Drumroll, please. If you’ve been curious about the Airport District — the City of Greenville’s new focus area around the Greenville Downtown Airport (GMU) and Greenville Convention Center — preliminary design plans have been unveiled.
Need a refresh?
City leaders are crafting a 15-year plan that pairs the city’s economic development goals with the logistical requirements of developing around an airport.
The consulting team at Arcadis — a global architecture, planning, and design company — is offering its expertise. Expect to see development both around the airport and within GMU itself (like runway and facility improvements).
While still in the early stages, the designs revealed in the Airport District Plan Presentation accomplish four project goals:
- Balance the major corridors for all users
- Capitalize on the airport district’s unique qualities (like the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trial opening soon)
- Leverage potential connectivity to create community identity + market value
- Reroute key roads to leverage community assets
Here are some major updates revealed in the plan.
Runway Loop Trail
One 4.5-mile trail would connect the entire Airport District’s perimeter. Runway Loop Trail would link the convention center, Haywood + Laurens Roads, and the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail Green Line.
A mobility hub
Also off the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail will be a mobility hub. Features include skateboard rentals, a bike repair station, BCycle rideshare, and water fountains.
An airplane viewing platform
The plan proposes a viewing platform off of the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail where passersby can stop to watch airplanes coming through GMU.
Safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers
Expect more trees, spot medians, and high quality crosswalks breaking up roads, all with one purpose: to reduce vehicle speeds and crash potential.
Additional development
As for commerce and housing in the district, one recommendation is for a hotel near the convention center. Findings also show nearly 900,000 sqft available for retail and the potential for 1,516 apartments and townhomes.
