Freightliner calls press conference

Portland Business Journal

Freightliner LLC, which has been rumored to be leaving Portland, has called a press conference for noon Thursday.

The company, the nation's largest truck manufacturer, announced in September it might relocate "several corporate functions" to an Eastern location.

Reports subsequently surfaced in the Charlotte, N.C., area that Freightliner was searching for a 300-acre site there on which to make a $400 million investment in a new 1-million-square-foot headquarters.

Freightliner CEO Chris Patterson told Multnomah County Commissioners Jeff Cogen and Ted Wheeler and Mayor Tom Potter on Oct. 3 that the company was not actively considering moving its headquarters.

A report in the Mooresville Tribune in North Carolina, however, said Wednesday a deal to bring Freightliner to that city fell through Tuesday as a result of a lack of state incentives. Mooresville is 30 miles north of Charlotte.

Greenville, S.C., remains in the running for a new Freightliner headquarters, according to the Tribune.

Greenville is home to several auto manufacturing plants, including the North American headquarters of Michelin. BMW also has a production facility nearby.

Fluor plans to hire hundreds in area next year
Company awarded record $6 billion in new business during third quarter

Published: Wednesday, November 7, 2007 - 7:16 pm

By Rudolph Bell
STAFF WRITER

With a record $6 billion in new business awarded during the third quarter, builder Fluor Corp. said today it would continue robust hiring in Greenville, adding hundreds of local jobs next year.

Fluor spokesman Brian Mershon said the Irving, Texas-based engineering and heavy construction company plans to add at least 200 white-collar jobs in Greenville during 2008 and may add as many as 400.

Fluor and its competitors are enjoying the fruits of an historic upswing in their cyclical industry. Since January of 2006, Fluor has added more than 1,000 people in Greenville, bringing its local work force to more than 2,700.

In reporting third-quarter earnings today, Fluor said the $6 billion in new business logged during the quarter was a company record. The new contracts brought Fluor’s consolidated backlog to nearly $28 billion, another record, the company said. Almost 60 percent of the backlog work is outside of the United States.

During a conference call with stock analysts, Alan Boeckmann, Fluor’s chief executive, said he’s expecting triple-digit growth in the company’s Greenville-based Power unit and is also “very bullish” on its Government group, also based in Greenville.

The company’s biggest moneymaker during the third quarter was its Houston-based Oil and Gas unit, whose revenues rose 58 percent over the year-earlier period to more than $2 billion.

Fluor reported earning $93.7 million during the quarter ended Sept. 30, more than triple the $27.3 million it reported earning during the 2006 third quarter, when its results included $168 million in loss provisions for several fixed-price projects.

For the first nine months of 2007, Fluor said it earned $273.9 million, about 50 percent more than the $182.7 million it reported earning during the first nine months of last year.

The company provided a rosy outlook for 2008, saying it sees strong prospects in all of its business segments and expects solid growth over 2007.

Boeckmann told analysts that Fluor’s backlog is characterized by large projects such as power plants and refineries that take three to five years to complete.

“It’s probably more of a mega project backlog than we’ve ever seen in the history of the corporation,” Boeckmann said.

Shares of the company’s stock, traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol FLR, sold for $145.09 Wednesday afternoon, down $8.73 from the previous close. At the beginning of the year, the closing price of Fluor shares was $80.73.

New X6 to be built in Greer by the Ultimate Driving Machine: http://www.bmwusa.com/conceptX6

Lenny's to Open in Greenville, South Carolina
The Helker Family Will Open Their Lenny's in Early 2008

Memphis, TN Lenny's Franchisor, LLC, franchisor of Lenny's Sub Shops, today announced that franchisees Greg Helker, Sharyl Helker Connor, and Sondra and Don Helker have signed on to open a Lenny's Sub Shop in Greenville, South Carolina. They are currently looking for a site that will be convenient for guests and accessible to catering opportunities. The Helkers will open their first location in early 2008.

The Helkers were some of Lenny's best customers while living in Memphis, Tennessee, where the franchise is based.

"Lenny's gave us a completely different experience compared to the service we had grown to expect in the average sub shop," said Greg Helker. "We were blown away by the quality and quantity of the food, and most importantly by the way we were treated by Lenny's employees."

After moving to Greenville several years ago, the Helkers found that the Lenny's locations in neighboring cities like Charlotte, Asheville and Atlanta were too far away to satisfy their craving for Lenny's subs and salads. They determined that Greenville would be a perfect fit for everything Lenny's has to offer.

"All of our owners are family and will be working in front and behind the scenes of Lenny's, which we feel is very important to the overall success of any business venture," said Helker. "We plan on working hard while also having a lot of fun creating an atmosphere in which our guests want to return to frequently for their Lenny's fix."

The Helker family has a wide variety of backgrounds, including sales, marketing, finance, insurance and real estate. Greg will be in charge of operations.

Len and Sheila Moore opened the original Lenny's Sub Shop, a genuine Philadelphia-style sub shop with fresh baked bread and the finest quality deli meat and cheese, in a Memphis suburb in 1998. Lenny's Franchisor Chief Executive Officer George Alvord and private investors acquired ownership of the company from Len Moore in 2004. Lenny's has sold franchises in 20 states from California to Virginia.

Recently, Lenny's has opened several restaurants in new markets including Roseville, CA, Albuquerque, NM and Avon, IN. In addition, they have sold multi-restaurant packages in several states, including California, Indiana, Ohio, Louisiana and New Mexico. Lenny's is scheduled to open hundreds of restaurants in the next few years.

^^You win. I give up and will stop too.
There is no winning when we are divided... Only losing. Now, if we can get your developers to build a nice skyscraper in the heart of DT Greenville, it will be a major victory to celebrate and something we can both agree on ;)

^^Give it 12 days. ;) That's when it will start hopefully.

I can wait... Maybe you can put a countdown in your signature ;)

^^:nocrook:

First tenants sign up for Tigerville's 'village'
Bank branch, bagel shop will occupy space in renovated Roe & Co. building

Published: Thursday, November 8, 2007 - 2:00 am

By Angelia Davis
BUSINESS WRITER

TIGERVILLE -- It's taking a Village, but a new bank and a bagel shop are coming to Tigerville.

A Carolina First Bank branch and an Einstein's Bagel Shop will be among the first businesses to locate in the Village at Tigerville, a development of North Greenville University, according to university leaders.

The bank and the bagel shop will be in the historic J. H. Roe & Co. building after it's renovated to become the Eddie Runion Creative Arts Center.

The creative arts center and a new building -- Ole 414 Studio, which honors friends of the university, the late Earl K. Rosti and his wife, Zelda -- will be the first two buildings in The Village.

The Ole 414 Studio will house the schools' ceramic arts program and a retail store where the public can purchase ceramic art.

Greenville County Councilman Joe Dill said Tigerville, a non-incorporated area of northern Greenville County, has never had a bank.

"We've got about 2,000 young people going to the college, plus the people in the community. This (bank) would be an asset for them," he said.

Tigerville has one restaurant -- Thai and I.

Megan Taylor, a North Greenville junior from Anderson, said, "We haven't really had a coffee shop, bagel shop or bank in the area," she said. Having those services "just makes things a lot more convenient for us."

North Greenville leaders announced plans for the Village last fall. A groundbreaking service was held this week for the two buildings planned near state highways 414 and 253.

Dr. James B. Epting, university president, said the buildings will help the university meet its academic and other needs as far as having somewhere to eat, buy art, and to bank.

"We're very excited about both facilities. It's really going to kick off our dream for The Village at Tigerville," Epting said. "We give the good Lord credit for getting us where we are today."

The buildings will cost approximately $1 million to complete. Cunningham-Waters Construction Co. of Greer will perform the work, which can begin "any day now."

"We're trying to finalize all the details -- permits, etc.," Epting said.

^^^So you think it will only be 12 days till the Letdown on Main starts?

^^What letdown? It's 11 days, not 12.

I was referring to the Pinnacle on Main, or have you lost hope on it? :lol:

I was referring to the Pinnacle on Main, or have you lost hope on it? :lol:

I lost hope on that project a long time ago.

U sure? I can still sense a little hope in you! LOL

^^I'm not a rabbit though. Cityboi is a frog but that's as close as you're gonna get. I'm a fish. Stupid penguins. :nocrook: :lol:

You know what penguins say about you, g-man? You don't want to know. If I tell you, I will have to remove one your high-rises and bring it to Raleigh. Nothing for the freakin' squirrels.

Can't wait to see a few cranes in Greensville :) I don't care if it takes 10, 15 or 100 days... I am patient.

GreenSville?:lol:


I can't wait to see a few cranes either!

:rofl:

GreenSville?:lol:


I can't wait to see a few cranes either!
Oops :( Sorry for the error.

Raleigh.....G-man needs more patience. I too was impatient when I was his age. Over time you learn that things can only go so fast and you will get them when they happen. This is the way of things. Of course G-man will say shut the F*&K up to me but patience is something that is learnt over time. Maybe someday G-man and I will operate our own developement firm in Greenville, SC. I also give it till about January or February before youll see another crane pop up in Greenville. They first have to get the city hall plaza demoed before another crane can be put up. I think at the least we will see two cranes up in Greenville. Dont forget that court street building is still very much alive G-man. I keep hearing these rumors everyday if you know what I mean. Its more alive than the "Letdown" on Main is anyway. Just thought I would throw that in there for some suspense.

MERRY CHRISTMAS. :D Tune to 98.9 or 102.5 for all your favorite holiday music. What in the world is Erm1981 talking about? :lol: Almost everybody should know what this is. Pic taken last night:

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/Picture1103.jpg

My fish is officially decked out for the holidays. :nocrook: What now penguin man? :lol:

http://www.suggest.vlt-online.co.uk/pics/data/media/2/Sky_Lopez__Krystal_Steal_Thong_1.jpghttp://www.suggest.vlt-online.co.uk/pics/data/media/2/previewUA83137.jpg

Merry Christmas

:bow: :naughty:

These babes would make your day, without a doubt :lol:

My penguin is pissed with the whole Christmas celebration :bash: These motherf*ckers ruined everything for me when they put up Christmas decorations before even Halloween was over. That was freakin' lame. The retail industry needs to get their shit together and stop ruining my holidays. I don't want to ruin the mood, so here is my penguin:

http://www.xptheme.info/csh/wallpapers/200xHI_tux-xmas.jpg

Being a big fan of Halloween, I'd rather have this:

http://tux.crystalxp.net/png/yacine-mo-halloween-2412.png

:lol: Ruth's Chris, Fleming's Steakhouse, O'Charley's, or Raleigh-NC's secret super duper almost orgasmic seafood uptown five star restaurant:
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/Picture1133.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/Picture1134.jpg

Greenville Hospital System's Patewood campus at night:
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/Picture1125.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/Picture1127.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/Picture1126.jpg

The Fresh Market/shopping center/People's National Bank development:
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/Picture1129.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/Picture1130.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/Picture1132.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/Picture1131.jpg

Greenville Hospital System's research building. Credit to gsupstate for pics:
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/gsupstate/DSC03439.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/gsupstate/DSC03440.jpg

Carolina First headquarters. Credit to gsupstate for pic:
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/gsupstate/DSC03428.jpg

I like the architecture of the Patewood campus. Hospital architecture is pretty snazzy these days.

