What does the “Baby BI-LO’s” new owner plan to do with the North Main development?

Many storefronts in the North Main shopping center have remained vacant since the “Baby BI-LO” closed in 2013, but developers hope to change that.

GVL_Baby_Bi-lo_Rendering_AUG2025

Not much has changed in a decade. | Photo by Google Maps

Table of Contents

For more than a decade, Greenville’s North Main neighborhood has watched the former “Baby Bi-Lo” site sit largely empty.

“‘Good things come to those who wait’ rings true here,” said City Council member John DeWorken.

What’s coming

Oxford Capital Partners of Greenville and Chicago-based Northpond Partners purchased the three-acre property in April for $6.75 million. Their plan: transform the 40,000-sqft shopping center to fit and serve North Main — a high-end, all-day gathering spot with a mix of retail, dining, and neighborhood staples.

“We’re curating the best names in apparel, home decor, fitness, and dining — including Greenville favorites,” Harrison Horowitz — who also redeveloped The Shops of Overbrooktold the Greenville Journal.

Desired tenants range from a small grocer, bakery, and butcher to a wine bar, coffee shop, and fitness studio.

The plans

Renovations are slated to begin in early 2026, with completion targeted for the fall of that year. The design adds ~4,000 sqft of space while removing the building’s central tower and gabled roofs. Other planned changes include:

  • Storefront extensions
  • Facade upgrades
  • New lighting and signage
  • Parking improvements

Greenville Mayor Knox White noted the site is a crucial link between downtown and the North Main neighborhood.

“We didn’t want another high-rise apartment project,” White said. “There’s a clear need for quality neighborhood commercial here.”

You can preview designs and speak with developers at a drop-in meeting on Monday, Aug. 26 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Prisma Health Welcome Center at Unity Park.

More from GVLtoday
Here’s what it costs to park in Greenville, SC.
The sweet informal holiday has been celebrated for 55+ years.
This summer, Stone Cottage will open on Main Street with Reedy River Falls views, but we want your help tracking down a mystery artist.
As snow fell Friday, Jan. 30 and stayed through the weekend, you shared your snow day photos with us.
To help make your entire process at the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport as smooth as possible, we’ve created a guide that covers everything from parking to details on the airport’s nonstop flights.
Nominate a student, educator, or school staff member that we should highlight as our Fantastic Scholastic.
Bravo’s ‘Top Chef’ is bringing its kitchen showdown to the Carolinas, with Season 23 filming in Charlotte and spotlighting Greenville’s rising food scene in several episodes.
SCDOT’s rehabilitation on the Church Street Bridge began in spring 2025 and just hit the halfway point in early 2026.
Leave it to Greenvillians to find the fun, even when it’s not quite a “snow day.”