait for further announcements and share in the hope that whatever comes next will enhance our city’s charm and livability!
For now, if you’re out and about in Greenville, make sure to take a stroll along the Reedy River Falls. Who knows? You might just find yourself inspired by the stunning views and the vibrant life that ebbs and flows through this remarkable city!