CU-ICAR:
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/Picture1117.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/Picture1116.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/Picture1110.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/Picture1107.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/Picture1111.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/Picture1114.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/Picture1118.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/Picture1121.jpg

gman I love your avatar...but isnt too early for Christmas :lol:

Oops, my secret is out!!! Thanks for the photos, g-man :)

The Cascades at Verdae (http://www.thecascadesverdae.com/), a large scale retirement community planned and under construction in the massive master planned Verdae Development (http://verdaedevelopment.com/), has received a major honor after being recognized as the nation's best proposed active retirement community by The National Active Retirement Association (http://www.retirementlivingnews.com/). :)

Greenville News article (http://greenvilleonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071111/BUSINESS/711110336/1003)

Be sure to check out the nice "community tour (http://www.thecascadesverdae.com/community/community.aspx#)" on the official website. ;)

Distordedlogic obviously has that. He claims that the Point project is no longer on McChesney's website. Gee...I wonder why that is? Maybe it's because it wasn't on there in the first place. :D

3M closer to getting expansion incentives
Project would mean 50 jobs in Greenville

Published: Tuesday, November 13, 2007 - 2:00 am

By Ben Szobody
STAFF WRITER

In public, Greenville County Council was weighing tax breaks last year for a prospective employer code-named "Project Innovation."

In private, technology giant 3M Co. was weighing three locations for a 50-job expansion that could cost $100 million, including Puerto Rico, Greenville and one other U.S. state, an attorney for the company said Monday.

3M picked Greenville, and the council's Finance Committee unanimously approved on Monday a 6 percent fee on 3M's investment instead of the normal 10.5 percent industrial tax rate. The plan now will go before the full council.

Attorney Richard Few, who represented 3M Monday, said the company is spending at least $15 million on the expansion at its existing Donaldson Center industrial complex and could spend as much as $100 million -- $30 million for land and the rest for machinery.

Few said the new jobs will pay an average of $20 an hour. A 3M manager previously said the openings would include engineers, skilled technicians and production workers who would make polyester film for use in multiple 3M products.

Finance Committee Chairwoman Judy Gilstrap told The Greenville News that because 3M attorneys want the tax breaks approved by the end of the year, Monday's measure had already seen first reading before the full council, an unusual move before details are discussed in committee.

Few told committee members that the company has previously invested $180 million or more in Greenville County and employs roughly 500 people at the Donaldson Center off U.S. 25 near Moonville.

If 3M spends $100 million on the expansion within five years, Few said the county has agreed to extend a 40 percent infrastructure credit over 10 years.

This is on top of the $295 1.3 million mixed-use development, hospital, and other things going up in this area. They're all less than a mile apart from each other too. :)

Wellness center, retail, grocery planned in Greer

Updated: Tuesday, November 13, 2007 - 6:40 am

By Nan Lundeen
STAFF WRITER

GREER -The area south of Interstate 85 along South State 14 continues to pop with development plans – the latest being a wellness center and retail space across from Spartanburg Regional Hospital System’s medical campus.

Dubbed the Village Marketplace at the Village at Pelham, the project would provide 177,612 feet of space.

“It’s a big growth area, and undoubtedly there’s very good traffic along 14,” said Carlos Asensio, president of Atlanta-based Flagler Construction Management. The firm is developing the site on behalf of investors who call themselves Village Retail Partnership LP.

No tenants have been signed yet, Asensio said.

Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport Environs Coordinator Larry Holcombe has approved preliminary plans. They include a 71,562-square-foot wellness center, a 45,600-square-foot grocery, several shops and a restaurant. A bank already exists at the site.

The marketplace would keep the same concept as Spartanburg Regional’s vision for a village with a walking environment, he said.

Greenville Hospital System’s Greer medical campus, located about five miles north of the Village at Pelham on South Buncombe also includes a wellness center, according to interim campus president John Mansure.

Developers also have proposed a $295 million mixed-use development at the southeast corner of I-85 and Highway 14.

I have a question about the ICAR project. Will it have a big impact on the upstate and will it bring people from other states and countries and diversify the upstate economically and culturally?

I have a question about the ICAR project. Will it have a big impact on the upstate and will it bring people from other states and countries and diversify the upstate economically and culturally?

Yes, in fact it has already done those things despite being in its infancy. It will surely continue to have a tremendous impact moving forward. :)

Distordedlogic obviously has that. He claims that the Point project is no longer on McChesney's website. Gee...I wonder why that is? Maybe it's because it wasn't on there in the first place. :D


Well I may be wrong, but I thought somebody posted a link to their site awhile back, that showed the project listed with their other projects, (the page with all the athens projects listed) it had been given a name. Maybe that was for something else though. :dunno:

Well I may be wrong, but I thought somebody posted a link to their site awhile back, that showed the project listed with their other projects, (the page with all the athens projects listed) it had been given a name. Maybe that was for something else though. :dunno:

That person was me and it was this website: http://www.thepointgreenville.com/ :)

More development approved for Simpsonville

Published: Wednesday, November 14, 2007 - 11:57 am

By Nathaniel Cary
STAFF WRITER

Simpsonville is looking to add more land in corridors near the city that are developing into retail centers.

The City Council gave initial approval, Tuesday night, to annex property along West Georgia and Neely Ferry roads with plans to rezone both sites for planned retail developments.

The West Georgia Road annexation includes 12 properties with several houses, Standing Springs Baptist Church and a 12-acre lot that’s being marketed for a retail center.

Some residents along West Georgia Road have expressed concern about added traffic with further development along the road. But Simpsonville has pegged the road as a retail stretch and gateway into the city’s downtown.

Already a Bloom grocery store and retail center has opened on West Georgia as part of Patton Park’s mixed use retail and residential center. In addition, the former site of Givens Youth Correctional Facility along West Georgia Road is set to be developed as a commercial site with an office and residential development.

Across West Georgia Road closer to Simpsonville’s downtown, land has been cleared for Georgia Road Commons, which may bring a mix of hotel space, restaurants and retail to the city.

The annexation request on Neely Ferry Road would bring another 25.2 acres into Simpsonville. That site is being marketed as a mixed-use retail development, said David Dyrhaug, Simpsonville planning director.

That property and the West Georgia Road properties would need a second vote by the City Council, which likely would come at its December business meeting.

That person was me and it was this website: http://www.thepointgreenville.com/ :)

Hey G-Man, Isn't the Point on hold for now and posibbly in big trouble because the developer could not close the sale on the property as they could not come to an agreement? Also how many days left on the countdown?

Hey G-Man, Isn't the Point on hold for now and posibbly in big trouble because the developer could not close the sale on the property as they could not come to an agreement? Also how many days left on the countdown?

It's on hold but not in big trouble. At least not yet. 4 days left on countdown. It may happen. It may not.

First building going up for Cascades at Verdae. This is the closest I could get-
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/Picture1142.jpg

Carolina First headquarters-
Site:
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/Picture1141.jpg

First building:
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/Picture1148.jpg

Conference center:
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/Picture1145.jpg

Second building:
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/Picture1144.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/Picture1143.jpg

:D I have tickets to this game and can't wait: http://greenvilleonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071115/NEWS01/71115060

Forest Park site plan:
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/forestpark.gif

Rendering:
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/GreenvilleFM.jpg

Aerial that is several months old:
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/GreenvilleFM-A.jpg

Great photos, g-man!!! Thanks for taking the time and putting so much effort :)

Copper River Grill to be ready in Greer next February

Published: Friday, November 16, 2007 - 9:09 am

By Lark Reynolds
STAFF WRITER

Greer residents will have a new restaurant to choose from on East Wade Hampton Boulevard beginning in February 2008.

The Copper River Grill will open its fifth location in Greer around Valentine's Day, according to the company's chief operating officer, Dan Angell.

Restaurants have already been opened in Seneca, Boiling Springs, Easley and Columbia, but Angell said he believes the Greer location will be the best yet.

“I just like the location, and that whole Wade Hampton is growing north,” Angell said. “The building sits up there nicely on that lot. There’s good visibility, and people know Copper River Grill now because of other locations nearby, so I think it’s going to be a home run.”

According to the restaurant’s Web site, Copper River Grill offers traditional American cuisine in an atmosphere reminiscent of an Alaskan mountain lodge.

Earlier plans to include additional retail parcels on the property have been scrapped, Angell said, because based on the restaurant's popularity at current locations, the need for additional parking was more important.

Angell said the new restaurant will create about 100 jobs, from owner-operator to kitchen and wait staff.




New projects provide fresh start for Pleasantburg Drive
Bank branch, shopping center will share site of old Vince Perone restaurant

Published: Friday, November 16, 2007 - 2:00 am

By Jenny Munro
BUSINESS WRITER

The site of the former Vince Perone's restaurant is once again bustling, filled with people and activity.

People's National Bank and Forest Park, a 53,000-square-foot neighborhood center, are located on that portion of Pleasantburg Drive and Antrim Drive. The two hope to be catalysts for an eventual redevelopment along Pleasantburg Drive near McAlister Square.

Redevelopment plans for the road -- five miles of which is in the city -- have been in the works for years as the commercial area slowly declined. Recently, however, Carolina First Center, formerly the Palmetto Expo Center, was renovated. Greenville Tech has bought various parcels along the road, including the former McAlister Square. Other developments also are beginning to pop up along the road.

"I think this is one of the most significant things occurring on Pleasantburg -- the first real private redevelopment project," said Nancy Whitworth, director of economic development for the city of Greenville. "It is a critical intersection. It signifies that this is a good place to invest."

She said the city had been working with The Fresh Market for about two years and Peoples National Bank decided on the property even earlier.

The bank is on the East Antrim Drive side of the property while The Fresh Market will anchor a $12.5 million neighborhood center at 27 S. Pleasantburg. The center, which is being developed by Columbia-based Edens & Avant, is expected to open in the summer of 2008. The site is near the Pleasantburg and Laurens Road intersection.

People's National Bank held its grand opening at the Antrim branch -- its second in Greenville -- Thursday as construction continued on Forest Park.

