District 25 Shopping Center Demolished: Residents Concerned About Future Development
In a startling turn of events on Saturday, the longstanding Terrace Shopping Center, a popular mainstay in Greenville’s District 25, was completely razed. The center, which once bustled with activities, holds cherished memories for many residents who now express deep concern about what the future may hold for this prime plot.
Demolition of a Community Cornerstone
A landmark in Greenville’s District 25, this shopping center had, over the years, housed various establishments ranging from restaurants, bars, nail shops, laundromats, and even Rickey Robertson’s District 25 Barbershop. Served the community for more than two decades. Nikki Woodruff, a long-time resident of the district, said. “It’s heartbreaking to see the shopping center being torn down. I have grown up around here.”
Questions abound as locals curiously watched the demolition progress, wondering what is in store for their community with the disappearance of what many terms ‘a community cornerstone.’ County Councilman Ennis Fant echoes the sentiments of the local community, stating, “Terrace Shopping Center has been an integral part of every family in District 25 for decades. So, everybody has their unique memories of Terrace Shopping Center. To lose those memories overnight can be traumatic.”
Behind the Scenes: From Bustling to Bust
Most didn’t realize that there was more than meets the eye in terms of the condition of the shopping center. Despite it being within the city limits of Greenville, councilman Fant wasn’t surprised to see it being taken down for reasons apart from it being sold. He commented, “There were code violations, there was mold in some of the buildings. The buildings had to be torn down because of code violations.”
According to Robertson, in his statement, he was given a 45-day notice months ago to vacate the premises as they had sold the shopping center, which had been depreciating since 2016. He cited an instance stating, “We started having problems with potholes, and three businesses left within one year.”
What’s Next for District 25 Shopping Center?
The property stands condemned by the city and is currently on the market. As per the city’s zoning code, it’s labeled as MX-3, meaning it can be developed into a residential, retail or commercial establishment. What will it be?, is the question on every residents’ mind. “My concerns are just pushing people out of their homes and not giving them an option for anything affordable,” voiced Woodruff.
County Councilman Fant opines that the location would be perfect for establishing a grocery store, which is a much-needed amenity in District 25. However, the final decision lies with city officials who will have the final say on what the site could be developed into. For now, all the shopping center’s neighbors can do is wait, hope, and voice their concerns about what they feel will be in the best interest of their community.
