Major Development Plans Unveiled for Downtown Spartanburg

News Summary

Downtown Spartanburg is set for a significant transformation with a $542 million Project Core, featuring a new minor league baseball stadium, hotel, and apartments. The plan includes various development projects aimed at revitalizing the area, enhancing community engagement, and attracting visitors. With improvements on West Main Street and a new Planetarium Learning Center, the city aims for a vibrant future. City officials are focused on creating a pedestrian-friendly environment, making downtown Spartanburg a desirable place to live, work, and play.

Exciting Transformation on the Horizon for Spartanburg!

Big changes are coming to downtown Spartanburg! With plans in motion for over half a billion dollars’ worth of development, there’s a buzz in the air as locals anticipate a bright new future. The heart of this revitalization effort is the grand $542 million Project Core, spearheaded by a local developer who’s ready to breathe new life into the area.

The Jewel of Project Core: Fifth Third Park

At the center of this impressive project is the much-anticipated Fifth Third Park, a minor league baseball stadium that promises to be a thrilling addition for the Hub City Spartanburgers, who’re relocating all the way from Kinston, N.C. These baseball newcomers are not just any team; they are affiliated with the Texas Rangers Major League Baseball team, giving local fans a taste of big-league excitement right in their backyard. Mark your calendars for April 15, 2025, when the park is set to open its gates to the public!

Other Exciting Developments

But that’s just the beginning! Project Core is packed with developments designed to transform the bustling downtown vibe. Plans include a shiny new hotel, complete with a six-story structure that boasts a 5,000 square foot ballroom and brand-new restaurant and retail spaces. There are also two modern office buildings set to rise next to the hotel, enhancing the area’s work-life balance. In addition, a five-story apartment complex with a parking garage will be built where the temporary Spartanburg City Hall currently sits, adding approximately 175 residential units that aim to boost the downtown atmosphere.

Before we can look forward to all these marvelous plans, there’s $17 million up for grabs for a redesign of Morgan Square and West Main Street. And, good news for pedestrians: Dunbar Street is being closed off to traffic, creating a more pedestrian-friendly space. Improvements on West Main Street are already underway with a $2.5 million city project, ensuring a lively environment filled with shops, restaurants, and more.

Planetarium Learning Center: A Galactic Addition

Turning our gaze skyward, the new $14 million Planetarium Learning Center promises to be an educational gem, set to partner with NASA for exciting programming scheduled to launch in mid-September. This futuristic development will surely inspire the next generation of star-gazers!

A Community Effort in Progress

The overall investment for these downtown transformations is substantial, comprised of over $300 million from private sources and $120 million from public funding. There are even plans for a combined city-county government complex, with a budget of $52.3 million, consolidating city and county operations in one accessible spot. Oh, and let’s not forget—there are exciting plans for the clock tower on West Main Street, with many eager to see how it will be reimagined in the future.

A Bright Future Ahead

With all these changes in the works, downtown Spartanburg is undergoing a fantastic transformation from a previously sleepy area into a vibrant sports and entertainment district. These developments not only aim to bring locals together but also to attract visitors, enhancing the economy and fostering community engagement.

City Manager Chris Story shared that refinements based on community feedback are already being made, emphasizing a commitment to pedestrian-friendly designs. All in all, the transformation of Spartanburg doesn’t just promise economic growth; it aims to enhance the quality of life for all residents, making it a wonderful place to live, work, and play.

Get ready, Spartanburg—exciting days are just around the corner!

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Additional Resources

• Upstate Business Journal: Spartanburg Stadium Development
• Wikipedia: Spartanburg, South Carolina
• Post and Courier: Downtown Spartanburg Development
• Google Search: Spartanburg development
• Go Upstate: Spartanburg Development Review
• Google Scholar: Spartanburg development
• WSPA: Downtown Spartanburg Developments
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Spartanburg