Andy Westbrook, president of People's National Bank, said, "We think it is going to be a catalyst for continued growth in this area."

That's also key for Edens & Avant, a retail real estate company.

"We're always looking for markets of interest," said Lyle Darnall, Edens & Avant's vice president of development. "We see this as a catalyst."

The corner was initially developed by the Vince Perone family, which opened a restaurant there in 1961.

"Antrim Drive did not exist," said Vince Perone III. "As far as you could see, it was forests. Pleasantburg Drive was a two-lane road. Laurens Road, if it even existed, was a two-lane road."

But his father and grandfather "were men of vision," he said, helping to develop the area.

The restaurant, which began at about 7,000 square feet and was expanded to 20,000 square feet, drew big-name entertainers, he said, adding Vince Perone's restaurant "was one of the top showplaces in the Southeast between Miami and New York." The restaurant also was home of Greenville City Club.

Perone said the family appreciates Peoples National recognizing the achievements of his late father and grandfather. Inside the bank are a plaque honoring the Perones and a pen-and-ink drawing of the restaurant.

"It's good to see this part of Greenville coming back to life," Perone said.

Construction is underway at Forest Park. Matt Crosland, development associate, said he expects the center to host national retailers as well as local and regional boutiques.

"We're working on a number of deals," Darnall said.

"Greenville is a sophisticated market," he said. The property is "well-positioned for an upscale center convenient to the booming downtown and close-in residential areas."

The company has worked with The Fresh Market in the past and has developed several shopping centers with the grocery store as an anchor, he said.

"They needed a relocation deal," he said. "They wanted to get closer to Augusta Road, where many of their customers are."

Whitworth said the neighborhood center and The Fresh Market "will certainly serve as a catalyst for more exciting things in the future."

The Fresh Market is relocating from its current store on East North Street to a more spacious location of about 25,000 square feet in Forest Park. The new prototype store will feature a deli island, an improved selection of organic items and larger floral, gift and bakery departments.

Peoples National Bank at 45 E. Antrim Drive has a full-service retail office, ATM service, residential mortgage offerings, commercial real estate lending services and a full-service brokerage division.

The new 7,700-square-foot Antrim office, the Greenville headquarters of Easley-based Peoples National Bank, is built in a Craftman style reminiscent of 100 yeas ago. McKay Zorn and Associates designed the bank building.

Darnall and Westbrook said the bank and Edens & Avant worked together to redevelop the bordered by Pleasantburg and Laurens Road.



GSP passenger, cargo traffic up last month
Nearly 140,000 flew in or out of airport

Published: Friday, November 16, 2007 - 2:00 am

By Jenny Munro
BUSINESS WRITER

Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport's passenger traffic has increased for six consecutive months, with an increase of nearly 6 percent in October, according to statistics released Wednesday.

During October, 139,270 passengers arrived and departed through the airport, up from 131,466 in October 2006.

"This is about normal," said Rosylin Weston, GSP spokeswoman. "Since 1963, traffic has consistently gone up on average almost 6 percent each year." The average includes both 2005, when passenger traffic soared with the advent of low-fare carrier Independence Air, and the slower year when Independence Air folded in January of 2006.

For 2007 to date, passenger traffic growth has been positive. For the first 10 months, 1,293,741 passengers flowed through the terminal, up 1.9 percent over the 1,269,734 in the January through October period last year. Traffic declined over the previous year only in January, February and April.
Advertisement

One of the airport's traditionally busiest seasons is arriving next week with the Thanksgiving holiday.

There are 17-flight destinations served from GSP, and Allegiant Air just began thrice-weekly service to Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

GSP cargo traffic also is up. About 2,595 tons moved through the airport in October, up 17.7 percent from the 2,205 tons in October 2006. Year-to-date, cargo tonnage was up 9.7 percent to 22,884 tons from 20,884 tons last year.

Future fitness center to take high-tech approach to health
Facility under construction near Brookwood Church, off I-385

Published: Thursday, November 15, 2007 - 2:00 am

By Nathaniel Cary
STAFF WRITER

A restaurant and a gymnasium for the family with lots of technology -- that's the plan behind an innovative sports and wellness complex that's currently being built in Simpsonville.

A crowd gathered and ate healthy food prepared in healthy ways and watched as children rode stationary bikes attached to video game consoles at the announcement for LivN Nsidout, an $11.2 million fitness center that is scheduled to open next summer.

Owner Todd Littleton said the new facility's focus will be on family education, not just physical fitness.

"We really think it's more of an educational issue," Littleton said. "One of the key unique things of our design is we'll have a balance leveraging that nutritional piece and leveraging the physical piece."

That's why Littleton wanted to include a restaurant along with the fitness aspect. Inergy, the restaurant, will serve members and non-members high-energy foods such as fruits and vegetables, turkey, lean beef, pasta and sandwiches on freshly baked organic breads.

"It's not all salads and wraps and tree bark," Littleton said.

The foundation is being laid for LivN Nsidout, which purchased an 8-acre tract near Brookwood Church in Simpsonville. The building is actually in the Mauldin city limits, but bears a Simpsonville address.

The 57,500-square-foot facility will be visible from Interstate 385. It will have two stories with indoor and outdoor walking tracks, a gymnasium, two fitness floors, a youth fitness room and a conference room. In addition, it will have rooms designated for group exercise, yoga, core training and cycling.

Littleton purchased the land from Brookwood Church for $920,000, but the facility won't be affiliated with the church.

The center, at 550 Brookwood Point Place, would create more than 50 jobs.

Littleton previously ran Champion Aerospace, a Liberty company that manufactured airplane ignition systems.

Dave Steel coming to Spartanburg County with 85 new jobs

By Sean P. Flynn-Spartanburg Herald Journal

Published: Friday, November 16, 2007

Dave Steel Co., an Asheville, N.C.-based fabricator of steel for industrial and commercial projects, announced Thursday that it will open a new plant in Chesnee, creating up to 85new jobs.

The company will invest as much as $6 million into the project, according to a S.C. Department of Commerce news statement.

Carter Smith, CEO of the Spartanburg County Economic Development Corp., said the plant will be north of downtown Chesnee, close to the site of Spartan Mills' old Montgomery plant, though a street address was not yet available.

"That's an area where we don't have as many opportunities as we would like to over the years, but this is a good sign that we've got one up in that northeast" part of the county," Smith said.

Spartanburg County Councilman David Britt said any time the county can attract 85 new jobs, especially to that area of the county, it's an economic win.

Dave Steel, founded in 1929, is family owned and based in Asheville, and it also has an office in Cincinnati.

The new facility will expand the company's production capabilities as well as the area it will be able to serve.

Smith said the company was looking for a site relatively close to Asheville and one that had access to rail lines.

An official from Dave Steel did not return a phone message seeking comment on Thursday.

According to a list on its Web site, Dave Steel's projects have included a condominium complex in Cincinnati, a manufacturing plant in Etowah, Tenn., and two projects for Louisville (Ky.) Gas & Electric.

According to this weeks Greenville Journal, what will be Greenville's tallest building is still a go. The building will be business, hotel, retail and residential. The site is the old Memorial Auditorium site. I believe this is slated to be 25-30 stories. The Landmark building is 25 stories. :banana:

The plans for the old Woolworth's building won't be announced until January when demolition is scheduled to begin. This site really needs to be developed
as the old Woolworths building is an eyesore.:banana:

Still nothing on the Pinnacle On Main. :nuts:

^^You might hear something tomorrow on the Pinnacle on Main.

According to this weeks Greenville Journal, what will be Greenville's tallest building is still a go. The building will be business, hotel, retail and residential. The site is the old Memorial Auditorium site. I believe this is slated to be 25-30 stories. The Landmark building is 25 stories. :banana:

The plans for the old Woolworth's building won't be announced until January when demolition is scheduled to begin. This site really needs to be developed
as the old Woolworths building is an eyesore.:banana:

Still nothing on the Pinnacle On Main. :nuts:Apaladin, I posted the TBA column over in the downtown developments thread, in case you missed it. ;)

Boy oh Boy! I hope it's 30+ stories!! :yes: That would be HUGE for Greenville! :yes: :D

Boy oh Boy! I hope it's 30+ stories!!
I hope so, too :)

Think about it. This new tallest may also become the STATE'S NEW TALLEST!! :eek:

^^^That would be quite interesting to say the least!!!

Still no news on the Pinnacle On Main. I wish they would just come out and say it's not going o happen so we could quit worrying about it, LOL.

^^You couldn't be farther away from the truth. ;)

Forest Park site plan:

Aerial that is several months old:
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/GreenvilleFM-A.jpg


:puke:

This photo is a perfect example of what too much asphalt does to an area. Look at it. It looks AWFUL. Plant a tree, put up something green. This whole area needs a remake. And I wish Gtech would do something with that sea of asphalt between Carmike and the Univ Ctr that wraps around behind it. :bash:

Ok, I know there ARE a couple of trees, but they are completely overwhlemed.

^^You couldn't be farther away from the truth. ;)



Gman you are too cruel with your teases. :lol: Why can't you spill your beans?

:puke:

This photo is a perfect example of what too much asphalt does to an area. Look at it. It looks AWFUL. Plant a tree, put up something green. This whole area needs a remake. And I wish Gtech would do something with that sea of asphalt between Carmike and the Univ Ctr that wraps around behind it. :bash:

Ok, I know there ARE a couple of trees, but they are completely overwhlemed.Actually, I think it is pretty nice except for the large parking area between the Camelot and the University Center. That is an area to be proud of overall in terms of semi-dense urban/suburban development. It has a promising future. There have been quite a few trees planted and many more are likely to be added as development continues.

;) Are you ready Greenville:
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/Picture1152.jpg

Carolina First campus:
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/Picture1153.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/Picture1154.jpg

Ready? For what? :? :? :?

Is that a new sign describing the corporate highrise?

^^Yes it is. :)

Any stats to pass along? :? :? :? :)

^^I cannot comment on it right now. :) Can you guess the location along I-85?

^^I cannot comment on it right now. :) Can you guess the location along I-85?

Verdae?

My guess is I-Car

^^No and no. You are very close to the right location though.

Verdae?

The Point?

^^Nope. All of you are within a mile of it though. :)

Millenium Campus?

^^We have a winner. :applause: Ding, ding. :lol: The site is located right across I-85 from Hubbell Lighting and is part of Millennium Campus. :)

Hum so its on the other side of I-85?

