News Summary
Greenville’s former Baby Bi-Lo site is set to undergo a significant transformation as it is now owned by Oxford Capital Partners and Northpond Partners. The plan includes converting the vacant shopping center into a Class A commercial space, attracting new grocery stores, restaurants, and wellness centers. Local leaders are hopeful this redevelopment will revitalize a historically vacant corner of the city, creating a modern community hub that meets the needs of residents.
Exciting Changes Coming to Downtown Greenville!
Greenville, a bustling hub of activity in the Upstate of South Carolina, is on the verge of a wonderful transformation. The former Baby Bi-Lo site located at 505 N. Main St. has recently changed hands, and the community is buzzing with anticipation about what’s in store. This approximately three-acre site was sold to Oxford Capital Partners, a local investment company, in collaboration with Northpond Partners from Chicago. The deal was finalized on April 2, and it has already stirred up a lot of interest.
A New Look for an Old Space
The former shopping center has been largely vacant since the Baby Bi-Lo grocery store closed its doors back in 2013. Since then, there has been a lot of disappointment surrounding the site. Various plans came and went, including an attempt to build townhomes that didn’t come to fruition. However, this time, the tides seem to be turning for the better as the new owners have ambitious redevelopment plans.
The existing shopping center, which covers 40,000 square feet, will be transformed into high-quality, Class A commercial space. This is fantastic news for the local community, as the project promises to introduce a diverse mix of new retail tenants. Expect to see much-needed grocery stores, vibrant restaurants, cozy coffee shops, and even fitness and wellness centers. There will also be soft goods retailers and general convenience stores to cater to daily needs.
Revitalizing a Key Corner
Harrison Horowitz, the owner of Oxford Capital Partners, expressed enthusiasm for reactivating this key corner of Greenville. The goal is not just to fill an empty space but to create a modern, vibrant community hub that reflects the needs and wants of local residents. It’s an opportunity to breathe new life into an area that has been crying out for attention.
Community leaders are hopeful that this new project will finally turn the page on the long-standing vacancy that has lingered over Greenville. City Councilman John DeWorken has pointed out the importance of ensuring that the area is developed in a way that benefits the neighborhood while not overwhelming it. The focus is on finding that sweet spot between growth and community integrity.
Previous Plans and Future Possibilities
It’s worth mentioning that previous proposals for the site didn’t pan out. An earlier mixed-use plan included a whopping 300 apartments alongside retail spaces, but that plan was dropped when financial issues cropped up and affordable housing incentives were absent. The withdrawal was a disappointment to many who had high hopes for what could have been.
Currently, the new development code allows for buildings of four to five stories if they contain affordable units, but the earlier project sought a different zoning classification. It remains to be seen how the new development will navigate these guidelines, but the excitement around this new venture is palpable.
Community Optimism
As plans move forward, the community is filled with cautious optimism. The transformation of the Baby Bi-Lo site into a vibrant shopping and community space has been a long-awaited dream for many residents. With a mix of retail options and community spaces, this redevelopment could be just what Greenville needs to continue thriving and ensuring that it meets the ever-evolving needs of its residents.
In conclusion, Greenville is poised for an exciting new chapter with the redevelopment of the former Baby Bi-Lo site. As locals look forward to seeing what this prime corner of the city will become, the feeling of hope for a vibrant community hub is undeniable. Perhaps, at long last, the dreams for this empty space will soon become a reality filled with life, convenience, and community spirit!
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Additional Resources
- Upstate Business Journal: Baby Bi-Lo Site Sold
- Wikipedia: Greenville, South Carolina
- Fox Carolina: Redevelopment Plans Withdrawn
- Google Search: Baby Bi-Lo site Greenville
- Greenville Journal: Planning Preview for Baby Bi-Lo
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Urban Planning
- Post and Courier: Plans for Vacant Bi-Lo Stores
- Google News: Greenville Townhome Development
