Greenville County, SC Development News [Archive] - Page 8

g-man430

December 9th, 2007, 12:52 AM

Mayor was 'alarmed' by Sanford's ICAR conduct

Published: Saturday, December 8, 2007 - 9:38 am

By David Dykes-Greenville News

Mayor Knox White said he was "alarmed" by Gov. Mark Sanford's conduct over development of an automotive research park in Greenville and said the governor made clear threats to move the project, even suggesting it could be located in Charleston, according to depositions in a federal lawsuit.

Sanford wanted city officials to give up $12 million in state money for the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research, known as ICAR, and he was using the money as a negotiating chip in dealings with developer Cliff Rosen, White said in a deposition filed in U.S. District Court.

"I remember exactly what I told him," White said, recounting a telephone conversation with Sanford in early 2003. "I said, Governor, I'm Mayor of the City of Greenville. I'm not going to give up our $12 million road money."

But White quoted the governor as saying, "I don't know any reason why we couldn't do the R&D park someplace else. It doesn't have to be on this property on Interstate 85. It could be someplace else on Interstate 85.

"It could be even down here in Charleston."

Rosen's attorneys filed the deposition as part of their opposition to BMW Manufacturing Co.'s motion for summary judgment in Rosen's multimillion-dollar lawsuit against the automaker.

It was among hundreds of pages of documents including handwritten meeting notes, e-mails and letters that Rosen's attorneys allege outline how the automaker conspired with Clemson and state officials to force Rosen out as developer of the 250-acre ICAR project, which is under development along I-85.

Sanford's comments about possibly moving ICAR "really got my dander up," White said in his deposition.

"I let him know very clearly I was opposed to that and would fight him on that kind of thing," White said.

Sanford's questions about ICAR set off a chain of events that led state officials to investigate the project and prompt a restructuring of the deal, federal court records show.

In his lawsuit, Rosen said BMW's "tortious" conduct cost him at least $99 million in profits and fees from the development and sale of real estate.

He also said he would have realized $33 million in profit and fees from development and operation of a wind tunnel before he was obligated to turn it over to Clemson after its financing was repaid.

He is seeking actual and punitive damages and is asking for a jury trial.

BMW, the only defendant in the lawsuit, denies the developer's accusations and wants U.S. District Judge G. Ross Anderson Jr. to dismiss the case.

In their filings, Rosen's attorneys said BMW's effort to have the case thrown out "is nothing more than a shotgun blast of arguments, with the pellets falling far short of the mark."

In essence, they said, BMW's motion asks a federal judge "to ignore the overwhelming factual issues" and rule "that conduct interfering with the legitimate contract and property rights of another, involving threats, coercion, and conflicts of interest, is business as usual in the state of South Carolina."

Jim Gilreath, a Greenville attorney representing Rosen, wouldn't comment beyond the court filings.

H. Donald Sellers, a Greenville attorney representing BMW, declined comment.

BMW's attorneys, however, said in court filings Rosen's case "suffers from far more than a failure of proof � it is fatally and legally flawed at its heart."

They said Rosen, without proof, alleges BMW engineered "a far-reaching government conspiracy to harm him."

The attorneys also said there was no valid contract upon which Rosen could base a "tortious interference" claim.

In support of their case, Rosen's attorneys also filed a deposition by former Greenville City Council member Garry Coulter, who described a March 2003 telephone call he said he received from Bob Faith, then head of the state commerce department.

According to the deposition, Coulter said Faith asked him "in a very firm and forceful way" to do what he could to "get rid of Rosen, and to actually abrogate the contract that the city had already entered into" regarding ICAR.

Coulter said Faith called him on his cell phone while Coulter and his wife were attending a National League of Cities meeting in Washington, D.C., and told him that there were serious problems with the ICAR deal.

"After the initial shock, I told him, I said, Well, Bob, you know he's been performing under the contract and done everything asked," Coulter said, referring to Rosen. "I said, the city is bound by contract and by law to do the same thing. And I said, so, number one, I can't do anything about it, and, two, I wouldn't do it because it's not right anyway."

Coulter said he told Faith that the project "was crucial to the long-term success of developing that area for the city, and was probably the most important single project the city had ever had put in front of it."

Faith told him that he might have a hard time getting re-elected if he didn't go along, Coulter said in his deposition.

Coulter characterized Faith's approach as like someone "from the Mafia," according to court records.

"He was asking me to basically commit malfeasance in office, in my estimation of what that means," Coulter said in his deposition. He left office in 2005, after serving two four-year terms representing District No. 4.

In a transcript filed in court of a videotaped deposition, Faith said he doesn't specifically recall a telephone call, but remembers he had contact with Coulter.

When asked by Rosen's attorney if he threatened Coulter politically, Faith responded, "No, that's ridiculous," according to his deposition.

He believed Coulter "was very upset and angry" and "felt like we were trying to just kill the deal and take it away from Greenville," Faith said in his deposition.

Faith said he would not have asked Coulter to remove Rosen as ICAR's developer and nullify the city's contract.

He "probably was consistent" in his approach with Coulter as he had been with White in saying that the State Infrastructure Bank money wasn't being used for the intended purpose, Faith said. He thought the city and the bank needed to redo their deal, Faith said in his deposition.

Documents attached to BMW's motion for summary judgment show Sanford became concerned about ICAR shortly after the Republican was elected governor in November 2002.

In an excerpt from his deposition included with BMW's motion, Sanford said he worried about "how you'd have at some level state money going into something but no transparency as to whether or not that was indeed a good deal or a bad deal."

Based on his concerns, Sanford said in his deposition he asked Faith, his nominee for secretary of commerce and an experienced real-estate developer, to investigate and determine "there was sufficient value for the taxpayer."

On Jan. 10, 2003, Sanford asked both sides to delay their announcement plans for 60 days so Faith could conduct his review, court records show.

According to filings by Rosen's attorneys, BMW, over the course of several months, undertook a campaign with a subsidiary of the Clemson University Foundation and its attorneys to have the subsidiary "leverage" Rosen by interfering with road grant money that was attached to Rosen-controlled acreage or repudiate the Rosen-AMREC contracts and create a separate competing campus.

Rosen's attorneys allege that Craig Arnold, BMW's manager of projects and real estate, was among the company officials trying to force Rosen to accede to BMW's demands.

Asked in a deposition if he attempted to stop a thoroughfare through land of the late textile magnate John D. Hollingsworth, in order to leverage Rosen and his entities to meet BMW's demands, Arnold said, "Yes."

Asked by Rosen's attorney if he cared that BMW's actions would damage Rosen, even if he had contractual rights with Clemson, Arnold said, "I cared what I was aware of and that was the (graduate engineering) school and our relationship with Clemson."

"How that affected or was affected positively or negatively against what you're asking me about Rosen, no, I didn't care," Arnold said, according to his deposition.

BMW's attorneys said in court filings that what the record reveals instead is a series of complicated "negotiations" in which each participant was working to establish a Clemson presence in Greenville "through a consensual agreement."

According to the filings, BMW officials said the eventual development of ICAR depended on whether the state and BMW would agree to provide funding for and locate the graduate school on property controlled by Rosen.

In October 2003, Rosen voluntarily executed a contract for a land deal with the Clemson University Real Estate Foundation that resulted in ICAR being located adjacent to a large parcel he purchased, BMW's attorneys said in support of their motion for summary judgment.

BMW and state officials then agreed to locate the graduate school at ICAR, court records show.

BMW's attorneys said in court filings that by entering the agreement, Rosen made millions of dollars through the appreciation in value of his land due to the presence of ICAR and millions more through charitable tax deductions that characterized part of the transaction as a voluntary gift of land options to the Clemson Real Estate Foundation.

But almost two years later, after Rosen publicly expressed his satisfaction with the October 2003 agreement, he filed his lawsuit against BMW, the company's attorneys said.

He is seeking "to exploit" the benefits of that agreement and add to what he had hoped to realize under an earlier, different agreement that never became final, BMW's attorneys said.

Rosen told Clemson officials in January 2003 he would not proceed with the wind tunnel "because of a series of complexities," according to court records.

He blamed Clemson for a lack of progress, and claimed the university was responsible for delivery of "presales" of wind-tunnel time from racing teams. He eventually gave up his role as ICAR's developer.

krazeeboi

December 10th, 2007, 01:55 AM

Wow, that's something else. Well, there are definitely at least two sides to every story. But why in the world would ICAR be moved to Charleston? It's clear that the automotive expertise in SC is in the Upstate. It wouldn't nearly be as successful as it already is.

g-man430

December 10th, 2007, 02:19 AM

^^Because Mark Sanford is from Charleston. It's greed and nothing else.

apaladin

December 10th, 2007, 05:18 AM

^^Because Mark Sanford is from Charleston. It's greed and nothing else.

Or maybe envy?

g-man430

December 10th, 2007, 06:17 AM

^^Or maybe money. I make it rain. :lol: He must be jealous of Greenville. :D

g-man430

December 10th, 2007, 07:25 PM

:applause:

State lawmakers move to tackle immigration
English-only publications, checks on status of workers among ideas already on table

Published: Monday, December 10, 2007 - 2:00 am
Updated: Monday, December 10, 2007 - 6:53 am

By Tim Smith
Greenville News staff

Immigration legislation will be awaiting lawmakers when they return to Columbia in January.

Bills have been pre-filed in both chambers, including one requiring public agencies to verify the legal status of their workers and their contractors' employees.

More than 60 proposals on matters ranging from immigration to fire spinklers to taxes and crime fighting were pre-filed in preparation for the second half of the two-year legislative session that begins in January. Legislators could file bills last week in advance of the session.

Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn McConnell wants to require all agencies to write publications and tests -- such as driving exams -- only in English and to assess penalties for using falsified legal worker cards.

The Legislature debated a bevy of immigration reform bills earlier this year, and the Senate passed a comprehensive bill, but no major proposal reached the governor's desk.

A Senate committee held hearings this fall on the issue to fine-tune its proposal.

A tax bill would limit increases in state spending to no more than the growth of personal income in the state plus population growth.

Crime-related bills include one to make the murder of a vulnerable adult an aggravating circumstance a jury can weigh in deciding whether to recommend the death penalty.

One bill eliminates parole for those convicted of any felony. Another allows employees of a high school who have sex with students 16 years or older to be charged with criminal sexual conduct in the third degree in some circumstances.