^^Yeah at the intersection of Salters and Old Sulpher Springs Roads across I-85 from Hubbell Lighting. It's on a big hill too. Any highrise here would have HUGE impact. :)

I guess we are up late ^^^

^^I need a beer. :drunk: :lol:

^^ Make mine a Root! ;) :D :lol: :hilarious: :)

So gman, what was your countdown for; the Covington/Tutman stuff or the Pinnacle stuff?


Does C/T have anything to do with Project Skyline?

CT has a pretty nice website, though all the pics are for residential.

This will bring in over 1,000 visitors in early June. All downtown hotel rooms are already booked for it. Watch the video too: http://www.tlgconference.org/ :)

I see the urbanplanet-Greenville section died again. Not suprising.

So gman, what was your countdown for; the Covington/Tutman stuff or the Pinnacle stuff?


Does C/T have anything to do with Project Skyline?

CT has a pretty nice website, though all the pics are for residential.

If I told you what it was for, you wouldn't believe me. I thought it was an actual date but turned out just to be an estimate date. :ohno: Construction on the Marriott downtown is scheduled to begin on Monday. :)

So we are still waiting on whatever the countdown was for?

How much do you know about the C/T sign on 85?

^^Yes we are. Hopefully it will happen sometime in December. Not much except for the sign being new.

If I told you what it was for, you wouldn't believe me.

Try me!

How tall will the Marriott be? I saw a rendering a while back and remember it taking up a large area.

How tall will the Marriott be? I saw a rendering a while back and remember it taking up a large area.

Six stories.

Try me!

It has been changed to this Friday according to investor group.

^^^Does it concern a highrise? Thats all I want to know. Sounds like the POM.

^^I can't say. It might, it might not. It might not even be downtown for all you know or is it. Do you feel lucky? Well, do you? ;) I'll tell you when urbanplanet-Greenville section comes back to life. :)

I really had rather post over here. A certain forumer over their trys to be a dictator and it really pisses me off. He cant seem to own up to the fact that he makes mistakes also. Its the one that had you banned.

^^Metro'm or whatever he, she, or it goes by now?

I think "its" a she.....

[QUOTE=g-man430;16729515you? ;) I'll tell you when urbanplanet-Greenville section comes back to life. :)[/QUOTE]


We may never find out then :lol:

^^Hey, you could easily go out and take update pics on the weekend. Nobody's stopping you. Same goes for every other Greenville forum member except for gsupstate.

^^Hey, you could easily go out and take update pics on the weekend. Nobody's stopping you. Same goes for every other Greenville forum member except for gsupstate.

And except those of us who don't live in Greenville...

^^It's only a 3-4 hour drive. :lol:

^^It's only a 3-4 hour drive. :lol:

It's about 3 hours with my "heavy foot." :lol:

Yeah Im actually in Anderson county......We started building the stairwell for the sports and wellness center in Mauldin/simpsonville today.

:bash: :rant: Not in Greenville but still involves what is going on here.

Sanford, in letter to Cabela's chief, reiterates stand on state incentives

By John McDermott & Kyle Stock-The Post and Courier

Thursday, November 29, 2007

PDF file: http://www.charleston.net/media/2007/pdf/Letter_to_Highby.pdf

Gov. Mark Sanford's first shot appears to have missed the mark, so he fired off another round this week.

The target: Cabela's Inc., the outdoor sporting goods chain that would reap a windfall from legislation approved to entice the company to build a store in North Charleston.

Sanford, who opposed the deal state lawmakers crafted, wrote a letter this week to Dennis Highby, the retailer's chief executive officer, reiterating his objections. He noted that smaller, locally owned retail companies seldom get state incentives and he also questioned the economic impact claims that Cabela's has linked to its stores in other states.

Sanford called his two-page missive "a follow up," noting that Highby did not respond to a similar letter sent in November 2006. He also said, "I would hope this time for a response on these matters."

Highby was out of the office Wednesday and had not yet seen the letter, said Cabela's spokesman Mark Nelsen. The Post and Courier faxed a copy of the letter to the company, but Nelsen declined to comment.

Siding with small retailers, Sanford said the tax incentives issue boils down to a question of fairness.

"Let me again be equally clear on how much we would love for you to come to this state," Sanford wrote. "Our only objection lies in paying you to come so that we effectively give your company an unfair advantage over smaller competitors around the state."

The debate over Cabela's began in early 2006, when North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey disclosed that the retailer was seeking land in his city for its first South Carolina location.

Summey also said the Nebraska-based chain expected various tax incentives, which the state traditionally has not offered to retail businesses. Cabela's was an exception because its huge, elaborately decorated stores would draw thousands of new tourists to the Charleston region, Summey and other supporters said.

Sanford did not buy that argument and twice vetoed legislation for incentives tailored to a retailer like Cabela's.

The General Assembly overrode his veto both times.

The most recent law allows sales tax rebates and tax credits on jobs created for "an extraordinary" store that invests at least $25 million in its site, attracts at least 2 million visitors a year and remits at least $2 million in sales taxes every 12 months.

Cabela's has posted huge profits in recent years, thanks in part to government grants. In 2006, its net income was $85.8 million, and at the end of the year it had deals to collect another $14.4 million in government grants if it met certain benchmarks.

Sanford, however, noted in his letter to Highby that Cabela's has fallen short of some of those thresholds.

He claimed that Cabela's has not paid off as expected for communities in at least eight states. In Texas, for example, Sanford said, the chain had to return $200,000 for not creating at least 400 jobs. A Minnesota store, meanwhile, "fell well short of the necessary 3.5 million visitors a year required to qualify for special subsidies," he continued.

Bass Pro Shops, one of Cabela's main competitors, opened a Myrtle Beach store in 2004 without state incentives, though it is pushing for deal-sweeteners for a potential location in Greenville.

Nelsen said his company has not committed to building a store in North Charleston and he does not know how seriously it is considering a Palmetto State presence.

The governor, meanwhile, will try to get lawmakers to repeal the incentives legislation when they reconvene in January, according to spokesman Joel Sawyer.

"This is kind of a unique situation," Sawyer said. "A lot of folks, particularly small-business owners, just don't think it makes a lot of sense."

:drool: Why I love living in Greenville: http://www.greenvilledailyphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/20071119_Fall_1_900x600.jpg

Is that US 25 North of Greenville? That pick must have been taken a couple weeks ago. Doesn't look like that anymore.

That is one of my favorite roads in the region as you come out of NC and descend into SC.

That is definitely a nice image, g-man :okay:

:drool: Why I love living in Greenville: http://www.greenvilledailyphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/20071119_Fall_1_900x600.jpg

very nice. :)

you know, another great photo would be of "pretty place". An awesome place to get married. :D

OK, G-Man. Tomorrow is Friday, can't wait!!!!!

^^Yeah. It's the end of the work and school week. :lol: It might happen, it might not.

More stuff coming to Millennium Campus. Credit to gsupstate for these pics:
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/gsupstate/DSC03624.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/gsupstate/DSC03625.jpg

Acadia:
Plaza area-
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/322.jpg

Pool-
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/323.jpg

Pavilion-
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/321.jpg

Trail-
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/334.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/326.jpg

Creek-
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/327.jpg

Footbridge going across creek-
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/328.jpg

Canoe rack and shelter-
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/329.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/330.jpg

Homes-
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/324.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/335.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/332.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/325.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/331.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/333.jpg

Nice Pics!


http://www.greenvilleonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071129/BUSINESS/711290321
Hey I know, lets wait until 2030 to do soemthing, wwhen it's really too late, and the cost will quadruple again! :ohno:

^^I think it's already too late. :lol: That's Greensonolina for you.

Site plan for Clemson Town Center which is courting Trader Joe's and Barnes & Noble to anchor the development: http://www.cityofclemson.org/files/Planning_Commission/Agenda_items/R-07-16_Clemson_Town_Center_site_concept.pdf

Images of what the town center will look like when complete:
http://www.cityofclemson.org/files/Planning_Commission/Agenda_items/R-07-16_Clemson_Town_Center_images.pdf

I like it. :yes: ^^ looks very inviting. :)

^^^That will be big for lil ol' Clemson.

^^Yeah. It's the end of the work and school week. :lol: It might happen, it might not.

So, I guess it didn't happen.:ohno:

^^ You mean you actually expected it to? :lol:

Maybe Monday. :dunno: I give up. I'm moving to Charlotte as soon as I graduate. :lol:

^^ How about cola, they seem to be able to get things going. :nuts:

^^Nah. I want mass transit. :D Besides, I have relatives that live in Charlotte. I took update pics today. Can you believe that? :lol:

Not much of a wrestling fan, but this is pretty big for Greenville landing this.

TNA's Against All Odds Pay-Per-View Official For SC

Date Added: November 28, 2007
Story By: Marc Middleton

TOTAL NONSTOP ACTION (TNA) WRESTLING’S “AGAINST ALL ODDS 2008” COMING TO THE BI-LO CENTER IN GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA ON FEBRUARY 10

Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling has announced that “Against All Odds 2008” event will be held live at the BI-LO Center in Greenville, South Carolina, on Sunday, February 10, airing worldwide exclusively on Pay-Per-View.

“Against All Odds” will feature the superstars of Spike TV’s “TNA iMPACT” performing live for a worldwide audience, including Kurt Angle, Booker T, Kevin Nash, “The Instant Classic” Christian Cage, Team 3D and Abyss. In additions fans will see the hottest young talent in professional wrestling today, including “The Phenomenal” A.J. Styles, “The Samoan Submission Machine” Samoa Joe, the Motor City Machineguns, “Black Machismo” Jay Lethal, Kaz, Tomko, Eric Young, The Latin American Xchange, Gail Kim and the TNA Knockouts, “Cowboy” James Storm and more.

“2008 promises to be the biggest year in the history of TNA, and we’re thrilled to take our first Pay-Per-View event outside of the iMPACT Zone in Universal Studios Orlando to South Carolina. The fans of Greenville and the Carolinas are legendary for their support of great pro wrestling, and we promise to provide a live experience unlike anything they’ve ever seen,” TNA President Dixie Carter said.

Fans can follow the road to “Against All Odds” with breaking news, match announcements and more every Thursday night at 9 p.m. ET/PT on “TNA iMPACT!” on Spike TV.

Tickets for “Against All Odds” will go on sale at 10 a.m. December 7 at the BI-LO Center Box Office (650 N. Academy St., Greenville, SC 29601), all Ticketmaster outlets, online at Ticketmaster.com or by calling (864) 233-2525.

When is GSP Airport going to expand? When will Greenville get a new highrise built? When will our bus system actually turn into a system? When will the nimby's shut up? When will they fix the lights on I-85 that only half way work? When are we going to get a low-cost airline carrier? When are we going to get our roads paved that have potholes? When are we going to get a new automotive plant? When are people going to start posting on urbanplanet again? When is MPTC going to start construction? When will the minor-league sports come back?

