25 Jan Upstate Headlines: Greenville to pay $4M for Falls Park office property
A collection of the top Upstate headlines for the week of January 23, 2017
Greenville to pay $4M for Falls Park office property
The effort to build a new, modern office building on a sliver of land in Falls Park along the Reedy River prompted a public uprising when the plans were first announced months ago— and now the city is prepared to pay $4 million to make sure the project doesn’t happen, with some financial help from two private organizations.
Details about downtown Greenville’s new rolled ice cream shop
Karen Williams tends to get the same reaction every time she tries to explain what rolled ice cream is to people. “It’s like they’re looking at me like I’m crazy,” says Williams, who admits she had to YouTube the concept herself. “Really, you have to see it.” And Williams, along with husband, Fred, both veterans of the restaurant industry, are going to ensure you do. The two plan to open Creme Shack, which will specialize in the unique Asian-based dessert, but with an American twist, in the former Chocolate Moose location on Main Street, in February.
First phase of City Park could open in 2020 if Council approves plan, funding
The first phase of City Park, the signature park planned for the western side of downtown, could be opened by spring 2020 if the Greenville City Council moves to approve a community plan and financing, a consultant said Monday. Groundbreaking for the first phase of the park could be held as early as spring 2018, according to a timeline presented.
Spartanburg city leaders launch OneSpartanburg initiative
Spartanburg is ready to move forward with a plan that city leaders hope will put it on track for future prosperity. Allen Smith, president of the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce, along with other city officials, unveiled the OneSpartanburg plan to focus on the quality of life in the Upstate city. The plan includes creating an organization dedicated to improving downtown and another aimed at implementing the OneSpartanburg plan.
Joe’s Place bookstore moving from Main Street to Pettigru District
Joe’s Place, the new and used bookstore near Falls Park on the Reedy is moving across the river to a 1920s residence at 2 Williams St. in the Pettigru Historic District. “It’s not because of the normal reasons most people move,” said Mary Bernard, co-owner. In fact, the shop’s moving after only three years in its current location has nothing to do with their rent, or location, or any other business-impacting factor. The move is driven by the owners’ desire to own an asset, now that they’ve found a knack for retail.
