Hartness Development announced yesterday its plans for a new mixed-use, large-scale Innovation District called Crescent Startup Community.
In partnership with key stakeholders like Furman University, Flywheel, South Carolina Research Authority and Venture South, Hartness Development plans to break ground in early 2022 at 701 Poinsett Hwy. — within a 10-mile radius of downtown Greenville, Furman University, Travelers Rest and the Swamp Rabbit Trail.
Crescent Startup Community’s location on Poinsett Highway is no stranger to innovative entrepreneurs, once being home to the Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company led by Thomas Hartness and the Piedmont Shirt Factory, a contributor to Greenville’s history as the “textile capital of the world” and where of former Greenville Mayor Max Heller first worked after immigrating from Austria.
As an Innovation District (a destination that fosters innovation and the support + exchange of entrepreneurial ideas), Crescent Startup Community will serve to connect inception + growth-stage companies with students, faculty and alumni to foster ideation, development and access to investment capital.
“Furman’s future requires an innovative Furman, so it’s only natural that we would be an integral part of this exciting Crescent Startup Community, “ said Furman University President Elizabeth Davis at yesterday’s announcement.
The community will offer opportunities for entrepreneurs to live, work, play and innovate through offerings like:
- Incubator programs + pitch competitions
- Professional networking and mentorship
- Workshops and study-away programs
- Common areas with amenities like Methodical Coffee and Fitness with a View
“What this Crescent represents is the promise of growth,” said Hartness Development COO Jim Burns on site yesterday.
Phase One of Crescent Startup Community, featuring anchor tenant Flywheel, will open late next year, with additional sections of the district and a green space to follow.