-I'm moving to Charlotte as soon as I can. :D

^^ How about cola, they seem to be able to get things going. :nuts:

Does anyone actually move to Columbia if they don't have to?:lol: G-Man don't go!!

I am still here, g-man. Sleep-deprived and tired, but still thankful for your updates :) Thanks!!!

Pelham Road Walmart:
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/Picture1176.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/Picture1175.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/Picture1182.jpg

Pelham Hills:
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/Picture1177.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/Picture1181.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/Picture1178.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/Picture1180.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/Picture1179.jpg

IMA office building at Verdae-
Rendering and other information: http://www.harpercorp.com/internal-medicine.php

Site:
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/Picture1155.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/Picture1157.jpg

Village at Pelham:-
Hospital:
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/Picture1156.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/Picture1158.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/Picture1159.jpg

Retail complex:
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/Picture1160.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/Picture1164.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/Picture1162.jpg

Greenville Hospital's System new Greer campus:
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/Picture1161.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/Picture1168.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/Picture1170.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/Picture1167.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/Picture1163.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/Picture1169.jpg

Credit to gsupstate for all pics posted below-
Woodlands at Furman:
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/gsupstate/DSC03652.jpg

Carolina First corporate headquarters:
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/gsupstate/DSC03643.jpg

CU-ICAR:
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/gsupstate/DSC03640.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/gsupstate/DSC03642.jpg

Forest Park Fresh Market complex:
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/gsupstate/DSC03659.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/gsupstate/DSC03660.jpg

Fleming's Steakhouse it is: http://www.ddr.com/centers/scarolina/greenville_the%20point/SC%20Greenville%20aerial.pdf

There is no walmart being built near the Donaldson Center distortedlogic. Not sure where you heard that but it isn't true at this time although that could change in the near future at the Augusta Road/I-185 interchange next to the Matrix.

^^ Well the one I heard about is not really at DC. Actually south of there, closer to moonville. But I just heard that, nothing to back it up really. Suits me if it isn't true.

^^Ahh...ok. It might be true then. Not sure. Found this on the internet. Basically it is for bids on building the center which means the project is moving forward like planned:


Project Planning
Project #: 506571

Reported: 11/13/2007 3:12:00 PM

Title: Village Marketplace at the Village at Pelham

Project Type: New Construction

Physical Address: Available to Subscribers Only

City/County: Greer, SC (Greenville County)

Category(s): Commercial, Medical

Sub-Category(s): Food/Beverage Service, Medical Office/Outpatient, Retail, Supermarket/Convenience Store

Contracting Method: Bids by Invitation Only.

Project Status: Seeking Site Plan Approvals.

Owner: Available to Subscribers Only


Details: 117,162 sq ft - Medical Office/Outpatient, 71,562 sq ft. Supermarket/Convenience Store, 45,600 sq ft. Retail. Food/Beverage Service., New Construction, 6.50 Acres.
Division 02 - Site Work, Clearing, Earthwork, Soil Treatment, Site Drainage, Site Utilities, Paving & Surfacing, Walks, Landscaping.
Division 03 - Concrete, Formwork, Expansion & Contraction Joints, Reinforcement, Steel Bar, Cast-in-place Concrete, Precast Concrete, Installation Equipment, Scaffolding, Asphalt & Concrete Paving, Slab-on-Grade Foundation.
Division 04 - Masonry, Unit Masonry.
Division 05 - Metals, Structural Metal Framing, Structural Steel, Metal Fabrications, Steel Bar Joist.
Division 06 - Carpentry, Rough Carpentry, Finish Carpentry.
Division 07 - Thermal and Moisture Protection, Waterproofing, Dampproofing, Insulation, Flashing & Sheet Metal, Sealants, Joint Fillers & Gaskets, Sealants & Caulking, Roofing.
Division 08 - Doors, Windows and Glass, Metal Doors & Frames, Wood & Plastic Doors, Special Doors, Overhead, Entrances & Storefronts, Hardware & Specialties, Automatic Door Equipment, Weatherstripping & Seals, Thresholds, Glazing, Overhead Doors.
Division 09 - Finishes, Gypsum Wallboard, Tile, Acoustical Treatments, Resilient Flooring, Special Flooring, Painting, Exterior, Interior, Wall Coverings, Acoustical Ceilings.
Division 10 - Specialties, Compartments & Cubicles, Toilet, Shower & Dressing, Handicapped Accessories, Signs and Identifying Devices, Special Shelving, Toilet Partitions & Accessories, Signage.
Division 11 - Equipment, Loading Dock, Food Service, Unit Kitchens, Medical, Kitchen Exhaust Hood.
Division 12 - Furnishings, Artwork, Manufactured Casework, Furniture, Office Furniture, Seating, Hospitality Furniture.
Division 13 - Special Construction, Security Access and Surveillance, Detection and Alarm, Fire Suppression.
Division 15 - Mechanical, Air Distribution, Rooftop Furnaces, Air Handling Units (without coils), Refrigeration, Controls and Instrumentation, Insulation, Refrigerated Cases, HVAC, Fire Protection, Sprinkler Equipment, Plumbing, Plumbing Fixtures & Trim, Fire Sprinklers.
Division 16 - Electrical, Basic Materials & Methods, Raceways, Conduits, Wires & Cables, Wire Connections & Devices, Outlet Boxes, Floor Boxes, Panelboards, Disconnects (motor & circuit), Supporting Devices, Power Transmission, Transformer, Lighting, Interior Lighting Fixtures, Exterior Lighting Fixtures, Special Systems, Emergency Light & Power, Communications, Alarm & Detection, Fire Alarm & Detection, Telephone, Public Address Equipment, Television Systems, Voice and Data Equipment, Heating & Cooling, Controls & Instrumentation.

Gman, what is the website for the Carolina First center project?

^^There isn't one. Sorry man. :( The only place to find information on it is here: http://www.harpercorp.com/carolina-first-corp.php

Thnaks. Man every time I look at this, I just can't help thinking how it would look as a tower DT:ohno

^^We have the same size skyline if not a bigger one than Knoxville, Chattanooga, Augusta, Greensboro, Lexington, etc. Why do we need more skyscrapers if other cities the same size as ours aren't getting any new ones and have the same size skyline? You don't get skyscrapers because you want them. You get them when the demand warrants them. Not sure why they chose a sprawling campus over a skyscraper unlike every other bank. My guess is for the I-85 impact. I would think a 25-story building would of had more impact but whatever. Too late now.

Actually, I would say Knoxville, and definitely gsboro and lexington have larger skylines.

^^Nah. I've been to all three cities within the last year so I should know. :) Lexington has a taller building but has less buildings than Greenville. Knoxville has the same number of buildings around the same height as Greenville's but theirs is more compact I guess. Greensboro's is pretty much the same in all aspects even though it also might be a little more compact.

Oh well. Regardless, I still like to see some more stuff when I look up. :laugh:

^^And you will very soon. You should be proud that Greenville is getting this many skyscraper proposals from developers. Most cities around this size aren't getting that many if any at all.

SO what is our current list of hopefuls or under construction (minimum six stories(tall enough to be above treeline)):

1.Peacock
2.Marriot
3.POM???
4.Gateway
5.Bookends II
6.Riverplace II completion
7.Riverplace III
8.Ct ST
9.Rhett St.


Plus still awaiting plans for Woolworth site

Anymore?

^^POM is a go. :) Main at McBee is going through something. The sign has been taken down. :dunno: :lol: Stop focusing on what is getting built here and focus only on what really matters: http://youtube.com/watch?v=CFHRhZ8L7dM&feature=related That video was Jeremy's idea. I had nothing to do with it. ;) :D

Hey, I know what will cheer you up: http://youtube.com/results?search_query=peanut+butter+jelly+time+family+guy :banana:

:lol: What distortedlogic's face will look like when POM starts construction: http://youtube.com/watch?v=pFlcqWQVVuU No wait. More like this: http://youtube.com/watch?v=nBEyFeMV2_c&feature=related

^^POM is a go. :) Main at McBee is going through something. The sign has been taken down. :dunno: :lol: Stop focusing on what is getting built here and focus only on what really matters: http://youtube.com/watch?v=CFHRhZ8L7dM&feature=related That video was Jeremy's idea. I had nothing to do with it. ;) :D

The Pinnacle on Main is a go? What does that mean? Can't you reveal anything more??

As for Main at McBee... I'd like to see a new proposal for the site. Something with more height? It will have more competition for visual impact with the Bookends, Wachovia, and now the Peacock all next door. If office hasn't gotten the right number of leases over the years (which it has been many with that sign up), then maybe they should try mixed use with residential or a hotel. Who is the developer of that site anyway?

I wanna hear more on the Gateway proposal! :yes:

I wanna hear more on the Gateway proposal! :yes:

You and me both! :)

The Pinnacle on Main is a go? What does that mean? Can't you reveal anything more??

As for Main at McBee... I'd like to see a new proposal for the site. Something with more height? It will have more competition for visual impact with the Bookends, Wachovia, and now the Peacock all next door. If office hasn't gotten the right number of leases over the years (which it has been many with that sign up), then maybe they should try mixed use with residential or a hotel. Who is the developer of that site anyway?

I agree with you on the Main at McBee site. I never much cared for the proposal there, too generic, small, and uninspiring. Hopefully someone will come up with a better proposal. Something with more height would really look good here, in this general area, everything is pretty much the same height.

Fleming's Steakhouse it is: http://www.ddr.com/centers/scarolina/greenville_the%20point/SC%20Greenville%20aerial.pdf
Flemings Steakhouse it was, but Flemings Steakhouse it is no longer, according to the rumor on the street.:lol:

I agree with you on the Main at McBee site. I never much cared for the proposal there, too generic, small, and uninspiring. Hopefully someone will come up with a better proposal. Something with more height would really look good here, in this general area, everything is pretty much the same height.

Agreed about the buildings' heights in the area. 10-12 stories dominates the scene. Something around 17-20 (or higher :cheers:) would add such a great feel.

Can someone remind me what happened with this site? The building was proposed and nothing was built due to interest in office space. Then the Bookend residents complained because of the dirt hole out their window. I was thinking that a time table had been given and then the developer asked for more time from the city and it was granted. Does anyone remember if that's true and what the deadline for construction was on the site?


Also, how is construction coming on Laurens Street downtown? The condos that are being built in those 2 old structures? (is this a part of the Park Place on Main?) Anyway, I haven't seen pictures of it in a while was wondering how they were coming along...

