GREENVILLE, S.C. (WSPA) — The City of Greenville has paved way for a new development on the site of the former Greenville Memorial Auditorium.
The city’s Design Review Board unanimously approved new site plans for the development Thursday to a construct an apartment building on the property.
“The structure is composed of two sections — one being 29 floors, the second being 24 floors,” Edward Kinney, Greenville’s principal landscape architect, said.
The tower will house 342 apartments and 12,000 square feet of restaurant and commercial space. A 363 car parking structure will also be built. The development will be visible as people enter downtown Greenville from I-385.
“This is an extremely important place in Greenville in our gateway,” Mayor Knox White said. “It’s important to get it right.”
The development is designed to enhance the experience for those walking to and from Bon Secours Wellness Arena, giving them more places to eat, shop and gather before and after events.
Developers proposed different designs for this property last year but changed their plans due to high material costs.
The new design pays homage to the architecture of the Greenville Memorial Auditorium through the curves on the bottom floor of the building.
“Good architecture is a part of storytelling, and this reinforces that idea,” John Edwards, chair of the Design Review Board, said.
For those who grew up visiting the Greenville Memorial Auditorium, the new building represents the start of a new chapter.
“A lot of people had a lot of memories there,” Derrick Durham said. “It’s good to see something’s coming there where not just certain, select people go, but it’s for all. I think that’s what makes it great.”
The developers said they hope to begin construction in early 2025.
