Greenville City Council met on Oct. 26 and gave final approval to allocate approximately $10.8 million from the city’s parking fund toward the Falls Park Conference District. The money will cover the purchase of six acres of land and related acquisition costs for the mixed‑use development planned in downtown Greenville.
Land purchases and funding sources
The city has already entered into four purchase‑and‑sale agreements for parcels along Falls Street and Camperdown Way. These agreements were authorized by the council in March, and the council’s latest action confirms the financing.
In addition to the parking fund, Greenville will draw on previously appropriated state funds to complete the acquisitions. City leaders expect all property closings to be finalized by the end of the year, with construction slated to start in early 2027.
Related financial actions
The council also approved the first reading of an amended ordinance to appropriate about $1.6 million for a settlement payment to the Parker Sewer and Fire Sub‑District. The settlement covers annexations that occurred during the 2023‑2025 tax years under a 30‑year annexation plan agreement signed in September.
Initially, the settlement was to be funded from the capital projects reserve, but council members voted to shift the payment to the city manager’s economic development and contingency accounts. Councilmember John DeWorken asked for further discussion on the funding source before the ordinance’s final reading.
Other development projects
Developers continue to move forward on several downtown projects. Parks McLeod plans an 18‑hole putting golf course, Bogey’s Golfgarten, on a four‑acre site at 420 Mills Ave. The council certified the site as an abandoned textile mill, making it eligible for state income‑tax credits under the South Carolina Textile Communities Revitalization Act.
Meanwhile, the 32‑unit luxury condominium complex Parkstone, located at 450 E. Park Ave., is under construction. The property was also certified as an abandoned building, qualifying for a 25 % state tax credit on qualified rehabilitation expenses. The $25.4 million project is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Zoning and future meetings
City Council gave initial approval to two rezoning applications. One concerns a 15.13‑acre parcel at 1021 Woodruff Road, proposed to shift from Planned Development to a Business Heavy District to accommodate additional parking for a prospective Costco. The second rezoning involves a 0.17‑acre parcel on Industrial Drive near the Greenville Downtown Airport, moving from a House C district to a Neighborhood Flex B district.
Starting in November, council meetings will be held at the Greenville Convention Center at 1 Exposition Drive while City Hall undergoes a two‑year renovation.
Impact on the community
The Falls Park Conference District is envisioned as a catalyst for downtown economic growth, providing new conference space, retail, and residential options. By leveraging both local and state resources, Greenville aims to strengthen its position as a regional hub for business and tourism while preserving the city’s historic character.
Original reporting: Greenville Journal — read the source article.