A bill by Greenville's Sen. David Thomas would increase the penalties for harming a police dog that is on duty. He said the penalty now is less than that for maliciously harming a pet.

g-man430

December 11th, 2007, 02:22 AM

Does anyone know when construction is going to begin on Magnolia Park Town Center?

distortedlogic1

December 11th, 2007, 02:56 AM

The same time everything else starts :lol:

Skyliner

December 11th, 2007, 03:36 AM

No date was given, but this article (http://greenvilleonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071210/NEWS01/71210017) shares some interesting details about the Magnolia Park Town Center project. I was unaware that the developer still planned 375,000 square feet of office space as part of the mixed-use development. It will be exciting to see this place officially come out of the ground. :)

Planned square footage in segments: 616,000 - Retail 375,000 - Office 180,000 - ResidentialAlso of note is the inclusion of a 375 room hotel.

g-man430

December 11th, 2007, 03:45 AM

^^THANKS MAN. :banana: 375 rooms is huge. I would like to apologize to Skyliner for being a jerk to him over these years.

apaladin

December 11th, 2007, 04:43 AM

I also heard thru the grapevine that POM will begin construction sometime between 2010 and 2030. :lol:

g-man430

December 11th, 2007, 04:47 AM

^^No way. Are you shittin me? :lol:

g-man430

December 11th, 2007, 04:50 AM

I wonder if he saved a bunch of money on his car insurance by switching to Geico? :D Maybe he should of stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night. I heard the POM website would be updated around 2020. :rofl:

distortedlogic1

December 11th, 2007, 05:36 AM

distortedlogic1

December 11th, 2007, 05:39 AM

I also heard thru the grapevine that POM will begin construction sometime between 2010 and 2030. :lol:

You guys are too funny :lol:

Maybe they are waiting for the former parking lot to become historic so the DPC can shoot it down. Then they wouldn't have to "cancel" the project...

:rofl:

g-man430

December 11th, 2007, 05:40 AM

^^I don't know why but I keep thinking 2017 is when it will start. I keep having dreams about it and stuff. God help me. :lol: :poke:

Greenville

December 11th, 2007, 06:44 AM

You guys are too funny :lol:

Maybe they are waiting for the former parking lot to become historic so the DPC can shoot it down. Then they wouldn't have to "cancel" the project...

:rofl:

Oh, it is already historic. Didn't you know that Joel Poinsett's cousin's wife's stepson took a leak on that very property? The DPC is sure to deny any proposal there! :lol:

g-man430

December 11th, 2007, 06:50 AM

^^:rofl:

Skyliner

December 11th, 2007, 04:54 PM

Greenville

December 11th, 2007, 05:34 PM

I'm sick of all this negativity. The highrises will come and you guys are all still young. Enjoy all the wonderful things Greenville offers that don't require more than eight stories. Think of how far this city has come in a relatively short amount of time. Think of how much attention from other places around the nation this city has received without the highrise boom we have all anticipated. There are too many positive elements being added to lose patience over a few taller buildings not being built when we want them. As I said, have patience, because they will be built. At this point, I am more concerned with the City's efforts to continue creating world-class amenities that everyone is naturally attracted to. Those are the things that reach far beyond the impact of a skyline. Those are the things people see and hear about first, and are the drawn by. Greenville's skyline will likely never be able to "compete" with larger cities' skylines, but Greenville already has something all of them would love to have - the power to instantly charm first-time visitors at an extremely high percentage. :)

You make good points, Skyliner. I don't think anyone is placing more importance on the skyline than they are pedestrian friendliness, street-level retail, increased attractions, etc. Those things are all arguably more important, and as you said Greenville has done a great job with all of those. The city's transformation over the last 5-10 years has been incredible, and all indications are that it will continue to make equally great strides over the next 5-10.

But a lot of us are ready to see some height. We go to other cities and hear about places (places which don't have the downtown activity or industry that Greenville does) that seemingly get tall buildings off of the ground easier than we do. Perhaps that is just the way we perceive it because we are impatient, but it seems that way. I realize that many cities are in the same boat we are, however.

I don't think any of us expect to have Charlotte's skyline in 3 years, but we would like to see a tall crane or two build something that stands out. We haven't seen anything over 10 stories constructed in nearly 10 years, have we? Why doesn't Greenville deserve a gorgeous view as people enter the city from I-385, from Church Street, or from Academy Street? ;)

And I don't think you can state that our skyline will never compete with larger cities' skylines. Cities like Austin and Charlotte have had highrise booms in the last 10-20 years, and I would bet that very few people predicted that for either city. I feel like Greenville is on the cusp of having its own highrise boom over the next 5-10 years, especially because I feel like we have a great foundation in place downtown. I suppose I am ready for it to start now - and obviously I am not alone. There just have to be some good projects in the works we have not heard about yet. :)

Raleigh-NC

December 11th, 2007, 06:14 PM

Excellent post, Skyliner :okay: I am a BIG fan of skylines, but if I was to visit Greenville, the skyline would not have been the primary reason. The street level experience and the continuous growth are more likely to impress a visitor. Naturally, a good skyline is a plus, but it will follow with the population boom and the continuous luring of big companies. Greenville is getting there, make no mistake, but there is a lot of competition and creating a great skyline is - and should be - secondary at this point. High-rise proposals will definitely follow ;)

g-man430

December 11th, 2007, 06:46 PM

^^I see winks. :lol: Give me the info. :D

Skyliner

December 11th, 2007, 06:52 PM

...
And I don't think you can state that our skyline will never compete with larger cities' skylines. Cities like Austin and Charlotte have had highrise booms in the last 10-20 years, and I would bet that very few people predicted that for either city...Yes, but they will likely never be able to compete with even larger cities' skylines. My point is... if we exert so much energy on our skyline alone, then we could very easily lose sight of far more important elements that already make Greenville superior to much larger (and taller) cities. At this point, I can't think of anything that a new tallest would add (besides height) more than a RiverPlace-style development. I say spend the money on projects that will add more to the highly attractive lifestyle first, and wait until large corporations come knocking before getting excited about the potential height growth factor. They are more likely to build something "signature" and are definitely more likely to stay around for the longterm. Besides the large corporations, mixed-use residential towers (such as the proposed Gateway tower) will begin to gain steam when the time is right. :)

g-man430

December 11th, 2007, 06:55 PM

Skyliner is our new therapist. :lol: Well, if gsupstate would tell me when construction is going to begin on it we wouldn't have this problem in the first place.

g-man430

December 11th, 2007, 07:10 PM

:nuts: How much faster can Simpsonville grow? Everywhere you look down there, it's development after development.

Simpsonville decides on proposed new development tonight
Annexation requests also on the agenda

Published: Tuesday, December 11, 2007 - 11:09 am

By Nathaniel Cary-Greenville News

Simpsonville City Council will vote tonight on a giant planned mixed-housing development that would border the city’s Heritage Park.

Heritage Crest would have 340 apartments, 365 townhomes and 215 houses on 162 acres next to the city’s $14 million park, initial site plans show.

The developer would also donate land to the city that would be used for about 1,000 parking spaces.

City Council approved the rezoning on first reading and is scheduled to take its final reading at 6:30 p.m. in council chambers at City Hall, 118 N.E. Main St.

The council is also scheduled to vote on numerous annexation requests including final reading on a 12 property request on West Georgia Road that would stretch the city limits to Standing Springs Road.

A second annexation request on West Georgia Road is scheduled for first reading. Juan Maldonado wants to annex his 17.3 acre property and rezone it for a planned development. In a planning commission meeting he said he wants to build a gated subdivision on the site.

The council will vote on a proposed mixed-use retail development on Neely Ferry Road near West Georgia Road. Helen Richardson, the owner of the 25.2-acre site, has requested annexation with a planned development zoning.

The council will vote on second reading whether the city will issue $2.5 million in additional funds to complete the amphitheater and attack other projects at Heritage Park.

g-man430

December 11th, 2007, 07:17 PM

Pendleton residents express doubts about developer's plans

By Anna Simon-Greenville News

PENDLETON -- Density was the big concern when Pendleton residents heard plans to revive a 141-acre development.

The former Pendleton Station development was given a new name -- The Villages at Towne Creek -- by a new developer who pledged to correct what some have criticized as an eyesore, but residents wanted to know why they should believe the new plans.

They saw pretty pictures before, one resident reminded the Town Council during a more than two-hour hearing punctuated by frequent applause for residents who spoke.

Traffic, crime, safety and potential disruption of high-density student housing were concerns for residents of the quiet historic town, where tourism is a major industry.

So was the fact that the previous developer had managed, despite zoning laws restricting occupancy to no more than two unrelated persons in multi-family housing, to construct a number of five- and six-bedroom apartments in the complex.

That could only mean a lot of students and a lot of parties, speakers said.

The former developer deeded the properties to the bank, which now is working with a new developer, Apex Homes, that specializes in "distressed properties," said Ervin Matthias, of Enterprise Bank of South Carolina, which inherited the project.

Ray Watts of Apex Homes and his team showed the new plans and said the fastest solution is to "correct" the zoning issues and construct the first phase, already out of the ground as intended, then build out the rest at a significantly lower density.

The first phase includes 61 units in 18 buildings, Watts said.

A second part of the first phase could bring the total to more than 100 units, and a second phase could add 83 single-family villa-type homes.

Residents said new paint and even a promise of turn lanes on Lebanon Road in front of the development could cover the "blight," but they welcomed the developer and his ideas even as they asked questions.

"We're glad you're here," resident Bobbie Ethridge said, then likened one of the developer's drawings to a dead cat.

Others chided the council and begged council members not to relax occupancy restrictions.

"You represent us. How could you possibly want the town of Pendleton to authorize something like this?" resident Ann Keeney asked the council. "I hope that you go home and say your prayers."

Greenville

December 11th, 2007, 07:24 PM

My point is... if we exert so much energy on our skyline alone, then we could very easily lose sight of far more important elements that already make Greenville superior to much larger (and taller) cities. At this point, I can't think of anything that a new tallest would add (besides height) more than a RiverPlace-style development. I say spend the money on projects that will add more to the highly attractive lifestyle first, and wait until large corporations come knocking before getting excited about the potential height growth factor. They are more likely to build something "signature" and are definitely more likely to stay around for the longterm. Besides the large corporations, mixed-use residential towers (such as the proposed Gateway tower) will begin to gain steam when the time is right. :)

Well said. I'm sure the highrise developments will come as available land decreases and real estate prices increase. Hopefully that use of the existing land will consist of great developments that add to the attractions and street-level experience we are known for - paving the way for some more height as well. :)

apaladin

December 11th, 2007, 07:30 PM

It's funny how smaller towns have no problem with annexing but Greenville does. It's like the archaic laws do not apply to smaller towns.

g-man430

December 11th, 2007, 07:30 PM

Well, I just found out that a highrise that would of been a new state's tallest was in the works for Greenville but died. It didn't even get announced.

g-man430

December 11th, 2007, 07:31 PM

It's funny how smaller towns have no problem with annexing but Greenville does. It's like does not apply to smaller towns.

