Greenville’s Design Review Board to Decide Fate of 25-Story Tower

Greenville, South Carolina – Another 25-story tower could soon grace the skyline of Greenville, competing with the city’s current tallest building, the Daniel Building. Known as Gracie Plaza, the tower was initially proposed as two connected structures but has since been redesigned as a single tower. The project, which has been in the works for the past two years, was approved by the city’s Design Review Board last summer.

Mixed-Use Project

The Gracie Plaza project, with a gross construction area of 592,773 square feet, is a mixed-use development that will feature 342 apartments, 363 parking spaces, and 12,000 square feet of restaurant, commercial, and creative studio space. This is a change from its original approval, which included 294 residential units. The project aims to anchor the east end of the Cultural Corridor and enhance the pedestrian experience along Beattie Place leading to the Bon Secours Wellness Arena.

Next Steps

Developers from NR Investments, based in Miami, are now seeking approval of the site plan from the Design Review Board. The project will need the board’s approval to move forward, as well as further approvals for details such as mass and height. While the project has received a recommendation for approval from the board’s staff, the final decision rests with the board, which is chaired by John Edwards and consists of five members.

Challenges and Past Proposals

The site of the Gracie Plaza project, located at 250 N. Church St., was formerly occupied by the Greenville Memorial Auditorium. Over the years, developers have proposed various ideas for the site, including a federal courthouse, an entertainment district, a high-rise hotel, and apartments. However, all of these proposals have failed due to the challenges posed by the landlocked site and its downtown location.

Review Meeting

The Design Review Board will review the Gracie Plaza project on April 18 at 4 p.m. The meeting will take place at the Greenville City Hall Council Chambers. The board will have the final say on the project’s approval.

About Savannah Moss

Savannah Moss covers Greenville County politics and growth/development.

Conclusion

The fate of the 25-story Gracie Plaza tower in Greenville lies in the hands of the city’s Design Review Board. If approved, the tower will add to the city’s evolving skyline and compete with the current tallest building, the Daniel Building. The project aims to contribute to the revitalization of the Cultural Corridor and enhance the pedestrian experience in the area. After years of failed proposals for the site, developers from NR Investments are hoping for a positive outcome at the upcoming review meeting. The board’s decision will determine whether this ambitious project becomes a reality or remains a mere vision on the Greenville skyline.