Skyliner, i'll email DDR tomorrow and try to find out what is really going there. :) Is urbanplanet down for anybody else? :dunno:

Agreed about the buildings' heights in the area. 10-12 stories dominates the scene. Something around 17-20 (or higher :cheers:) would add such a great feel.

Can someone remind me what happened with this site? The building was proposed and nothing was built due to interest in office space. Then the Bookend residents complained because of the dirt hole out their window. I was thinking that a time table had been given and then the developer asked for more time from the city and it was granted. Does anyone remember if that's true and what the deadline for construction was on the site? Timeline for it was 2008 start with completion in 2010. Obviously that's not going to happen though.


Also, how is construction coming on Laurens Street downtown? The condos that are being built in those 2 old structures? (is this a part of the Park Place on Main?) Anyway, I haven't seen pictures of it in a while was wondering how they were coming along...

I've lived here my entire life and still don't know where Laurens Street is. :lol: The Main at McBee building is dead. The sign was taken down last week.

I've lived here my entire life and still don't know where Laurens Street is. :lol:

The little alley-like street between Main Street and Richardson. It runs next to the bus station/W Washington Street Parking Deck...


I wonder if the Main at McBee sign was taken down because they are changing their plans for the site, or if it will be changing hands...

^^Oh. I know where you're talking about now. Those two buildings are almost complete. In fact, they finally started work on the front side of them facing Main Street. They look very nice. :) I'll email KDS tomorrow and try to find out what's up with Main at McBee.

^^We have the same size skyline if not a bigger one than Knoxville, Chattanooga, Augusta, Greensboro, Lexington, etc. Why do we need more skyscrapers if other cities the same size as ours aren't getting any new ones and have the same size skyline?

Actually, there are plans for a 21-story residential tower in Knoxville (and you actually started the thread (http://http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=478441&page=2) for that, so I'm surprised you forgot about it), and there have been two midrises proposed for Greensboro that I know of (with one being more likely to get built than the other at this point).

Even though there's not much 'scraper activity in the smaller metros, Greenville is doing a pretty good job in terms of absorption and addition as far as office space is concerned.

^^I know about the one in Knoxville, but it's not built yet. :yes: I'm talking about skyscrapers built, not just proposed.

When you said those cities "aren't getting any new ones," it sounded like you were referring to present proposals, which is why I brought those up. You probably should have said those cities "haven't been getting any new ones" in order to clarify what you mean.

Hey guys, are there any "Unos Chicago Grill" restaurants in the Greenville area? I love that restaurant! It's awesome! Great pizza! The Columbia area only has one location and it's in Lexington. :yes:

^^Nope. :(

I'm bored. Where is everybody? :(

^^ Well, maybe with all of these new wonderful developments going on, an Unos will end up being one of them. :)

I'm bored. Where is everybody? :(

Maybe they are getting ready for bed? I know I am. 9:00 pm. and I'll be there. :D I get up at 4:15 am. :ohno::nuts:

^^:eek: Why so early?

I'm bored. Where is everybody? :(

Working on a paper for school :ohno:

^^Me too. A 6-page one to be exact. :bash: Wait. I didn't know you went to school. :eek: :lol:

That's funny, mine is six pages too :lol:

I'm in a master's program, ready to finish too!

g-man, with all the photos you post every now and then you make it hard for me to hate you :lol: Thanks for the continuous updates.

^^So, if I didn't take photos you would hate me? :pet: :lol:

In the time it takes you to read this, the national debt would of grown by $1 million. $19.3 trillion in debt currently. Thank you war supporters for getting us into this mess and getting nothing good in return. Dear US Government: there are ads all the time for organizations like Consumer Credit Counseling on TV. I suggest you take a look:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2007-12-03-debt_N.htm#uslPageReturn I ain't paying nothin. I want my medicare when I get old. You guys need to quit hogging it all. :bash:

Where is everybody? :(

I want to talk about the Main at McBee site. Is it definitely dead, or could the sign be removed because they are changing the proposed project?

Regardless, I agree with GvilleSC about the need to offer a mixed-use project there instead of exclusively office space. I think that is a PERFECT location for a highrise hotel/condo/office building. It is close to everything, retail on the ground floor of Main and McBee Streets, great views from the top floors of the highrise, etc.

What rules exist for highrises along Main? I know they have to be a certain distance from Main Street, but does this property allow enough room to have a couple of stories fronting Main and then more height behind that?

I agree with everyone about the previous proposal. It was bland and generic. Nothing to get excited about at all. I would rather wait for a bigger and better project for the site. Hopefully the parcel of land is in new hands now or is under the direction of someone with more vision. When you think about it, that site is way too important/visible to sit empty like it has!

^^Contacted KDS and they said it is indefinitely on hold without a construction timeline. :bash: :rant: I just wish they would kill the thing and start with something new.

I want to talk about the Main at McBee site. Is it definitely dead, or could the sign be removed because they are changing the proposed project?

Regardless, I agree with GvilleSC about the need to offer a mixed-use project there instead of exclusively office space. I think that is a PERFECT location for a highrise hotel/condo/office building. It is close to everything, retail on the ground floor of Main and McBee Streets, great views from the top floors of the highrise, etc.

What rules exist for highrises along Main? I know they have to be a certain distance from Main Street, but does this property allow enough room to have a couple of stories fronting Main and then more height behind that?

I agree with everyone about the previous proposal. It was bland and generic. Nothing to get excited about at all. I would rather wait for a bigger and better project for the site. Hopefully the parcel of land is in new hands now or is under the direction of someone with more vision. When you think about it, that site is way too important/visible to sit empty like it has!

From what I have gathered, nothing up on Main can be taller than typically 3 stories (30 feet maybe?), though, once you go back a certain number of feet, you're allowed to reach any height you would like.

And you're right about the importance of this site. McBee is emerging as another hub of pedestrian activity. So, where it meets the other main axis, Main, will be a very high profile location. Hopefully developers realize what they have and the statement they need to make with the building on this particular site... Potential is huge.

^^The Fieldhouse at West End is up on Main Street and is over three stories tall.

^^The Fieldhouse at West End is up on Main Street and is over three stories tall.

The DPC must have been asleep on that one. It violates the rule about buildings directly on Main Street, AND goes against their "nothing over three stories" plans for the West End as whole. :lol:

I assume it's possible to apply for a variance, but being the city's deal getting the ballpark and the adjacent development located there, I'd say it's possible that they bent the rules. But who knows, maybe it doesn't apply all the way down Main...?

On an unrelated note, is anything potentially being discussed for the lot at the corner of Main and Broad next to the Hot Dog King? That surface lot is one of the largest wastes of prime real estate in Greenville. I know a 15-20 story building was planned for that parcel several years ago, only to have the owner change his/her mind. We really need something to happen there. I wish Holder properties (who has built a ton of buildings in Atlanta as well as a few in Columbia, including their new one announced this week) would develop a nice 15-20 story tower there - especially since they have a track record of really getting stuff off the ground in a hurry. Sigh...

On an unrelated note, is anything potentially being discussed for the lot at the corner of Main and Broad next to the Hot Dog King? That surface lot is one of the largest wastes of prime real estate in Greenville. I know a 15-20 story building was planned for that parcel several years ago, only to have the owner change his/her mind. We really need something to happen there. I wish Holder properties (who has built a ton of buildings in Atlanta as well as a few in Columbia, including their new one announced this week) would develop a nice 15-20 story tower there - especially since they have a track record of really getting stuff off the ground in a hurry. Sigh...

Maybe they just need someone to inform them of the piece of property and the potential that it has... :gossip: But I agree. I would love for the city to buy that piece of property and bite the bullet to an extent and resell the land at a lower price as a part of one of their infamous public-private partnerships. The only down side would be if they decided that City Hall needed to remain one of the taller structures in the area. If they owned the land, they'd have more pull.

^^How come i'm always the one who has to email these people? :lol: Just a little FYI:

-HSD was one of the companies that sent in a bid for the city hall courtyard site where the Marriott is going downtown. If they were chosen, it would of been a 12-story building. Oops. :lol: Still happy though with the project. :)

^^ I remember that proposal, instead we got stuck with another lowrise:bash: :nuts:

^^And what's wrong with that? That building is going to be awesome looking when it's finished. :)

Anyone have a rendering of Main and McBee handy? I've seen it before, I just need my memory refreshed as to what it looked like.

Check post #6 on the first page of the "Greenville Downtown Development News" thread: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=513289

^^And what's wrong with that? That building is going to be awesome looking when it's finished. :)

I know, I just hate to trade a 12 story project that might have been even better, for a lowrise that will have less visibility. Especially since the main reason was only that the city didn't want something taller than city hall. Sounds like a dumb reason. :nuts:

^^Greenville has a very impressive skyline for having a population under 60,000. We're not ready for a bigger one yet.

^OK, thanks. I do like that rendering, but I can definitely see something with more of a presence working better there. But if there's a height limit for buildings that directly front Main, then I think this works well.

Are you ready for the new Verdae: http://www.verdaedevelopment.com/

^^Ok, not to open up this can of worms, but everyone knows Gville's "real" population is more than 60k. The MSA and CSA pops are more in line with cities having much better (IMO) skylines. Most everyone agrees that gville's skyline is pretty unimpressive for an area its "size." Come on Gman, you want a big skykine as much as the next guy :lol:

Are you ready for the new Verdae: http://www.verdaedevelopment.com/

Very cool site :okay:

How about the new point?

^^What new point? It's still getting worked out.

^^Ok, not to open up this can of worms, but everyone knows Gville's "real" population is more than 60k. The MSA and CSA pops are more in line with cities having much better (IMO) skylines. Most everyone agrees that gville's skyline is pretty unimpressive for an area its "size." Come on Gman, you want a big skykine as much as the next guy :lol:

No, it's not. I mean I know we have Verdae, Magnolia Park, The Point, Shops at Greenridge, ICAR, Millennium Campus, Carolina First, etc. just in a one-mile circle but we're still too small for highrises. :lol:

OMG...YES, YES, YES. FINALLY: http://youtube.com/watch?v=pFlcqWQVVuU :lol:

I think it wants my fish: http://youtube.com/watch?v=2J9epFCFkwI

Are you ready for the new Verdae: http://www.verdaedevelopment.com/

I did not realize that Verdae was going to have a town center aspect to the development. Hopefully the light rail/BRT line connecting ICAR with downtown will have a stop at Verdae. Anyone know if the plans call for that? I seem to remember the BRT line extending to Verdae, but I'm not positive...