Nobody goes off city populations anymore because they're skewed. Go off the MSA's instead. :okay:

g-man430

December 11th, 2007, 08:01 PM

Pickens County plant will add 115 jobs

Published: Tuesday, December 11, 2007 - 12:47 pm

By Rudolph Bell-The Greenville News

Automotive supplier Fluid Routing Solutions Inc. will add 115 jobs in Pickens County, the state Commerce Department said Tuesday.

The company, formerly called Mark IV Automotive, had considered closing its 450-worker plant in Pickens County and moving the production to Canada, said Jack Ellenberg, deputy secretary at the Commerce Department. Instead, Fluid Routing Systems decided to move an operation from Quebec, Canada, to Pickens County, Ellenberg said.

In addition to adding 115 jobs, the company will spend $10.5 million expanding in Pickens County.

The automotive supplier will decide in the next 18 to 24 months whether to expand its existing plant near Easley or build a new one with 150,000 square feet of space in the Pickens County Commerce Park along U.S. 123, the Commerce Department said.

Greenville

December 11th, 2007, 08:07 PM

Well, I just found out that a highrise that would of been a new state's tallest was in the works for Greenville but died. It didn't even get announced.

More info, please. :)

g-man430

December 11th, 2007, 08:12 PM

More info, please. :)

That's all the information I have. It died around 2 years ago so it's nothing new.

Greenville

December 11th, 2007, 08:14 PM

That's all the information I have. It died around 2 years ago so it's nothing new.

Oh okay, thanks. :)

g-man430

December 11th, 2007, 08:25 PM

Stupid question. Why do people wait 24+ hours in line to go inside an Apple Store and get a $5 t-shirt? I went to the one in Madison and am going to the one in Omaha in 2 weeks and just don't see what the big hoopla is. :? When the one opens here, i'll wait a week then go when the crowds die down.

krazeeboi

December 11th, 2007, 10:15 PM

GvilleSC

December 11th, 2007, 10:46 PM

I can't help but thinking that in a way, Greenville's location along I-85 has become something of a double-edged sword. Being that it's a very heavily traveled highway, the potential for increased visibility is a good thing. However, being that so much of the city's development is now concentrated along the interstate, that's got to affect the downtown office market's viability somewhat.

It's a valid concern. It makes me wonder though, with the office space built out there, how many of the projects Greenville would have even gotten without that location? Like Hubbell and Carolina First's new locations on the Interstate, without that frontage, would they have just gone elsewhere and Greenville would have lost jobs, or would Greenville still have gained the jobs in downtown? It could have meant winning or losing 600 white collar jobs averaging $54,000 for Carolina First alone... It makes you wonder, though it's hard to risk numbers like that.

g-man430

December 12th, 2007, 12:13 AM

^^Personally, i'm just glad we're getting high-paying jobs whether it be downtown or in the suburbs. :)

g-man430

December 12th, 2007, 12:16 AM

Carolina First headquarters:
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/036-1.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/037-1.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/035-1.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/034-1.jpg

g-man430

December 12th, 2007, 12:42 AM

CU-ICAR:
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/038-1.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/039-1.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/040.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/043-1.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/046-1.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/042-1.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/041.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/044-1.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/045-1.jpg

StevenW

December 12th, 2007, 01:11 AM

Hey, are there any big projects going on in Spartanburg? :? Never hear anything from there. :no:

g-man430

December 12th, 2007, 01:13 AM

^^There will be next year. This is one of them: http://www.capllc.com/images/properties/EastonMkt_Spartanburg/eastonmkt_package.pdf I would go there and take update pics but it's just too far for me to drive. :yes: I'll probably stop by there sometime within the next month and take some pics.

StevenW

December 12th, 2007, 01:15 AM

That's cool. Are they downtown projects?

g-man430

December 12th, 2007, 01:17 AM

^^Some are some aren't. Nothing real major like in Greenville but there are a few good things proposed for that area. Same goes with Anderson.

g-man430

December 12th, 2007, 01:20 AM

LivN-Nout Wellness Center:
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/025.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/022.jpg

A few homes from Griffin Park:
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/006-1.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/001-1.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/002-1.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/003-1.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/004-1.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/005-1.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/008-1.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/007-1.jpg

StevenW

December 12th, 2007, 01:20 AM

That's awesome! And very big! :yes: Have they announced any retailers yet? :?

StevenW

December 12th, 2007, 01:22 AM

Those are allot of homes!! :eek:
I thought the housing market was slowing down? :D

g-man430

December 12th, 2007, 01:22 AM

edit: ignore this post.

g-man430

December 12th, 2007, 01:23 AM

Those are allot of homes!! :eek:
I thought the housing market was slowing down? :D

Market slowing down? Well, Griffin Park is going to have 1,060 homes when complete. Acadia will have 700. River West will have over 2,000. Cliffs at Mountain Park will have 1,500. Ottaray is somewhere around 2,000. :D

g-man430

December 12th, 2007, 01:24 AM

That's awesome! And very big! :yes: Have they announced any retailers yet? :?

Nope. Not yet.

StevenW

December 12th, 2007, 01:24 AM

Apparently. dang! Where are these people coming from? You know?

StevenW

December 12th, 2007, 01:25 AM

Well, Griffin Park is going to have 1,060 homes when complete. :D

:eek2: Golly-Gee-Wilikers!!! That's allot!!!!

g-man430

December 12th, 2007, 01:26 AM

Apparently. dang! Where are these people coming from? You know?

Florida. :lol:

StevenW

December 12th, 2007, 01:29 AM

^^ You may be right. :yes: It's getting pretty expensive living there. My parents had to leave ft. lauderdale for lake wales florida because of the living expense in southern florida. If it continues at the same pace, they'll be in Spartanburg in about two years. :D

g-man430

December 12th, 2007, 01:32 AM

Ottaray. 1,865 homes: http://www.latone.net/
Acadia. 700 homes: http://www.acadiasc.com/
Cliffs at Mountain Park. 1,500 homes: http://www.cliffscommunities.com/real-estate/cliffs/page/1229/section/107
Riverwest. 2,136 residential units: http://m.greenvilleonline.com/news.jsp?key=60389
Griffin Park. 1,060 homes: http://www.griffinpark.com/
The Point. 3,046 residential units. http://www.thepointgreenville.com/ (on hold)

-That's 10,307 residential units in just those 6 developments. Can't forget about Verdae either which will have over 10,000 new residents when complete.

StevenW

December 12th, 2007, 04:00 AM

Unbelievable! :eek:

distortedlogic1

December 12th, 2007, 06:26 AM

g-man430

December 12th, 2007, 06:29 AM

^^That's Riverwest. Read the article man. :lol:

g-man430

December 12th, 2007, 06:31 AM

Alta at Brookwood Point:
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/012.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/009-1.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/011.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/010.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/015.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/016.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/013.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/019.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/017.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/020.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/021.jpg

Something else starting to go up at Brookwood Point:
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/024.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/026.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/023.jpg

New development that will include Walgreens and other shops/restaurants:
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/028.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/027.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/029.jpg

Wasabi:
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/030-1.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/031-1.jpg

Indigo Joe's now complete:
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/033-1.jpg

Ruth's Chris supposedly:
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/032-1.jpg

distortedlogic1

December 12th, 2007, 06:34 AM

:dunno: SOrry, forgot it was dubbed "Rver West"

distortedlogic1

December 12th, 2007, 06:36 AM

WOW, thanks for all the update pics. A lot going on! :carrot:

g-man430

December 12th, 2007, 06:37 AM

^^:cucumber: :lol: I would of taken more but it started to get dark. The Simpsonville/Mauldin area is growing like :nuts: It's starting to remind me of Greer. :yes:

distortedlogic1

December 12th, 2007, 06:44 AM

^^Indeed. And don't forget that Taylors is adding several new neighborhoods as well. Wish Gville could annex taylors...

g-man430

December 12th, 2007, 07:06 AM

Does anybody know what happened with that shopping center that was supposed to be built where that old plant is in Travelers Rest across Highway 25 from Walmart? I think the plant was called M-Tex or something like that. I drove by there a few days ago and noticed the "coming soon shopping center" sign was gone. :?

g-man430

December 12th, 2007, 07:16 AM

Here is the project i'm talking about: http://greenvilleonline.com/news/2005/05/22/2005052264886.htm

g-man430

December 12th, 2007, 07:27 AM

Remember when I used to be a member of urbanplanet? Remember when everybody would take update pics? Remember when you could go there and see 20 threads updated daily instead of just 2? Remember when everybody got along? What happened?

StevenW

December 12th, 2007, 12:07 PM

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/033-1.jpg
What kind of place is this? :? :)

GvilleSC

December 12th, 2007, 02:51 PM

Thanks for all the update pictures Gman! With all the growth at Brookwood and just in the Golden Strip in general, it makes me wonder when 385 will be widened from Greenville to Simpsonville...

Skyliner

December 12th, 2007, 04:05 PM

What kind of place is this? :? :)I believe it's a sports bar/restaurant. They have locations across the nation, especially out in CA. Website (http://www.indigojoes.com/flash.html)

Raleigh-NC

December 12th, 2007, 05:40 PM

g-man, I may be sleep-deprived and exhausted, but I am following this thread. I truly appreciate your update photos and I want to say "Thank You" for your hard work. Just in case you wonder if non-Greenville forumers pay attention ;)

krazeeboi

December 12th, 2007, 05:44 PM

It's a valid concern. It makes me wonder though, with the office space built out there, how many of the projects Greenville would have even gotten without that location? Like Hubbell and Carolina First's new locations on the Interstate, without that frontage, would they have just gone elsewhere and Greenville would have lost jobs, or would Greenville still have gained the jobs in downtown? It could have meant winning or losing 600 white collar jobs averaging $54,000 for Carolina First alone... It makes you wonder, though it's hard to risk numbers like that.

That's a good question. I-85 has definitely played a significant role in Greenville being the city that it is today, although I would like to think that those companies would have located downtown otherwise.

gsupstate

December 12th, 2007, 07:21 PM

erm1981

December 13th, 2007, 12:04 AM

G-man....I noticed you took some pics of the "livn nsidout" sports and wellness center. That is where we are working at now. Its going to look nice. I found out today that there will also be about a 35 ft object placed on top of the stairwell so it will really stick out form 385. Its funny that widening 385 was mentioned. Every morning it backs up bad at around 8:30. Ill try to snap some pics with my camera phone tomorrow.

g-man430

December 13th, 2007, 02:13 AM

Thanks for all the update pictures Gman! With all the growth at Brookwood and just in the Golden Strip in general, it makes me wonder when 385 will be widened from Greenville to Simpsonville...

Probably in 20 years when it's too late. :lol: It needs to be widened now. :yes:

apaladin

December 13th, 2007, 02:29 AM

Probably in 20 years when it's too late. :lol: It needs to be widened now. :yes:

Isn't this in progress now? The first phase was from 85 to downtown and they are widening the southern part now thru S'ville and then from S'ville to 85.

g-man430

December 13th, 2007, 02:33 AM

Isn't this in progress now? The first phase was from 85 to downtown and they are widening the southern part now thru S'ville and then from S'ville to 85.

GvilleSC is talking about I-385 from I-85 down to the southern connector that goes through Mauldin. I-385 in Greenville and Simpsonville have already been widened but it's still four lanes in the Mauldin area. It needs to be six lanes. :(

g-man430

December 13th, 2007, 02:37 AM

Thank god it wasn't a question or comment about highrises. :lol:

g-man430

December 13th, 2007, 05:28 AM

F-I-N-A-L-L-Y. YES, YES, YES. :banana: :banana:

apaladin

December 13th, 2007, 06:07 AM

F-I-N-A-L-L-Y. YES, YES, YES. :banana: :banana:

?????????Something we should know?

g-man430

December 13th, 2007, 06:19 AM

^^I just saved a bunch of money on my car insurance by switching to Geico. :lol:

distortedlogic1

December 13th, 2007, 06:45 AM

The only way to save money by switching to Geico is if you were already paying about 10 times what you should have been. Geico sucks.

Must be time for the POM...

g-man430

December 13th, 2007, 06:50 AM

^^But I like that Gecko. He's funny. :lol: What did I say about mentioning highrises? Don't do it. You'll ruin it for everyone.

distortedlogic1

December 13th, 2007, 06:58 AM

Who mentioned a highrise? I just said something about the POM, which last time I checked, was just a drawing on a peice of paper. There is no POM highrise. :lol:

g-man430

December 13th, 2007, 07:01 AM

^^Don't mention any building proposed, built, or dead over 5-stories tall. :D I will shun you if you do. :lol:

GvilleSC

December 13th, 2007, 01:06 PM

Camperdown. Oh shoot, I think I might have just killed that one! Sorry guys. I was counting on it starting soon. :lol:

gsupstate

December 13th, 2007, 05:51 PM

Pretty great video on Greenville:

http://www.tlgconference.org/

g-man430

December 13th, 2007, 05:54 PM

^^I already posted that several pages back. Pay attention. :lol:

gsupstate

December 13th, 2007, 06:06 PM

^^I already posted that several pages back. Pay attention. :lol:

Hard to pay attention since you have to weed through so many "remarks". :lol::lol:

g-man430

December 13th, 2007, 06:09 PM

^^:D You need to go to Home Depot and buy a weed eater then. Magnolia Park is going to have residential. Where's the woot emotion? :banana: :lol:

Skyliner

December 13th, 2007, 06:32 PM

Hard to pay attention since you have to weed through so many "remarks". :lol::lol:I agree. There is a lot of negative non-information. Makes it hard to see everything of value happening in Greenville. This feeling is being sensed by a strong promoter and longtime resident of the city. As someone who doesn't have all day available to sit in front of a computer begging for anyone to post anything, I find it more difficult to catch all of the noteworthy posts regarding the development of our city.

g-man430

December 13th, 2007, 10:31 PM

^^Just remember who started this thread. ;)

Skyliner

December 14th, 2007, 02:48 AM

Here is an article (http://greenvilleonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071213/BUSINESS/712130315/1003) to be very proud of."Greenville is one of the best fine-dining areas in the state," said Tom Sponseller, president and chief executive officer of the association. "On a per capita basis, it probably has more fine dining than even Charleston."Greenville's growing status as a fine dining destination is gaining supporters. Several new restaurants could have been mentioned in addition to the handful spoken of in one paragraph. Another addition I would like to contribute is that the fine dining scene in Greenville is not even close to being solely a result of the large number of business travelers in the city. Many people still do not realize the high and growing number of visitors in town as tourists.:)

hybridy

December 14th, 2007, 05:40 AM

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/033-1.jpg
What kind of place is this? :? :)

having worked on this project i'm not so happy about its final inception

g-man430

December 14th, 2007, 06:00 AM

^^Why? :? Looks fine to me.

hybridy

December 14th, 2007, 06:22 AM

for such a high profile location and with verdae coming it could've been better
azia is covered in efis, but it has a few redeeming qualities-worked on that one too
i guess thats suburbia for ya
the best part is they built a brand new cracker barrel on the other side of 85-left the old one to rot
america is just that kind of throw away society

hybridy

December 14th, 2007, 06:25 AM

g-man430

December 14th, 2007, 06:32 AM

^^Where? :? What county is that in? What's it near?

g-man430

December 14th, 2007, 06:33 AM

hybridy

December 14th, 2007, 07:12 AM

^^Where? :? What county is that in? What's it near?

anderson county
that may have been misleading
when i said "development" i meant small 5 unit strip mall-lol
isn't there an existing hooters on/near the motor mile?
it seems awfully close to the old cracker barrel
and the motor mile is losing all its businesses to new locales to woodruff-ie sams club
this is a bit unfortunate as the woodruff corridor is developing at the cost to other corridors closer to downtown greenville:ohno:

g-man430

December 14th, 2007, 07:25 AM

^^Powdersville? That's where I live. :yes:

g-man430

December 14th, 2007, 08:48 AM

Miss baseball? Do what this guy did for only 4 more months: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbhGMaWuVoE&feature=related "Baseball is coming" :)

Skyliner

December 14th, 2007, 10:31 AM

gman i do have one favor though
i know you don't head north much, but there is a new development at river road and 85
i'd love to see what it looks like-heard it has a liquor store and the trailer parks are so close
im excited to get back to gville soonIt is called, "V-go Retail," and is at present only a gas station/convenience store with a liquor store atached. There are two available spaces on one side of the convenience store as well. A Papa John's would be ideal there, though I don't anticipate them locating there right now. Lots of new homes nearby, so a pizza shop would be excellent. If you want more info, the roof is bright red and the windows are trimmed in royal blue. The space around the pump stations is quite small. I hope it will not go downhill over the years, but I fear it will.

hybridy

December 14th, 2007, 05:57 PM

i concur
i rented in piedmont
i lived with a guy from my office
he was remodeling one the mill houses up by the water tower
beautiful views, but nosey neighbors
the area could be nice, but i don't see it happening soon

g-man430

December 14th, 2007, 08:29 PM

It is called, "V-go Retail," and is at present only a gas station/convenience store with a liquor store atached. There are two available spaces on one side of the convenience store as well. A Papa John's would be ideal there, though I don't anticipate them locating there right now. Lots of new homes nearby, so a pizza shop would be excellent. If you want more info, the roof is bright red and the windows are trimmed in royal blue. The space around the pump stations is quite small. I hope it will not go downhill over the years, but I fear it will.

Is this off of Highway 153 or somewhere else? :?

g-man430

December 14th, 2007, 08:37 PM

Gsupstate, you posted a question about Crescent Place on Urbanplanet. It will start construction in Spring of 2008. :yes: Now I have a question for you. When will construction start on Magnolia Park Town Center?

g-man430

December 14th, 2007, 08:48 PM

http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/bassmaster/classic/index

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/Classic_07_logo_370_ESPNO.jpg

Greenville lobbying to bring bass tourney here in 2009
Business leaders trying to raise half million for ESPN 'site fee'

Published: Friday, December 14, 2007 - 2:00 am

By Rudolph Bell-Greenville News

The Greenville Convention & Visitors Bureau and a group of local businessmen are trying to raise half a million dollars right away as part of an effort to get the Bassmaster Classic fishing tournament -- and its economic impact -- to return to the Greenville area in 2009.

The 2008 tournament -- scheduled for Lake Hartwell in February -- is expected to draw thousands of visitors to the lake and to associated events in Greenville.

For a repeat in 2009, however, sports television network ESPN, which owns the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society, sponsor of the tournament, wants a $500,000 “site fee” right away, said Doug McGrath, a Greenville businessman who is heading the recruiting effort.

McGrath said ESPN uses the fee to offset production costs and usually requires it of every community that hosts the tournament, although it made concessions for the 2008 tournament in Greenville.

"If we can tell them we have the pledges for the money, it's almost certain we would get it back in 2009,” said McGrath, president of the event management business of Southern Hospitality Group, a Greenville business that also develops and manages hotels. He's lobbying state and local officials to raise the money.

ESPN spokesman Doug Grassian declined to discuss tournament funding or say where the three-day, televised event might be held next time.

“We are in discussions with a number of potential cities at this time, but have nothing to announce” about the 2009 tournament, Grassian said in a statement. “We are excited that Greenville will host the 38th edition of the Bassmaster Classic and look forward to another fantastic event.”

The 2008 tournament is scheduled to take place from Feb. 22-24. Daily weigh-ins will be held at the Bi-Lo Center, and an outdoor products show will be held at the Carolina First Center. The event -- known as the Super Bowl of bass fishing -- is expected to fill up hotel rooms in Greenville County.

Bass tournament worth $500,000 stake, backers say
Greenville hotelier, restaurateur call fee 'not outrageous'

Published: Friday, December 14, 2007 - 2:00 am

By Rudolph Bell-Greenville News

A local hotelier and restaurateur are among a group of local businessmen trying to get the Bassmaster Classic fishing tournament -- the so-called Super Bowl of bass fishing -- to return to the Greenville area in 2009.

