Greenville Celebrates the Launch of Crescent One Building as the Region’s First Innovation District

Greenville Welcomes New Innovation Hub with Crescent One Building Opening

What a beautiful day it was in Greenville! The sun was shining bright and the temperature hit a lovely 81°F, perfect weather for a celebration. Over 125 guests gathered together last night to mark a momentous occasion – the grand opening of the Crescent One Building on the historic Poinsett Highway. This building isn’t just a new addition to the landscape; it’s the kickoff of the Crescent Startup Community, the Upstate’s first-ever Innovation District.

A Celebration of Collaboration

The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as key speakers took the stage. Sean Hartness, CEO of Hartness Development, opened the event with his vision for the future of entrepreneurship in the region. He shared how this project will not only revitalize the area but also create a nurturing environment for up-and-coming innovators. Alongside him, Peter Marsh, founding partner of Flywheel, highlighted the importance of collaboration within this new community.

An inspiring addition to the lineup was Dr. Elizabeth Davis, President of Furman University. She spoke passionately about the collaborative efforts between the university and local businesses, providing a solid backbone for startup success. Jim Burns, COO of Hartness Development, rounded out the speeches, emphasizing the essential support that local institutions will provide for emerging entrepreneurs.

A Vibrant New Space for Entrepreneurs

The Crescent Startup Community is positioned on the site of the former Pepsi-Cola bottling company, and it’s been transformed into a lively hub aimed at fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and community collaboration. With well-thought-out resources, mentorship programs, and robust networking opportunities, this initiative is designed to energize and attract entrepreneurs to the Upstate region.

Hartness stressed that partnerships are key to the success of this endeavor. The collaboration with Furman University’s Hill Institute for Innovation and Flywheel Coworking will play a pivotal role in supporting local startups. The Innovation District will host a variety of initiatives, including incubator programs, thrilling pitch competitions, and extensive networking opportunities all aimed at stimulating business growth.

Looking Ahead

The grand opening is just the beginning for the Crescent Startup Community. This vibrant space is designed not just for entrepreneurs to work but also to live, play, and innovate. Future developments within the district will be shaped by the needs and aspirations of the entrepreneurial community, ensuring it remains relevant and impactful.

If you’re curious about the Crescent Startup Community, it’s located at 25 Goldsmith Street on Poinsett Highway. This initiative is more than just a building; it’s a launchpad for future innovators!

About Hartness Development

Behind this transformative project is Hartness Development, a team of pros specializing in planning, design, construction, real estate, and finance. They are all about creating lasting community projects that tackle today’s challenges with progressive solutions. Besides the Crescent Startup Community, Hartness has also developed the Award-winning urban village located on Greenville’s Eastside, home to the stunning Hotel Hartness.

As Greenville steps into a bright future filled with innovation and collaboration, the opening of the Crescent One Building stands as a significant milestone. Here’s to the journey ahead!