City Hall’s (potential) move to the Bowater Building

Aerial shot of current city hall building (tall, multi-story, black mid-century building)

Out with the old, in with the new. | Photo provided by the City of Greenville

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Hey Siri — play Everything Old Is New Again by Peter Allen.

ICYMI the city was buzzing yesterday with the news of City Hall’s potential move over to the Bowater Building at 55 E. Camperdown Way.

This prime location boasts neighbors like the Grand Bohemian on one side, Camperdown on the other, and Falls Park + the Liberty Bridge right out the front door.

Those views from the Bowater Building 😍

City Hall has been located at its current address (206 S. Main St.) for 50+ years, and Mayor Knox White thinks the move would be a, “...Once in a generation opportunity. Not only does the move to the Bowater Building put city employees and operations next to Greenville’s greatest natural resource, but it will also allow us to provide better customer service to citizens and those seeking to do business with us.”

Black and white photo of a building being town down

“Old” City Hall being demolished in 1970 with “new” City Hall in the background | Photo via the Joe Jordan Collection at the Greenville County Historical Society

The city says the current building (which is, dare we say, a little blasé for a city this cool) needs extensive maintenance totaling $5.75 million, is not large enough to accommodate the staffs’ business needs, nor does it have up-to-date security features.

Some of the biggest benefits for the move —

  • Modernized, ground level council chambers for easier public access
  • Redevelopment of the current City Hall by a private entirety (for potential office, retail, and affordable housing space)
  • Iconic location that will serve as a true one-stop-shop for residents, businesses, and visitors
  • And more

More information on the financing for this opportunity will be released on June 7.

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