Fabian Unterzaucher, general manager of the Westin Poinsett hotel, and Carl Sobocinski, owner of five restaurants downtown, said they are supporting a lobbying effort to secure $500,000 from local and state officials.

Sports television network ESPN, owner of the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society, sponsor of the tournament, requires the half-million-dollar "site fee" in order to bring the three-day event to the Upstate for the second time in a row, said Doug McGrath, a local businessman who's heading the effort.

The Westin manager said the money "seems to be not an outrageous amount for the economic impact this event brings to the city and the county."

Unterzaucher said 30 people spent two nights at the Westin two weeks ago as part of the planning for the 2008 tournament, and tournament attendees are expected to take up to half of the hotel's 200 rooms during peak nights of the event in February.

All of the hotel rooms in the city and county of Greenville should be full during the tournament, he said.

"I've spoken to my counterparts at the Hyatt and the Hilton and the Marriott and everybody's excited about this," Unterzaucher said.

Sobocinski said his company has booked four tournament-related events for February, including one that will fill one of his restaurants, Soby's. He said other downtown restaurants that he doesn't own -- such as High Cotton and Smoke on the Water -- have also landed business from the tournament.

The tournament also means visits from high-level executives who work for corporate sponsors of the event such as the Toyota Tundra and Advance Auto Parts and national television exposure for the Upstate from ESPN, Sobocinski said.

"People are going to want to come to the Upstate and fish where these anglers fished," he said. "So it's not only about the one week in February."

ESPN plans 111/2 hours of television coverage of the tournament over three days on its ESPN2 channel, which has a household reach of more than 90 million, said Doug Grassian, a spokesman for the sports television network.

McGrath said it's "almost certain" the Bassmaster Classic will return in 2009 if the community can secure pledges for the $500,000. He said ESPN uses the money to offset production costs and usually requires the fee of every community that hosts the tournament, although it made concessions for the 2008 tournament in Greenville.

Grassian declined to discuss tournament funding or say where the Bassmaster Classic might be held in 2009.

The 2008 tournament -- scheduled for Lake Hartwell in February -- is expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors to the lake and to associated events in Greenville. Fish weigh-ins will be held at the Bi-Lo Center, and an outdoor products show will be held at the Carolina First Center.

The tournament is scheduled to take place Feb. 22-24. The top prize is $500,000.

The effort to get the tournament to return in 2009 includes Chris Stone, president of the Greenville Convention & Visitors Bureau, and John DeWorken, vice president for public policy at the Greater Greenville Chamber of Commerce.

Greenville Mayor Knox White said raising $500,000 is a "pretty tall order." Still, he said he's hoping the city will "do its part."

"A repeat of the event would certainly be worth pursuing," the mayor said.

The city and county of Greenville each chipped in $20,000 to help cover the costs of the 2008 tournament, McGrath said. The Greenville CVB contributed $10,000 and another $50,000 came from the state Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, he said.

McGrath said ESPN has told him Greenville is competing with other locations for the 2009 event and that one city is "waiting with a check in hand."

But it's not Birmingham, Ala., which hosted the Bassmaster Classic this year, according to Michael Gunn, vice president of convention sales at the Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Birmingham can't host the Bassmaster Classic during the winter of 2009 because it has already booked trade shows during that time, Gunn said.

"We couldn't do anything for '09, but we'd certainly love to have them back," he said.

Gunn said Birmingham has hosted the tournament three times and estimates an economic impact of $19.6 million from the 2007 event. That includes direct spending in Birmingham from the tournament, plus an indirect spending amount calculated by multiplying by a factor of 1.75, Gunn said.

McGrath is president of the event management business of Southern Hospitality Group, a Greenville business that also develops and manages hotels. He worked on two other big sporting events held locally: the BMW Charity Pro-Am golf tournament and the USA Pro Cycling Championships.

Those are big events, but they're not on the same scale as the Bassmaster Classic, McGrath said, calling the fishing contest a "huge, huge economic dump in the Upstate region."

"This is truly big-time," McGrath said. "This puts Greenville on the event map."

erm1981

December 14th, 2007, 11:46 PM

I live in Piedmont right now. Ive been to the gas station you talked about. Piedmont will become a hotter location in the future. It is split between anderson and greenville kind of like greer is between greenville and spartanburg. I like it here. I got more of a quiet location. I really wish they would clean the area up near the river where the old mill used to be. That would make such a nice little park. The river could really add a lot to piedmont if they took advantage of it in the future.

g-man430

December 14th, 2007, 11:52 PM

apaladin

December 15th, 2007, 02:16 AM

^^Oh. I know where you guys are talking about now. It's been highway 153 and that road with the McDonald's and Budweiser distribution center along I-85. Erm1981, REI will be putting a store at Magnolia Park Town Center. Construction will start on it next year and the store should open sometime in 2009.

Who cares about another store, tell me about the high rise hotel at MPTC.:banana: Does anyone know what the building under construction is across from I-Hop and in front of HH Gregg? Also G-Man, where is the supposed Ruth's Criss steakhouse going up?

g-man430

December 15th, 2007, 02:20 AM

^^The Point is where Ruth's Chris is going. Nobody ever said the hotel at MPTC was going to be a highrise. Look at my update pics on this page: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=356462&page=92 and then you'll know what is going in front of HhGregg. Hint: "wasabi"

erm1981

December 15th, 2007, 02:41 AM

I believe site work has already been stated on REI. Its already rolling

g-man430

December 15th, 2007, 03:13 AM

^^I guarantee you it hasn't. ;) At least not until next year.

apaladin

December 15th, 2007, 05:11 AM

g-man430

December 15th, 2007, 05:12 AM

^^1-story tall, 1-mile wide. :lol:

distortedlogic1

December 15th, 2007, 05:16 AM

Well with 365 rooms it's gonna have to be awfully wide.:lol:

I think that is about the same number of rooms the Hyatt ahs and it is not a highrise at all.

g-man430

December 15th, 2007, 05:28 AM

^^Yeah, but the Drury Inn and Suites has only 180 rooms and it's 7 stories tall. 2x7=14 stories.

g-man430

December 15th, 2007, 05:48 AM

TBAs from Greenville Journal for December 14, 2007:

Outdoors superstore REI is said to be interested in several sites in Greenville County. The company will locate here regardless of Bass Pro Shop's plans for a store on Highway 14. -No kidding captain obvious. It's on the MPTC site plan.

A new restaurant is opening on the West End that sells "carnival" food. That's candy, hot dogs, hamburgers and the like. It will be geared toward kids. Called Munchies, it should open in late January on Main Street about a block up from Falls Park. -Where all the fat asses can go. I thought we were trying to fight obesity.

City Council should start talking in January about several ways to fund Meadowbrook Park, which will straddle the Reedy River on the city's west side. One of the issues is relocating the city Public Works facility. -You forgot to mention it won't be complete for another 10 years.

Expect to see some changes coming to the Greenville Transit Authority's transfer station downtown. Business and community leaders want to see the terminal look more inviting and not so dark. -I'll believe it when I see it.

Nominations are being accepted for the Silver Crescent Awards, which are given to companies excelling in manufacturing. There are more than 5,000 manufactures in South Carolina. The winners will be announced in May. -A plaque to put on the wall. Whoopie doo.

The Greenville Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual legislative delegation breakfast on Jan. 4 at the Westin Poinsett. -Who cares? I certainly don't.

Don't expect to see demolition of the City Hall plaza until sometime in January. The property as the corner of Broad and Main streets is scheduled to become a Marriott Hotel. -In January, you'll say February. How about a week without having to hear about this project in the TBA section.

While it may not come up for awhile, the U.S. Postal Service is looking for a new main office in downtown Greenville. Many feel the current building does not meet the Postal Service's needs. -I've only heard this for the past 10 years. I'll believe it when I see it.

distortedlogic1

December 15th, 2007, 05:58 AM

^^Yeah, but the Drury Inn and Suites has only 180 rooms and it's 7 stories tall. 2x7=14 stories.

I think the Drury Inn has a much smaller footprint. If the one at MPTC has a comperable footprint, then yes, it could be a highrise. Remember though, that hotels have a short height/floor ratio.

g-man430

December 15th, 2007, 06:00 AM

^^Thank god i'm going to Omaha in less than 2 weeks. I need a vacation from this place. :lol: It's going to be built below ground. Hotel/underground bunker. :D Great news guys. I just found out County Councilman Tony Trout got his home raided earlier today by police. :banana:

distortedlogic1

December 15th, 2007, 06:03 AM

^^What would wea call that, a sub-rise, or a negative rise?:)

Maybe you'll get to see some snow in Omaha, there sure isn't any around here! :bash:

g-man430

December 15th, 2007, 06:04 AM

^^Maybe that's what happened to the POM. It was built below ground. :lol:

distortedlogic1

December 15th, 2007, 06:12 AM

^^Hey; that's it! And the grass was allowed to grow on top to earn "green status." :lol:

g-man430

December 15th, 2007, 06:15 AM

^^It's LEED certified just like he wanted. :D :rofl:

g-man430

December 15th, 2007, 06:32 AM

GSP, Delta in talks to add direct flight to Boston
Chance comes after Delta cuts Boston to Myrtle Beach flights

Published: Friday, December 14, 2007 - 2:00 am

By Jenny Munro-Greenville News

Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport officials plan to discuss with Delta Airlines about adding a direct flight to Boston to the airport's mix of destinations.

The possibility arose when Delta announced it was dropping non-stop service from Myrtle Beach Airport to both Boston and New York.

The airline said it was dropping the Myrtle Beach flights because to increase fuel efficiency and have flights go through Delta hubs.

The company has said it plans to reduce the number of seats on domestic flights by about 5 percent in 2008. It also plans to increase the number of seats on international flights.

Currently, GSP has no direct service to Boston, said Rosylin Weston, airport spokeswoman.

"We certainly would welcome a flight to Boston from GSP," she said. "The numbers would support a flight."

Weston said GSP officials have not been told of any possibility that the airport could lose any of its Delta service.

"The flights flying out of here -- Delta and the others -- are primarily full," she said.

Although the airport continues to try to entice low-fare carriers to GSP, "for an airport our size we have really good service."

Since airlines are able to fill seats costing a premium, "it stands to reason that a low-fare carrier would have full planes," she said.

Simpsonville extends its city limits

Published: Friday, December 14, 2007 - 9:46 am

By Nathaniel Cary-Tribune Times

Simpsonville City Council expanded city limits further down West Georgia Road when it recently voted in favor of three annexation requests.

The council voted on final reading for two of those requests. A third request requires one more reading by the council.

Standing Springs Baptist Church and 11 surrounding properties now reside within Simpsonville city limits. The 12 properties totaling more than 100 acres along West Georgia Road requested annexation and have been zoned for planned developments.

One 12-acre property across from Standing Springs Road is being marketed for a retail center.

The council voted for the annexation with the advice of City Attorney David Holmes despite one property owner’s questions about the validity of the annexation request.

George Smith, who opposed the annexation, said that one site wasn’t connected to the rest of the properties and shouldn’t be allowed to be annexed with the others as a whole.

Holmes told the council that only West Georgia Road separated the properties so they were contiguous to the city and each other.

“I have expressed in a written opinion that I have provided to city staff. . . that this is a legal annexation,” Holmes said.

A 25-acre site on Neely Ferry Road near the Bloom grocery store was voted into the city. That site, zoned as a planned development, is being marketed as a retail site, by Helen Richardson.

“The applicant would like to market this property for mixed-use development,” said David Dyrhaug, planning director.

The third property, a 17-acre site that fronts both West Georgia and Hammond roads, would be zoned for a planned residential development.

Juan Maldonado, the owner of that property, told the city planning commission that he wanted to build a gated subdivision on the property with 20,000-square foot lots.

The City Council must vote on second reading before Maldonado’s property joins the city.

apaladin

December 15th, 2007, 06:40 AM

Those of you with pull, can you please do something about my pet peeve? My pet peeve is that the big green overhead signs around town, point the way toward Greenville when you are already in Greenville. Signs on Pleasantburg, Haywood etc should read Downtown not Greenville. Can one of you get someting done? Thank you.

g-man430

December 15th, 2007, 06:44 AM

^^It pisses me off when I see those too. The worst one is next to McDonalds on Woodruff Road in front of Hollywood 20. It says 6 miles to the city limits of Greenville when you've already been in the city limits for 2-3 miles. :ohno: :bash: I'll contact somebody with the city next week regarding this problem. I've been meaning to do it for sometime. :yes:

distortedlogic1

December 15th, 2007, 06:48 AM

I have noticed that too, about the signs :lol:

Gman, you beat me to it, I saw the article about the airport too! Hope it comes true.

g-man430

December 15th, 2007, 06:54 AM

^^Coming true? Better chance of the POM happening than that. :lol:

g-man430

December 15th, 2007, 06:59 AM

"You know the world is going crazy when the best rapper is a white guy, the best golfer is a black guy, the tallest guy in the NBA is Chinese, the Swiss hold the America's Cup, France is accusing the U.S. of arrogance, Germany doesn't want to go to war, and the three most powerful men in America are named 'Bush', 'Dick', and 'Colon'."

distortedlogic1

December 15th, 2007, 07:08 AM

Shhh, you mentined a highrise :lol:

DId you ever hear a date from him, or what the meeting a couple weeks ago resulted in?

g-man430

December 15th, 2007, 07:09 AM

^^Of course not. I don't think he told me because I sent him that link to urbanplanet where people were making fun of his project. Oops. :lol:

distortedlogic1

December 15th, 2007, 07:13 AM

Something tells me that a man who has been that persistent with a project over that length of time would not be too discouraged by the ramblings of silly guys like us. :)

g-man430

December 15th, 2007, 07:14 AM

^^That's what I said. Can he blame us for acting this way? Check out the new website: http://www.southernconnector.com/home.htm

distortedlogic1

December 15th, 2007, 07:23 AM

I like the site. Looks like it is averaging somewhere around 16 or 17k transactions per day, and we could be close to 6mm for the year. With some of the proposed developments in and around the connector, it could be doing very well by 2015 or so.

g-man430

December 15th, 2007, 07:26 AM

^^I drove on it a few days ago. It seems like everytime I do, the amount of cars on it increases. :yes:

g-man430

December 16th, 2007, 12:23 AM

So Erm1981, how about that REI store? ;) Cat got your tongue?

g-man430

December 16th, 2007, 12:52 AM

I look around me, but all I seem to see is people going nowhere expecting sympathy. :wave:

g-man430

December 16th, 2007, 05:47 AM

Apparently "I am Legend" really did happen. Looks like i'm the only one left. :lol:

apaladin

December 16th, 2007, 06:01 AM

g-man430

December 16th, 2007, 06:11 AM

^^That's it? Nothing else? How about some update pics. ;)

g-man430

December 16th, 2007, 06:15 AM

I live in Powdersville which is in Anderson County. My address is Easley which is in Pickens County. I live closer to downtown Greenville than downtown Anderson, but I have to go to downtown Anderson to vote. My zip code is a Greenville County one. :nuts:

g-man430

December 16th, 2007, 06:34 AM

Let's take a tour shall we: http://youtube.com/watch?v=3IyzKpJsJhc

g-man430

December 16th, 2007, 07:43 AM

:D Where's the faint emotion: http://connectorplus.net/

Skyliner

December 16th, 2007, 04:16 PM

g-man430

December 20th, 2007, 03:06 AM

I'm still waiting on that REI store information erm1981. ;)

erm1981

December 20th, 2007, 03:09 AM

I actually was wrong about that. It was actually REII at the hospital. It wasnt REI .... sorry...

g-man430

December 20th, 2007, 03:13 AM

^^I'm going to walk in there when it opens and ask for some hiking gear. :D

erm1981

December 20th, 2007, 03:18 AM

I like to go hiking. We have some good spots close to us.

g-man430

December 20th, 2007, 03:31 AM

That master plan map doesn't make sense. It has most of Acadia designated as Industrial, when it is clearly not being developed as such. They should update that information or close the website down. Misinformation is not flattering when they're trying to sell their concept to prospective investors.:weird:

There there. It's ok. It's not your fault you're slow. Look at your signature even. Having something on there that happened back in November. :pet:

g-man430

December 20th, 2007, 04:13 AM

:lol: :nocrook: I found Raleigh-NC: http://youtube.com/watch?v=TXDKwPSco1E Gimme more baby: http://youtube.com/watch?v=h863nXDqCM0&feature=related I can't think of an emotion for this one. It's very disturbing. :lol:

g-man430

December 20th, 2007, 05:36 AM

Towne center moving ahead despite tabled road money

By Heidi Cenac-Independent Mail

The developers behind Battery Park Towne Center said a delay in infrastructure funding won’t stop the 125-acre retail and residential project from moving forward.

The Anderson County Transportation Committee last week delayed the project’s request for $750,000 in state gas tax money to realign Welpine Road where it intersects Clemson Boulevard.

State and county transportation officials requested the repair, which straightens Welpine Road by relocating the intersection behind the HotSpot and McDonald’s, said Reggie Bell, vice president at RealtiCorp, the Greenville-based company behind the development.

Fixing Welpine Road would have used a significant portion of the $2 million to $3 million the county receives in gas tax money each year. But officials say the project would dramatically improve the intersection’s safety.

Mr. Bell said he was disappointed by the committee’s decision to take the request under consideration, but he’s hopeful that they will bring it up for a vote in the future.

RealtiCorp plans to spend more than $3 million improving the property as part of the development. Not getting the tax money won’t kill the project, but it does make it more difficult, Mr. Bell said.

“We understand there’s a lot of places the money needs to go,” he said. “It’s just another hurdle to overcome.”

The developers are talking to several retailers about locating in Battery Park, but they haven’t signed an anchor retailer yet. Once complete, Battery Park’s shopping component is expected to add 1,400 jobs.

“We’re still very interested in developing on that site,” Mr. Bell said. “A lot of things have to happen, and we’re still pushing forward.”

Bids have been sent out to build this center-

Project #: 511133

Reported: 12/19/2007 2:54:00 PM

Title: Battery Park Towne Center

Project Type: New Construction

Physical Address: Available to Subscribers Only

City/County: Anderson, SC 29670 (Anderson County)

Category(s): Commercial, Residential

Sub-Category(s): Food/Beverage Service, Multi-Family Homes, Retail, Shopping Center/Strip Mall

Contracting Method: Bids by Invitation Only.

Project Status: Design is Preliminary.

Owner: Available to Subscribers Only

Description: Mixed Use. Total sq ft for project not available at this time.

Details: Multi-Family Homes. Shopping Center/Strip Mall. Food/Beverage Service. Retail., New Construction, 125 Acres.

Division 02 - Site Work, Earthwork, Site Grading, Excavation, Soil Compaction Control, Soil Treatment, Termite Control, Site Drainage, Site Utilities, Paving & Surfacing, Walks, Landscaping, Lawns.
Division 03 - Concrete, Formwork, Expansion & Contraction Joints, Reinforcement, Steel Bar, Cast-in-place Concrete, Precast Concrete, Installation Equipment, Scaffolding, Monolithic Foundation, 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, Interior Millwork, Cabinets.
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, Metal Windows, Hardware & Specialties, Automatic Door Equipment, Weatherstripping & Seals, Thresholds, Glazing, Overhead Doors.
Division 09 - Finishes, Gypsum Wallboard, Tile, Resilient Flooring, Carpeting, Special Flooring, Painting, Exterior, Interior, Acoustical Ceilings.
Division 10 - Specialties, Louvers & Vents, Signs and Identifying Devices, Special Shelving, Toilet & Bath Accessories, Toilet Partitions & Accessories, Signage.
Division 11 - Equipment, Loading Dock, Food Service, Residential, Unit Kitchens, Kitchen Exhaust Hood.
Division 12 - Furnishings, 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, 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, Service & Distribution, Lighting, Interior Lighting Fixtures, Exterior Lighting Fixtures, Special Systems, Emergency Light & Power, Communications, Fire Alarm & Detection, Telephone, Public Address Equipment, Television Systems, Voice and Data Equipment, Heating & Cooling, Controls & Instrumentation.

g-man430

December 20th, 2007, 06:52 AM

:rofl: It's Alvin: http://youtube.com/watch?v=GqtjOn9qVg4

hybridy

December 20th, 2007, 08:00 AM

gman
metro detroit is 5 million+ and they don't have cheesecake factory

i posted this too
since you're right up the road http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=560748

g-man430

December 20th, 2007, 08:15 AM

^^We're getting one at Magnolia Park Town Center in 2009. :yes: Great pics. Erm1981 lives in Piedmont. :)

g-man430

December 20th, 2007, 10:57 PM

:goodnight

g-man430

December 21st, 2007, 12:08 AM

Greenville & Spartanburg now have Bird's Eye on http://maps.live.com :D They're fairly new too. Less than a year old. Just look at McBee Station for proof. :)

erm1981

December 21st, 2007, 12:27 AM

Yeppers I live in piedmont. Piedmont could do so much with its town if it were a little more progressive. Its location benefits fromt he Saluda river which is a lot bigger then the reedy.

g-man430

December 21st, 2007, 03:19 AM

May I have your attention please. May I have your attention please. Will the real slim shady stand up. I repeat will the real slim shady stand up. We're going to have a problem here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=I_iNNb_doOQ

g-man430

December 23rd, 2007, 03:48 AM

:dj: Carolina First headquarters. 13 buildings in all:
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/009-2.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/010-1.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/017-1.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/011-1.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/013-1.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/015-1.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/012-1.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/014-1.jpg

g-man430

December 23rd, 2007, 04:24 AM

Remember to eat your fruits and vegetables. :carrot: :pepper: :banana: :cucumber:

Fresh Market:
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/006-2.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/004-3.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/005-2.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/007-2.jpg

Verdae:
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/030-2.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/021-1.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/024-1.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/029-1.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/027-1.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/025-1.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/026-1.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/028-1.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/022-1.jpg

g-man430

December 24th, 2007, 02:34 AM

Thanks for the comments guys. :ohno: It doesn't matter though. I'm leaving tomorrow thank god.

distortedlogic1

December 24th, 2007, 04:28 AM

^^I really like the CF campus photos. The campus should look very good wen complete! When will phase 2 start?

Raleigh-NC

December 24th, 2007, 05:33 AM

Are you suggesting we are being harsh on you, Mr g-man? Well, Merry Christmas to you, and I hope you get a new, taller skyline for Greenville next year :)

g-man430

December 24th, 2007, 05:35 AM

^^Nope. :nocrook: MERRY CHRISTMAS TUX.

apaladin

December 24th, 2007, 08:40 AM

Are you suggesting we are being harsh on you, Mr g-man? Well, Merry Christmas to you, and I hope you get a new, taller skyline for Greenville next year :)

I do predict the POM will begin construction in 2008, if not then 2009, if not 2009 then 2010, or the year after etc etc.:lol::cheers:

g-man430

December 24th, 2007, 08:41 AM

^^I take it you didn't get the memo. It will start construction towards the end of next week. Construction crews were on site last week. This information is directly from Bob Ellis to me. All papers have been signed too. Check the downtown development thread for more information and pics.

erm1981

December 24th, 2007, 07:18 PM

If it dont start this time then Im definetly going to be a non-believer 100%

Greenville

December 24th, 2007, 08:19 PM

If it dont start this time then Im definetly going to be a non-believer 100%

Same here! :lol:

Skyliner

December 25th, 2007, 12:06 AM

If "seeing is believing," then I was a 100% non-believer well over a year ago. :lol:

Somehow though, I have kept faith in the man's ability to make this project happen. It will obviously be his greatest and his last/only tower since it apparently takes approximately a decade (give or take a few years) to make happen. ;)

He could be using Pinocchio's strategy (http://youtube.com/watch?v=LvrzmEH0mq4&feature=related) to avoid telling a lie in 'Shrek the Third.' :rotfl:

apaladin

January 1st, 2008, 08:34 PM

Only 3 more days.

Cosmoboy

January 1st, 2008, 09:24 PM

Nice pics GMan! A lot of great developments happening down there!

g-man430

January 2nd, 2008, 06:29 AM

^^Thanks man. :) The project at I-85 and Highway 14 that will include Bass Pro Shops is now courting Home Depot to be part of it also. An announcement regarding the project could come out this month. The reason it hasn't come out yet is due to a law suit filed by Ned Sloan on the bill that passed the house and senate designed to lure BPS/Cabela's to this development.

-I went to Cabela's on Thursday, Bass Pro Shops on Friday, PF Changs on Saturday, Apple Store on Sunday, and Cheesecake Factory yesterday. :D ;) Hint, hint except for PF Changs because that's already here.

erm1981

January 2nd, 2008, 03:07 PM

Omaha looks and sounds like a nice city.

g-man430

January 2nd, 2008, 09:51 PM

^^It's alright, but I like Greenville better.

Interstate 3 could make its way through Greenville: http://www.onlineathens.com/stories/010208/news_20080102045.shtml

apaladin

January 4th, 2008, 01:45 AM

We've all waited a long time. Now it's less than 24 hours!

GvilleSC

January 4th, 2008, 03:58 AM

We've all waited a long time. Now it's less than 24 hours!

The Pinnacle on Main? Are you for sure?

apaladin

January 4th, 2008, 04:39 AM

The Pinnacle on Main? Are you for sure?

G-Man says there was a memo. So if it doesn't happen, it is his fault, LOL!!:lol::banana:

g-man430

January 4th, 2008, 06:14 AM

^^:dunno: Well, i'm lost once again. I'm not sure when it's going to start. Noticed on the way back from the airport tonight that the lights on the road going behind Carolina First headquarters are now lit up and one of the buildings has orange construction lights on inside of it making it stand out a lot more from the interstate.

g-man430

January 4th, 2008, 06:55 AM

Do you want it? Do you need it? Let me hear it ladies and gentlemen. :rock: Hold on tight because the show is not over. If you will please move in closer.

Click, click, BOOM:
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/309.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/317.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/312.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/316.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/314.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/315.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/313.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/353-1.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/348-1.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/349-1.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/350-1.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/351-1.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/049-1.jpg

GvilleSC

January 4th, 2008, 06:57 AM

g-man430

January 4th, 2008, 07:10 AM

^^That's it? :baeh3:

g-man430

January 4th, 2008, 07:30 AM

Due to the recent article regarding Interstate 3 taking a possible route through Greenville, I decided to email the Greenville News about it. Guess what happened next:

Ga. lawmaker proposes new interstate from Greenville to Augusta

Published: Thursday, January 3, 2008 - 8:34 pm

By Rudolph Bell-Greenville News staff writer

A Georgia congressman wants federal highway officials to study routes from Augusta, Ga., to Greenville or Clinton for a possible new interstate.

The previously proposed route for what has been called Interstate 3 -- from Augusta through northeast Georgia and across western North Carolina to Knoxville, Tenn. -- would be too expensive and damaging to the southern Appalachian environment, said newly elected U.S. Rep. Paul Broun of Georgia's 10th District.

A better route, he said, would go from Augusta into South Carolina, connecting with Interstate 85 in Greenville or connecting with Interstate 26 in Clinton. Those routes could take the proposed interstate through Greenwood, which is not connected to an interstate now.

Broun said he's considering legislation to require the Federal Highway Administration to study the possible paths through South Carolina. The legislation would modify a 2005 law that authorized $1.32 million for studying the proposed interstate. No money has been designated for its construction.

Broun said he's talking to other congressmen about the South Carolina routes.

"I'm getting a lot of support for the possibility," he said. "We haven't put it all together yet. We're just trying to find out what makes sense."

The language of the 2005 law does not specify that the new road be an interstate, and Broun said the project, if it gets built, could wind up being merely a widening of U.S. 25, which already has four lanes between Greenville and Greenwood.

"Most people would like to see an interstate highway," the Georgia Republican said. "Whether we can get that done or not, I don't know."

As proposed in 2004 legislation, Interstate 3 -- named after the Army's 3rd Infantry Division in Fort Stewart, Ga. -- would have begun in Savannah, Ga., and gone through Augusta, northeast Georgia and western North Carolina on its way to Knoxville.

But some residents and counties in northeast Georgia objected to cutting a swath through the mountains and formed a coalition to oppose the plan.

Broun took their side during his campaign to succeed the late Rep. Charlie Norwood. He won the 10th District seat during a special election in July.

In proposing a change in the interstate route, Broun said he wants to foster economic development in Augusta, which is in his district, without damaging the mountain environment of northeast Georgia, which is also in his district.

He said the port of Savannah wants better access to Knoxville and the interior through Interstate 3, and Augusta's business community wants a north/south interstate connection in addition to the east/west one it has with Interstate 20.

U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett of South Carolina's 3rd District said in a statement that he supports a study of possible South Carolina routes, which would reveal "any positive or negative effects Interstate 3 will have on our state." The Republican Barrett joined with Georgia congressmen in 2004 to sponsor the legislation that called for Interstate 3 to pass through northeast Georgia.

Michael Covington, director of administration for the South Carolina Department of Transportation, said his agency is concerned that costs for building and maintaining Interstate 3 would come out of South Carolina's allocation of federal highway money.

Another question, Covington said, is whether the proposed interstate would enhance the port of Savannah's ability to compete with the port of Charleston for business out of Knoxville. As it is, he noted, the port of Charleston has better access to Knoxville now via Interstate 26.

Doug Hecox, a spokesman for the Federal Highway Administration, said a requirement to examine possible South Carolina routes would not complicate the study of Interstate 3 authorized by the 2005 legislation.

"We're at the point where all good ideas are still on the table," Hecox said.

A map on the Federal Highway Administration's Web site shows the interstate going through northeast Georgia, but Hecox said the map merely shows the "simplest line possible" connecting Savannah with Knoxville through Augusta, as outlined in the 2005 legislation.

"Nothing has been decided at this point," he said.

Byron Miller, a spokesman for the South Carolina State Ports Authority, said he couldn't speak to the possible benefits of Interstate 3 to the port of Savannah. He said Knoxville is an important inland market for the Charleston port.

Meanwhile, the Stop I-3 Coalition, the citizens group organized to fight the proposed interstate, decided Thursday to continue to oppose the project even if the route is changed to go through South Carolina. Holly Demuth, the coalition's executive director, said the group's board believes the proposed interstate is unnecessary, whatever its route.

Jay West, chief executive of The Partnership Alliance of Greenwood County, the county's economic development organization, said he hadn't heard of the plans for the new interstate. "We would want to be on the front end of discussions to see how viable it would be," West said.

Ben Haskew, president of the Greater Greenville Chamber of Commerce, said connecting Augusta and Greenville with an interstate could have economic value. "The question is going to be cost and how are you going to pay for it," Haskew said.

g-man430

January 4th, 2008, 08:13 AM

Look familiar: http://www.loopnet.com/xNet/MainSite/Listing/Profile/Profile.aspx?LID=15396388&StepID=101&RecentlyViewed=true&ItemIndex=6&PgCxtDir=Down

New rendering of it. Can you guess what it is though? And yes it's in Greenville County:
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/xy_765C45BC-3616-45AF-8EF5-43A9139A.jpg

:D Oh and we're just getting started. BOOM:
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/051-1.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/052-1.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/053-1.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/055-1.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/060.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/062.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/065.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/066.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/067.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/068.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/070.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/069.jpg

Skyliner

January 4th, 2008, 08:48 AM

Villagio Verde (http://villagioverde.com/) I prefer the original design, though it would be nice to have something decent on that piece of property instead of leaving it vacant for several more years.

g-man430

January 4th, 2008, 08:51 AM

^^Nope. Good try though. Villagio Verde is dead. That is why the site is now up for sale. :yes:

Skyliner

January 4th, 2008, 08:53 AM

I know it isn't the same development, but it IS a reincarnation of the concept at the same location.

g-man430

January 4th, 2008, 08:54 AM

^^It is not Villagio Verde nor on that site. The loopnet link and the rendering are from two different places. :yes:

Skyliner

January 4th, 2008, 08:56 AM

Oh. You didn't do a good job of clarifying that. Is the rendering from The Cliffs at Mountain Park?

g-man430

January 4th, 2008, 08:57 AM

^^I know. It was to trick you. We have a winner. It is indeed the Cliffs at Mountain Park village. Suprised you didn't say MPTC. :lol:

Skyliner

January 4th, 2008, 09:02 AM

I was thinking only of the developments that have been created to resemble Italian tuscan villages. There are others in the area, but I went in order of prominence. The luxury vehicles were a giveaway. ;)

g-man430

January 4th, 2008, 09:03 AM

^^But I want a Cabela's in Anderson. ;) Can you provide the link showing the plans for Fairforest Way? Thanks.

Skyliner

January 4th, 2008, 09:04 AM

For those who are wondering what we are talking about, check out this website for more information:

The Cliffs at Mountain Park (http://www.cliffscommunities.com/real-estate/cliffs/page/1233/section/107/parent/1233)

g-man430

January 4th, 2008, 09:07 AM

^^I need it. Give me give me. :eat:

Skyliner

January 4th, 2008, 09:20 AM

I don't recall where I found the plans online, but page 32 (36 in Acrobat Reader) of this document (http://www.greenvilleplanning.com/transportation_planning/gpats/Dec%202007%20TIP%20w%20TOC%20and%20Financial.pdf) gives a brief description. It has been available for quite a long while now.

Raleigh-NC

January 4th, 2008, 08:12 PM

Apple store, Cheesecake Factory, P.F. Changs!!! That must be suburban heaven for you, Mr g-man :lol:

g-man430

January 5th, 2008, 12:06 AM

Mine is sprawl. Theirs is fire. :lol:

Fire: http://greenvilleonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080104/NEWS01/80104047

Fire: http://greenvilleonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080104/NEWS01/80104046

Fire: http://greenvilleonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080104/NEWS01/80104022

Fire: http://greenvilleonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080104/NEWS01/80104005

Fire: http://greenvilleonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080104/NEWS01/80104025/1004/NEWS01

g-man430

January 5th, 2008, 12:20 AM

:yes: Lovin' the glass:
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/010-2.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc56/lilj4425/011-2.jpg

erm1981

January 5th, 2008, 01:48 AM

^Sweet

g-man430

January 5th, 2008, 04:10 AM

I recently did a top-10 list for Greenville in 2008. I can't remember if I put this one or not, but I would really like to see hockey return to the Bi-Lo Center.

g-man430

January 5th, 2008, 05:40 AM

Interstate 385 between Simpsonville and Greenville in the Mauldin area needs to be widened NOW. The amount of development in that area is insane and the traffic is going to get worse over the next few years.

g-man430

January 5th, 2008, 06:57 AM

Here's a look at the sign at the site of downtown Greenville's newest announced development. It's in the West End Historic District. The Brick Street Lofts.

http://static.flickr.com/80/214285860_e1154ba959_b.jpg

NO WAY. Are you serious? :baaa:

apaladin

January 5th, 2008, 06:33 PM

Don't understand the post. These are done.

g-man430

January 5th, 2008, 07:18 PM

^^I was being sarcastic. :lol:

erm1981

January 5th, 2008, 09:11 PM

What about the pendleton west building. That is one building I have noticed you didnt take any update pictures of.

g-man430

January 5th, 2008, 09:52 PM

^^Maybe some other time I will.

Greenville City Council to learn from Clemson buses

Published: Saturday, January 5, 2008 - 8:58 am

By Ben Szobody-Greenville News staff

Greenville City Council members will ride the Clemson bus system next week, an incremental step in the effort to rebuild transit that some council members have advocated for months.

The ride coincides with the council's annual retreat, held Thursday and Friday in Clemson, and includes a meeting with Clemson Area Transit's executive director, said City Manager Jim Bourey.

A key sticking point in the year-long transit debate has been how much outside expertise the city should consult before considering a long-discussed operations takeover at the Greenville Transit Authority, which cut routes and raised fares last year because of a lack of funding.

Former City Councilman Michelle Shain repeatedly noted the recommendation for a consultant in a March 2006 report from a city-county transit task force, and called for the outside expertise to help ensure a city-operated system would be the best use of taxpayer money.

Since Shain's departure in December, some council members have suggested hiring a consultant later to cover long-term issues ó but not before taking on daily operations.

More recently, Councilwoman Chandra Dillard called for the Clemson trip, saying the outside expert wouldn't have to come in the form of an official hire but could instead work for an exemplary transit system like Clemson's.

The Clemson system covers three counties and five cities, fueled in part by Clemson University.

White said he asked City Manager Jim Bourey to arrange the tour.

Dillard said some council members rode a rapid bus system in a trip to Ireland last year, while others saw different transit system in an official visit to Ottawa, Canada. But Dillard said she told White she wanted the Clemson visit because asking questions together helps create consensus and has been a crucial part of the council's success in other first-time ventures such as owning a convention center or developing a baseball stadium.

Dillard said she plans on exploring how the Clemson system is funded, and the city's role in its operations. She said the answers will help form her position on the city's possible foray into transit operations.

Bourey said he's scheduled a council work session on the topic for Monday.

If the council decides to run GTA, he said it would have to amend the city budget to include transit revenues and expenses, although he said the total effect would be "revenue neutral."

However, the city would offer in-kind services such as accounting and human resources functions that would be used in some cases as the local match necessary to secure additional federal funding.

The council retreat is all day Thursday and Friday at Clemson's Madren Center, and is open to the public. Bourey said the bus ride is scheduled for 1 p.m. Friday.

Fitness center ahead of schedule in Mauldin

Published: Saturday, January 5, 2008 - 8:38 am

By Kelly VanLeeuwen-Greenville News staff

Over the past month, the concrete framework of the new LivN Nsidout wellness complex has etched itself into the Mauldin skyline.

Construction on the $11.2 million complex, located behind Mauldin's Brookwood Point campus and visible from I-385, is already making an impression.

The project is well ahead of schedule due to the lack of rain, according to owner Todd Littleton. He estimated the complex would be ready before the August target opening date.

Because the project is so visible, motorists can watch its progression.

Steel is being added to the precast concrete "tilt-up" walls, and glass will be installed in about three weeks. A housed-in shell should be complete by early February, Littleton said, adding that rain won't be an issue after that.

Once complete, the 57,500-square-foot building on eight acres will provide a unique place for individuals and families to live well, according to Littleton.

It will offer all the traditional classes and equipment of a gym, plus wellness education and a full-fledged restaurant, among other things.

The acreage adds lawn areas for outdoor activities, a half-mile outdoor track and a tree-lined creek.

But Littleton hopes to take this complex a step further. He hopes the complex will "take down some of the barriers the health and fitness industry has around membership."

Littleton has built into the program more flexible membership schedules, as well as options inside the complex for non-members, such as the Inergy restaurant, wireless access, wellness education and several conference rooms, among other things.

The membership fees and schedules are still being finalized. Littleton hoped to have more details by the time presale starts in late January or early February.

The complex is appropriate for the area due to the blend of residential and corporate neighbors, according to Littleton, who had detailed demographic studies performed.

Although the area already holds Mauldin's city-owned Sports Center and several other fitness establishments, Littleton said he does not believe the market is saturated.

About 14 percent of the public participates in exercise programs, he said. His combination of education, nutrition and well-rounded options will appeal to a wider majority of the public, he said.

Littleton said he hopes to build 50 more in the next 25 years.

For more information, pictures or interactive tours, visit the site at http://www.livnnsidout.com.

Simpsonville considering a new Comfort Suites hotel

Published: Friday, January 4, 2008 - 8:53 am

By Nathaniel Cary-Greenville News staff

The owners of a 2-acre property on Grandview Drive in Simpsonville have asked to be annexed into Simpsonville city limits so they can build a Comfort Suites hotel.

In a Wednesday meeting, Simpsonville’s planning commission gave its approval to annex property owned by Sapna & Nisha, Inc. and zone it for commercial use.

The hotel would be located just south of the Lowe’s home improvement store and would overlook Interstate 385. It would have access from Fairview and Harrison Bridge roads.

“The C-2 zoning district was the only zoning that would allow them to meet the height for the hotel they would like to build,” said David Dyrhaug, Simpsonville planning director. “They are proposing one that’s four stories.”

Simpsonville’s City Council would have to give two readings on the annexation and developers would have to submit a final development plan to the planning commission prior to building.

The site has sewer capacity, Dyrhaug said. The hotel would tie directly into a Metropolitan Sewer trunk line that runs parallel to I-385, said Russell Hawes, city administrator.

The planning commission also approved changes to plans for a giant mixed-use development that would border the city’s Heritage Park. Plans still must gain approval from the City Council before land is rezoned.

Development group Land Development Holdings wants to build 300 townhouse units and up to 415 houses on 162 acres south of the park. Developers dropped plans for an apartment complex in the development and have decided to build in two phases.

In addition, Heritage Crest would have a second access point along Highway 14 and would have a 20-acre buffer between the development and the Para-Chem industrial plant, which has been listed as a superfund site.

Land Development Holdings also plans to donate 25 acres of land to the city for use as additional parking for Heritage Park.

Plans show that a 2.5-acre tract on S.E. Main Street would be left for future development as a commercial site.