SPARTANBURG, SC (FOX Carolina) – There’s a new $23 million project proposal for Spartanburg, and city leaders are calling it a growth catalyst for a part of downtown that hasn’t seen any new development.

The construction site is a vacant lot between Church Street and Florida Avenue, directly across from the Whitney Road intersection. Spartanburg Regional Hospital is within walking distance.

The project is called Village Grove Townes and was built by developer VanRock Holdings LLC. It will include 95 three-bedroom, two-bathroom townhomes for rent. Ten units are income-controlled and are aimed at people earning less than 80% of the area median income, which is about $60,000 a year for a family of four and $42,000 for a single household.

“It’s important that we ask developers as they come in to make sure that we strive to give everyone the opportunity to live in something new, something upcoming, something exciting,” said Mayor Jerome Rice Jr.

Officials have called the area a gateway to downtown because so many cars come from Highway 585 onto Church Street.

“I think this would have an incredible impact on this area and also on future developments, we are really excited about it,” said Erica Brown, 6th District Councilmember who represents the area.

The council agreed to a tax break for the developer. Part of that agreement is that the developer will also make aesthetic improvements to the site. There are still a few steps to go before the development is finally approved. VanRock Holdings LLC hopes to complete the land purchase in 2025.

Progress at Morgan Square

Additionally, City Manager Chris Story updated the council Monday night on several developments downtown, including revitalization plans for Morgan Square.

There has been no significant update on the status of Morgan Square’s revitalization efforts since December of last year, when the city estimated the cost would be $15 million.

On Monday, Story said the design team will return to the City Council in a few months with updated designs and a financing plan, but there will also be more opportunities for public input this fall. He added that construction is estimated to take 9 to 10 months, but if construction is done in phases to limit disruption to downtown businesses, it could take longer. During construction, the city’s events staff is working on backup venues for events like Music on Main, Story says.

We will keep you updated as soon as we learn more.

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