^^How come i'm always the one who has to email these people? :lol: Just a little FYI:

-HSD was one of the companies that sent in a bid for the city hall courtyard site where the Marriott is going downtown. If they were chosen, it would of been a 12-story building. Oops. :lol: Still happy though with the project. :)

I was not asking about the City Hall plaza site, but rather the site across the street (which is currently a parking lot). There was a rumor for a highrise on that site several years ago, which seemed to die rather quickly. Do we know who owns it and whether or not they have any plans for it? I'm tired of that surface lot (and the random exercise bike in the middle of it :lol:)

^^Knowing the DPC, they wouldn't let a development on that site because of the historic values the pavement and exercise bike have. :lol: BRT line will run from ICAR to downtown through Verdae along the old rail line.

^^Knowing the DPC, they wouldn't let a development on that site because of the historic values the pavement and exercise bike have. :lol: BRT line will run from ICAR to downtown through Verdae along the old rail line.

Sadly, your comment about the DPC is not far off. :lol:

Thanks for the info about the BRT line!

^^I'm still trying to figure out if your a Clemson or USC fan? :D

^^I'm still trying to figure out if your a Clemson or USC fan? :D

Huh? Clemson fan, all the way!

^^Ahhh...that's good. You go to MUSC which is a USC school so I wasn't sure. :lol:

^^Ahhh...that's good. You go to MUSC which is a USC school so I wasn't sure. :lol:

It's not affiliated with Univ. of South Carolina at all.

Maybe they just need someone to inform them of the piece of property and the potential that it has... :gossip: But I agree. I would love for the city to buy that piece of property and bite the bullet to an extent and resell the land at a lower price as a part of one of their infamous public-private partnerships. The only down side would be if they decided that City Hall needed to remain one of the taller structures in the area. If they owned the land, they'd have more pull.
Infamous??? PPPs are exactly what has made Greenville's downtown the envy of many cities across the nation.:yes:

Anyone have a rendering of Main and McBee handy? I've seen it before, I just need my memory refreshed as to what it looked like.Below are a couple renderings I have scanned from the actual plans. There was a more recent proposal for the site in which the structure was considerably taller. Somewhere above 10 stories, if memory hasn't failed me.:)

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y100/Skyliner25/ProjectPictures005-A.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y100/Skyliner25/ProjectPictures007-A.jpg

Infamous??? PPPs are exactly what has made Greenville's downtown the envy of many cities across the nation.:yes:

Ok, maybe not infamous, but it's what we read about in every article that talks about city delegations coming to the city.

Speaking of the city's role in development, when should we hear more about the Woolworth site? I'm ready to see that bridge building come down and have a clear shot through to BofA.

That would be fame rather than infamy.

That would be fame rather than infamy.

you're right. Bad diction on my part.

GvilleSC, check out the SEC football thread. Something very sad could happen today.

Ok, maybe not infamous, but it's what we read about in every article that talks about city delegations coming to the city.

Speaking of the city's role in development, when should we hear more about the Woolworth site? I'm ready to see that bridge building come down and have a clear shot through to BofA.

Early next year.

It's not affiliated with Univ. of South Carolina at all.

Then what's the USC stand for after the M? :?

GvilleSC, check out the SEC football thread. Something very sad could happen today.

Tommy Bowden got a contract extension. I highly doubt he is going anywhere.

He was only offered the extension, though at this point it looks a little better than earlier this morning.

I was initially worried about this and what it could mean for the program. Fortunately I've seen CuTigers.com and The Post and Courier both reporting that Bowden is staying. I sure hope he does!

GO TIGERS!

^^Repeat after me: G-man is always right. :D

Early next year.

Thanks. I wish we could get some sort of information on it now! Just a simple description, though they could keep the renderings to themselves until 2008. What are y'all thoughts on the redevelopment of the entire block at Main and Washington??

My wish list:
-Office space
-200 room Hotel (at least)
-residential (affordable and other)
-retail, including a major retail anchor like Borders or a department store

--hopefully 2 towers with one being over 20 stories.


That's all :)

^^My wish list:

Just tear the damn eyesore down already. :lol:

Then what's the USC stand for after the M? :?

The Medical University of South Carolina was founded in 1824, and was the first medical school in the South (and ninth in the nation). Since then, it has evolved into a large health professions school with programs in dentistry, nursing, physician assistant, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, etc. MUSC is not (and never was) affiliated with the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, which is the medical school in Columbia. That one opened in the late 1970's.

^^My wish list:

Just tear the damn eyesore down already. :lol:

Is GQ Fashions coming down with it?

^^Yes. Thank god. :bow: :lol: Every building on that side of Main Street from Piazza Bergamo to Washington Street is coming down.

The Medical University of South Carolina was founded in 1824, and was the first medical school in the South (and ninth in the nation). Since then, it has evolved into a large health professions school with programs in dentistry, nursing, physician assistant, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, etc. MUSC is not (and never was) affiliated with the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, which is the medical school in Columbia. That one opened in the late 1970's.

Then why do they call it the Medical University of South Carolina if it's not affiliated with the University of South Carolina? That's like calling something Clemson but not being affiliated with Clemson. :lol:

Then why do they call it the Medical University of South Carolina if it's not affiliated with the University of South Carolina? That's like calling something Clemson but not being affiliated with Clemson. :lol:

To confuse the public. :lol:

^^Repeat after me: G-man is always right. :DG-man is always wrong.

I was initially worried about this and what it could mean for the program. Fortunately I've seen CuTigers.com and The Post and Courier both reporting that Bowden is staying. I sure hope he does!

GO TIGERS!Clemson University has released the official statement that Tommy Bowden has accepted the contract extension and will remain at the school until further notice. YESSSS!!!!!:banana:

Clemson University has released the official statement that Tommy Bowden has accepted the contract extension and will remain at the school until further notice. YESSSS!!!!!:banana:

Supposedly the extension Bowden wanted from Clemson centered around more job security for his assistants in the form of multi-year contracts. Supposedly, the new contract he will be signing at Clemson is almost $1 million less than he would have been making at Arkansas.

If more money was his goal then he would have left in a heartbeat, but Tommy Bowden is a man with great integrity and always thinks of others first. Too bad he coaches a team with so many stupid fans. Those people need to wake up and live in the real world for a change. ;)

Bowden is planning a 3:00pm press conference in case anyone is interested...

G-man is always right.

Fixed. :D

Fixed. :DYou can try all day long, but you will never be able to put words into my mouth. Just go back and read what I actually posted if you think otherwise.:ohno:

You can try all day long, but you will never be able to put words into my mouth. Just go back and read what I actually posted if you think otherwise.:ohno:

Skyliner needs a :hug: So I guess everybody migrated from urbanplanet to here? :dunno:

Below are a couple renderings I have scanned from the actual plans. There was a more recent proposal for the site in which the structure was considerably taller. Somewhere above 10 stories, if memory hasn't failed me.:)

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y100/Skyliner25/ProjectPictures005-A.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y100/Skyliner25/ProjectPictures007-A.jpg

I rather like that. If the building has to stand at that height, then I'd rather that proposal be the one that actually stands.

I rather like that. If the building has to stand at that height, then I'd rather that proposal be the one that actually stands.

The overall height is fine. It's the portion of the building that fronts Main that is restricted. Look at the first rendering. The left side of the picture is the portion under height restrictions (though it's not limited to that height that's shown).

BMW suppliers scouting sites in Upstate
Automaker gearing up to build new models at Greer plant

Published: Tuesday, December 4, 2007 - 7:50 pm

By Rudolph Bell
STAFF WRITER

BMW suppliers are scouting properties in the Upstate as they get ready to help the German automaker build two new models at its Greer plant, local businessmen say.

A BMW spokesman said it's not surprising to hear suppliers are bracing for more business, though he wasn't aware of any specific plans.

Greenville developer Eddie Lathan said he's been talking to four BMW suppliers about the possibility of occupying industrial buildings he developed in Greenville and Laurens counties. Three of the four suppliers do not have a local presence now, Lathan said, while the fourth hopes to win additional business and would have to expand its local operation if it does.

Lathan, president of Lathan Development Group, said he began seeing accelerated interest from BMW suppliers about 90 days ago. He believes it must be related to BMW's plans to make its X6 and X3 models at the Greer plant.

"They're very secretive about what they're doing, but it's got to be their expansion, ramping up these new models and stuff," Lathan said.

Lathan said three of the suppliers are interested in a 40,000-square-foot building he developed along U.S. 25 in southern Greenville County, while the fourth is interested in a 33,000-square-foot building he developed in the Fountain Inn area, just over the Laurens County line.

"I'm negotiating letters of intent right now," Lathan said.

Meanwhile, a top broker of industrial properties from Greenville said he's helping a BMW supplier find a new building so it can more than double its manufacturing space.

John Scott, vice president of the industrial division at Grubb & Ellis/The Furman Co., said he believes the supplier's expansion plans are related to new models coming to the Greer plant.

"They don't tell you very much, but it absolutely has to be," Scott said.

Scott said, however, that he is not aware of any BMW suppliers moving into the area.

Another local businessman who markets industrial properties said he's noticed only slightly more activity from BMW suppliers than usual.

Bogue Wallin, vice president with Liberty Property Trust, said his company has talked to BMW suppliers with and without a local presence about 126,000 square feet of space his company has available at the Caliber Ridge industrial park near the intersection of Interstate 85 and State 101.

Wallin said it seems logical the interest from BMW suppliers could be related to new production coming to the Greer plant.

"At the same token, when people meet with us, they aren't always clear about their plans," he said.

BMW has said it will build the X6, a crossover vehicle, at the Greer plant and launch the new model this spring. BMW has also said it will start making its X3 sports-activity vehicle at the Greer plant by 2010, and move production of the Z4 roadster from Greer to Germany about the same time.

BMW has said annual production at the plant will increase to about 240,000 units. This year, the plant is on track to make about 170,000 vehicles.
BMW spokesman Bobby Hitt said there's a lot of planning going on related to the X6 launch next year and the transfer of X3 production in the years ahead.

"Specifically, I don't know about any particular suppliers expanding, or any specific new suppliers coming, but the fact that there is some activity would not be a surprise to any of us at BMW," Hitt said.

If more money was his goal then he would have left in a heartbeat, but Tommy Bowden is a man with great integrity and always thinks of others first. Too bad he coaches a team with so many stupid fans. Those people need to wake up and live in the real world for a change. ;)

Now that's funny, he played one phone call from Arkansas into a $600,000 raise in less than 12 hours. If he has such integrity he could have said that he would stay and honor his current contract. Think about it, he was one last second FG against SC from being asked to leave. Clemson continues to settle for mediocrity when it should do much better. If they could not win the ACC this year they probably never will. The ACC will never be as weak as it was this year. BTW the Paladins will take care of Virginia Tech for you in the season opener next year.

