Q & A with Mayor Knox
Mayor Knox White has his finger on the pulse of everything that happens in Greenville, especially changes in downtown. We recently asked him to tell us more about what's on the horizon for the downtown area this year.
Q: Greenville's downtown continues to attract investment and people. What's in store for 2011?
A. 2011 will see major changes along Main Street. In fact, I expect that by the summer there will be more new construction and renovation underway at one time than any point in our history. The recession held us back but things are really moving again.
Q: What kind of projects?
A: First, there are twin renovation projects at either end of Main Street – the Hyatt and the Peace Center. Each represents an earlier phase of our downtown's redevelopment and each is ready for a facelift. The Hyatt renovation will include a new look on Main Street to the office section and to the plaza. This will include new retail spaces on Main and a new restaurant on the plaza. The lobby will be renovated later. On the other end of Main, the Peace Center gets an expanded lobby, a bold new facade, and a new public plaza.
Q: What is the public space going to look like?
A. We have been closely engaged with the Peace Center to make sure that the new plaza will be a major attraction. You will see lots of green space, sitting areas, art, fountains... everything that goes into making a place inviting and even fun. The Peace Center plaza will be transformed from a driveway to a prime destination in our downtown.
Q. How about the back of the Peace Center?
A: The second phase of the project will address the river side. The amphitheatre is upgraded and there will be a direct staircase down to the river. The Peace Center grounds will be a much bigger part of our downtown.
Q: What are the other projects for 2011?
A: A new building is underway at McBee and Main for the new CVS pharmacy. The pharmacy is one of those "must haves" for the emerging residential and visitor population. This fills an important corner on Main that has been vacant for a decade. And a 7-story 10 story apartment complex on Camperdown across from the Hampton Inn is already under construction.
Q. Is there a lot of interest in apartments?
A. Yes. We have about five other apartment projects in the wings. Market studies show that there is a great unmet demand for housing downtown, so, with city encouragement, developers are coming in to fill it.
Q. Finally, what about the old Woolworth site next to Bergamo Plaza?
A. Our number one office and retail opportunity continues to be this site. The city has always pledged a full "public-private" partnership to make something significant happen there. It is our best chance to get a stronger retail footprint in downtown and to maintain the balance of development between West End and North End of Main Street.
Q: Is a project close to happening?
A. Yes.