Greenville-area residents saw two notable developments this week: the Fountain Inn City Council gave initial approval for a $7.15 million bond issue to upgrade the town’s natural‑gas system, and the popular local wine bar Wine House opened two new locations in Greenville.
According to the Greenville Journal, council members voted unanimously to allow the issuance and sale of South Carolina Natural Gas System Revenue bonds totaling $7.15 million. The financing will fund three key projects: a $3.3 million replacement of Fountain Inn’s City Gate, originally built in 1954; a $1.2 million installation of three miles of six‑inch high‑pressure steel pipeline with an additional regulator to serve the northern end of the city’s service area; and $2.65 million for plastic‑pipe installation to serve new subdivisions and ongoing growth. City Administrator Shawn Bell said the bonds will be issued over a 20‑year term at a 4.75 % interest rate, and that financial advisors will soon issue a request for proposals to banks. If the final council vote does not approve the bond and the City Gate is not replaced, Transco, Fountain Inn’s natural‑gas provider, could severely restrict supply to the town.
In a separate story, the Greenville Journal reported that Wine House, a neighborhood wine bar that began on Haywood Road, closed its original location on September 26 and reopened in two new venues. Wine House at Hartness opened at 3000 Society Street on September 1, offering a casual atmosphere with a wine wall, local art, and a retail element. Co‑owner Nathan Luginbill emphasized that “wine can get pretentious sometimes, which I despise… you’re always welcome.” The second venue, Wine House on Main, occupies the lobby of the Daniel Building at 301 N. Main Street. Its coffee bar, Coffee by Wine House, opened to the public on September 21 after consulting with Arin Gilbert of Canvas Coffee + Art House, who began work in July. The full Wine House on Main opened on October 7. Both locations retained the core staff from the Haywood Road site, a point the owners highlighted as vital to preserving the bar’s community feel.
Both stories underscore a period of growth and investment in the Greenville region. The natural‑gas bond aims to secure reliable energy for current and future residents, while Wine House’s expansion reflects confidence in the local hospitality market.
What’s next: The Fountain Inn City Council will consider the bond issue for final approval at its April 9 meeting. If approved, the three‑mile pipeline installation is slated to begin in the spring. Wine House’s new venues are now fully operational, and the owners plan to host regular wine‑tasting events and coffee‑focused programming in the coming weeks.
Sources: greenvillejournal.com, greenvillejournal.com, greenvillejournal.com
