09 Aug Upstate Headlines: Greenville named ‘Charming City’, Two Upstate Projects & More!
A collection of the top Upstate headlines for the week of August 7, 2017
Greenville makes list of charming cities
Greenville residents and fans alike have another superlative story to share on social media. This time it’s from CNN Travel. The network included Greenville on its new list of ’15 charming cities in the American south you may have overlooked’. Greenville comes in at no. 15, with a listing that includes mentions of The Dark Corner Distillery, Smoke on the Water, The Swamp Rabbit Inn, Reedy Rides bike rental and LeMans Karting Greenville.
Police to close top decks on all garages except two during eclipse
As thousands of people prepare to descend upon Greenville to view the total eclipse on Aug. 21, Greenville’s public safety agencies — from police to fire to emergency medical services — are preparing for every kind of emergency under the sun. Greenville officials say one of the biggest concerns is people gathering on rooftops that are not engineered for rooftop gatherings. The extra weight can cause buildings to be structurally undermined, potentially causing a roof collapse.
Panthers fans give local businesses a boost
Businesses in the city of Spartanburg are reaping some of the benefits from Carolina Panthers fans’ strong support for their team. Many businesses, particularly those located downtown within walking distance of Gibbs Stadium, said they’ve seen an uptick in visitors since the team’s training camp kicked off a week ago at the college. The Panthers’ first practice this year drew 17,659 people, according to the Spartanburg Convention & Visitors Bureau. Over the first six training camp days, attendance has hit 57,735.
History of Westone building helps attract brewery
The Westone project, which will restore the building that once housed Star Cleaners & Dryers on West Stone Avenue, will make way for a new, neighborhood-style brewery and second location for Greenville mainstay Coffee Underground. The developers, Michael Fletcher and Pete Brett, also have come to terms with a restaurant, though that tenant is not yet ready to announce, Fletcher told The Greenville News. The project has cleared a key hurdle to help make rental rates more affordable: designation by the Design Review Board as a historic site.
Spartanburg’s Magnolia St. Pub building back on the market
Magnolia St. Pub, the three-story landmark music venue in downtown Spartanburg, is back on the market. Tim Satterfield, vice president and broker in charge of Coldwell Banker Caine Commercial’s Spartanburg office, which is handling the property, said he’s optimistic the right buyer or buyers will come along for the properties. “I know with all the enthusiasm and excitement of Magnolia’s potential reopening, (people) want to see somebody do it,” Satterfield said.
