Revamping Downtown Lyman: A $6.5 Million Mixed-Use Development on the Horizon
November 13, 2024 – Today as the sun shines on Lyman, one of the sleepier towns of Spartanburg County, there’s a hubbub of excitement in the air. A robust $6.5 million mixed-use development is set to transform the intersection of Groce and Spartanburg roads. The plan? To breathe new life into the location of the former Pacific Mills site, a 32-acre property, and transform it into a bustling hub of activity by 2027.
Plans Resurrected
The project, affectionately known as Pacific Place, was initially left in limbo as developer Rodney Godfrey grappled with economic challenges. High-interest rates, a tentative market, and increasing costs began to cast a long shadow over the development. However, recent political changes, a substantial boost in the stock market, and a more friendly economic climate have rekindled hopes and given Godfrey a fresh reason to forge ahead.
“The political scenario has shifted, and the stock market is doing well. Our interest rates continue to be challenging, but we’re optimistic about imminent reductions,” enthused Godfrey in a candid conversation. The work on the project is picking up the pace with water and sewer installations already under progress.
A Vision for Lyman’s future
The ambitious project is set to feature an impressive 18,500-square-foot, two-story building at 45 Groce Road. This structure will house eight apartments, eight retail spaces, and a special area reserved for a restaurant. The vision is to create a lively town center with retail options on the ground floor and residential areas on the upper floor. “Being able to push this project forward feels monumental,” Godfrey shared.
For the folks in Lyman, this brings a surge of optimism and a promise of invigorating economic growth. Local business owners, like Summer Edgens, who runs the Uptown Tanning Salon across Pacific Place, are thrilled by the forthcoming footfall the development promises. “I genuinely think it’s fantastic for our town”, Edgens expressed, exuding excitement about the local business opportunities this project promises.
More than just a Development
The Pacific Mills project is not just limited to the creation of retail and residential spaces. The addition of new townhomes and the redevelopment of the old mill site also forms a part of this grand scheme. The mill site, which has been falling into disrepair since it stopped operations in 2005 and was demolished in 2012, presents a unique opportunity for revitalization.
Lyman Town Councilman, Adam Crisp, showed great enthusiasm for this initiative. “With the redevelopment of the old mill site and the Pacific Place development, we expect to jump-start the town’s economy.” he commented.
And it’s not just about economic growth but improving the quality of life and safety too. With the forthcoming growth, Crisp highlighted that they will need more officers at the Lyman Police Department and plans to recruit new personnel over the next two years.
Indeed, new hope seems to be dawning for Lyman as the sun peeps through the clouds, promising brighter days ahead as this new development gradually takes shape.