^^Did you just say the Paladins are going to beat VT next year? :lol: Have fun with that.

^^Did you just say the Paladins are going to beat VT next year? :lol: Have fun with that.

No I just said they would take care of them:lol:

No I just said they would take care of them:lol:
FWIW, Furman travels Clemson's bowl opponent Auburn in '09.

Cabela's is no longer coming to the Adairsville part of Atlanta. Rumor has it that they will be coming to exit 19 at I-85 instead, which is Anderson. :cheers:

I rather like that. If the building has to stand at that height, then I'd rather that proposal be the one that actually stands.

Actually that first rendering looks much better than I remember. I would actually not mind that if it were about 15-20 stories. The architecture is fine, just make a statement with the height.

Cabela's is no longer coming to the Adairsville part of Atlanta. Rumor has it that they will be coming to exit 19 at I-85 instead, which is Anderson. :cheers:

Yeah. I'm quoting myself. It will most likely be going where you see the big-box store on the site plan of Battery Park Towne Center: http://www.realticorp.com/properties.php

I passed by the POM site today and they have changed the sign. It simply reads "Site of the high rise that almost was". :lol:

^^What do you mean? It's going to get built. Bob will never give up on it.

I passed by the POM site today and they have changed the sign. It simply reads "Site of the high rise that almost was". :lol:

:lol:
Last time I drove by, I heard the voice of Elton John singing...


"Your candle burned out long before, your legend ever will..."

^^I was hearing "another one bites the dust" on the radio. :lol: Let's go have a bbq on site so I can hear distortedlogic complain so more about how no skyscrapers are getting built downtown and how the ones that are are ugly looking.

^^I was hearing "another one bites the dust" on the radio. :lol: Let's go have a bbq on site so I can hear distortedlogic complain so more about how no skyscrapers are getting built downtown and how the ones that are are ugly looking.

That sounds like fun. Maybe Bob can let use the crane they used for the groundbreaking ceremony many moons ago so we can see what the view would have been like!

'Transit ready' village proposed
Pleasantburg Drive community would help prepare city for future influx of traffic

Published: Wednesday, December 5, 2007 - 2:00 am

By Angelia Davis
BUSINESS WRITER

A mixed-use development being considered on Pleasantburg Drive would give its residents access to public transportation and put them in walking distance of major focal points on that corridor.

The Linky Stone Village is a concept for more than 20 acres on Pleasantburg Drive, near Keith Drive.

The site is a 10-minute walk to the Carolina First Center and McAlister Square, and it's five minutes from the new Fresh Market development, said Pat Dilger, of Overstreet Studio in Greenville.

Additionally, GreenLink, an 8-mile rapid bus transit line being proposed by the city and the county, runs along the edge of the site.

The village would serve as a model of "transit ready" communities that could also be developed along the rapid bus transit line.

That would allow people to have more choices of where they live and avail themselves to public transportation, said Jack Stone, who owns the site and is chief executive officer of Stone International LLC.

According to a study from the city of Greenville, GreenLink would connect downtown's Amtrak station with Laurens Road, Pleasantburg Drive's Carolina First Center, Woodruff Road, the Verdae community and Clemson University's International Center for Automotive Research. The study puts the cost at approximately $20 million.

The Linky Stone Village con- cept, for now, includes three-story buildings with small specialty shops or restaurants on the bottom and residences on top. Stone said the village could also have a "modest" hotel to serve visitors of the Carolina First Center, ICAR, and other surrounding attractions.

And, he said, while the village envisions where GreenLink would go, it also allows for a traditional bus system.

"It's designed to be a community, but also be able to move people around either by walking, bicycles and consequently by public transportation, thereby minimizing the use of the automobile," Stone said.

The Linky Stone Village concept is designed a lot around Dilger's studies of public transportation.

"The reason we've spent so much time on talking to the city about GreenLink was first just to say we are supportive of GreenLink. (Dilger) had done her thesis and her study on these kinds of environments that are connected," Stone said.

"She happens to be one of the real authorities on what all of this means in terms of the quality of living, the economy, the environment, all of these things. So what we've been trying to do is share her insights, at the same time building our own thoughts of what all of this could turn into."

Dilger, who specializes in urban designs for sustainable communities, said the concept is all about the relationship between communities, how they connect, what kind of communities help people interact in a healthy way, keep their bodies healthy, and keep them responsible in terms of environmental sensitivity.

Linky Stone has all those characteristics and more in its short walking radius to the major attractions along Pleasantburg.

"So, we have this coincidental, incredible opportunity here to give Greenville a model to show how we can change the character of Pleasantburg Drive so that it's softer, more friendly, more pedestrian-oriented rather than auto oriented," she said.

Dilger added that the goal is also to create a village that is also "ready for this transportation corridor to evolve over the years."

"We're hoping that the beginning of this evolution will be a rapid bus system."

Stone and Dilger said one of the advantages to GreenLink is it has its own dedicated right of way, thanks to the "county's foresight" in purchasing the railbed years ago.

Stone said the bus system gives Greenville a chance to utilize something that it already has, but with less expensive installations, "so we can begin to build passengers and riders and experience what these communities can be like without having to make a substantial investment."

"It sets the stage for 10 or 20 years from now. When we're needing light rail, we will already have these little transit villages created along this line, so I think it would show that Greenville is very progressive and is poised for the next step in the evolution of transportation" Dilger said.

Stone said if the rapid bus system is brought to Greenville, he believes Greenville will have a model like it has downtown.

"This is a transportation system that would project Greenville, relative to its size, very much in the limelight of leadership. It would continue to show Greenville as being thoughtful of the needs of its citizens and providing efficient ways to meet those needs."

The concept is subject to change. Before any plans are finalized and any construction begins, Stone said they would meet with the property's neighbors.





Spartanburg plant could recycle 2 billion plastic bottles a year
Recycler partnering with Coca-Cola gets tax breaks

Published: Wednesday, December 5, 2007 - 2:00 am

By Nan Lundeen
STAFF WRITER

SPARTANBURG -- A $44 million investment that could bring 100 new jobs and recycle about 2 billion plastic beverage bottles annually received a stamp of approval Tuesday from the Spartanburg County Council.

The state Department of Commerce earlier characterized the plant as "the world's largest food-grade plastic bottle-to-bottle recycling plant."

The council approved fee in lieu of tax agreements for New United Resource Recovery Corp.

It also approved the creation of a multi-county business park with Union County, providing the company with an enhanced credit toward state income taxes, according to R. Carter Smith of the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce.

The counties would benefit from an increased tax stream from the new investment, Smith said.

Coca-Cola announced in September it would invest $44 million in the plant, expected to be built in 2008, according to USA Today.

About 23 percent of the 5.4 billion pounds of PET bottles and jars available in the United States were recycled in 2006, according to the National Association for PET Container Resources.

PET is short for polyethylene terephthalate, a thermoplastic.

Carlos Gutierrez, United Resource Recovery president, said in the Commerce Department's statement, "The potential of this business is vitally important to the global recycling economy and the environment, and we are well positioned for the future."

Over the next 10 years, the plant will eliminate the production of 1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions -- the equivalent of removing 215,000 cars from the road, according to Commerce.




Michelin's Spartanburg plant gets tax breaks
Company's $82 million investment to net 77 jobs

Published: Wednesday, December 5, 2007 - 2:00 am

By Nan Lundeen
STAFF WRITER

SPARTANBURG -- Michelin North America on Tuesday received the blessings of the Spartanburg County Council on its $82 million commercial tire plant expansion expected to create 77 jobs.

The council unanimously gave final approval on tax breaks for the tire-making giant.

A multi-county industrial park agreement with Union County will enhance state income tax credits for Michelin, according to R. Carter Smith, executive vice president of the Economic Futures Group with the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce.

"Companies receive a credit towards their state income tax for creating new jobs," Smith wrote in an e-mail. "They earn a higher credit if the site is in a MCIP area."

Benefit to the counties is an increased tax stream from new investment, Smith said.

The council also amended a 2004 fee in lieu of taxes agreement for Michelin. The amendment adds an infrastructure tax credit, Mann said.

The Spartanburg expansion is part of $350 million in expansion and improvements to Michelin's South Carolina plants announced in August, according to Michelin spokeswoman Lynn Mann. Altogether, Michelin predicts the expansions will net 100 new jobs.

The news on the transit ready community on Pleasantburg is really encouraging. I hope it's successful and gets built, as well as the greenlink system.:)

^^And everybody thinks LRT is the only thing that creates dense transit friendly developments. This proves they are wrong. BRT is cheaper and is just as efficient. This proposed development along with MPTC, ICAR, Verdae, Millennium Campus, Carolina First corporate headquarters, McBee Station, Carolina First Center, and possibly the Point which are all located on the proposed BRT line or within a mile of it will make this a very dense area. :cheers:

:nocrook: :lol: Update pics:

http://politicalpartypoop.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/mcdonalds.jpg


http://www.offbeatenough.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/02/mcdonalds-reaches-africa.jpg

Where is everybody? :cry: :(

The overall height is fine. It's the portion of the building that fronts Main that is restricted. Look at the first rendering. The left side of the picture is the portion under height restrictions (though it's not limited to that height that's shown).

Gotcha. Well that's not too bad; actually, I rather like that feature. It somewhat serves as a setback for the midrise portion of the building. The height restriction for buildings along Main make it more likely that anything built fronting the street will be pedestrian friendly.

^^And everybody thinks LRT is the only thing that creates dense transit friendly developments. This proves they are wrong. BRT is cheaper and is just as efficient. This proposed development along with MPTC, ICAR, Verdae, Millennium Campus, Carolina First corporate headquarters, McBee Station, Carolina First Center, and possibly the Point which are all located on the proposed BRT line or within a mile of it will make this a very dense area. :cheers:

The only thing is that LRT encourages more and denser development because the route is fixed whereas a bus route can be changed at any time. If that were to happen, you'd be left with a dense area without any transit to support it--thus possibly resulting in an even worse situation in terms of traffic. Don't get me wrong, BRT is an excellent first step, but I'm just pointing out why LRT is viewed as a more favorable transit alternative (not to mention the lack of emissions).

^^Yeah, but this BRT line will be on a fixed route. It will run along an old rail line. :)

A ton of my relatives live in Omaha and i'm going there for the holidays in less than a month. Hope none of them were at the mall when this happened. :(

That is so messed up. A very sad day. :(

^^Yeah, but this BRT line will be on a fixed route. It will run along an old rail line. :)

That's the difference, then. That's usually not how BRT runs though. Hopefully this will be the predecessor for some type of rail transit, preferably LRT.

^^The city plans on switching it over to LRT in the next 20 years or so. :cheers: