Your guide to Overbrook

Neighborhood Guide: Overbrook

Overbrook is home to historic properties like the Gassaway Mansion. | Photo by GVLtoday

Just a mile and a half outside the heart of downtown Greenville sits Overbrook, one of the city’s first historic districts. In this neighborhood, old meets new through its original homes and recently opened businesses.

If you haven’t explored in a while, it might be time to rediscover why so many people — maybe even you — love to call it home.

Need to know

You’re not the only one with your eyes set on Overbrook. Between 2020 and 2022, there were 300+ homes sold. Wondering why? While we can’t say for sure, Overbrook is known for its rich history, walkability to shops, restaurants, and parks, and its proximity to Greenville schools like East North Street Academy and Bob Jones University.

The early days

Overbrook Cleaners + Foremost Dairy Offices (now Overbrook Village) in 1962 | Photo via the Joe Jordan Collection at the Greenville County Historical Society

The extension of Greenville’s trolley line in 1910 was the catalyst for Overbrook, a neighborhood that, today, gives off an eclectic, secret garden vibe. In 1913, the Woodside brothers (yes, those brothers of Woodside Mill) bought land in the area for $7,500. If only that was possible nowadays, right?

They later sold a portion of the land to R.J. Rowley who is cited as the developer of the first section of Overbrook’s 120 homes that were predominantly craftsman bungalows. Homes (and their lots) built in the neighborhood in the early 1920s were larger as they were developed for “well-off” businessmen + professionals.

Can’t miss

Ice cream from Clare's Creamery in the Overbrook neighborhood of Greenville, SC — We’ve got the scoop on Overbrook. | Photo by GVLtoday

Running low on time? A trip to Overbrook isn’t complete without stopping for a scoop (or three) of honey vanilla or a seasonal flavor of ice cream at Clare’s Creamery, so be sure to factor it into your day. You’ll thank us later.

Click below to see where to shop, eat, drink, and treat yourself. Plus, peek at your potential next home.

COME ON OVER TO OVERBROOK

Would you ever consider changing neighborhoods?

A. No way, I love it here
B. Yes, I’m looking to move to a new ‘hood soon
C. Maybe, if I saw a good deal

LET US KNOW

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Wednesday, Dec. 14

Charcuterie and Wine Wednesday | Wednesday, Dec. 14 | 4-10 p.m. | Tetrad Brewing Co., 603 E. Stone Ave., Greenville | Indulge in a gourmet charcuterie tasting board with dijon mustard + enjoy $5 glasses and 20% off bottles of wine.
“Not Your Grandma’s Bingo” with Randy Ryan | Wednesday, Dec. 14 | 6-8 p.m. | Fireforge Crafted Beer, 311 E. Washington St., Greenville | Free | Play eight rounds of old school bingo for the chance to win prizes + enjoy a craft beer and bar bites.

Thursday, Dec. 15

Third Thursday Market | Thursday, Dec. 15 | 5-8 p.m. | Poe West, 556 Perry Ave., Greenville | Free | Shop goods from 20+ vendors and Village Launch entrepreneurs + enjoy free photos with Santa, G-Rods Latin Fusion Food Truck, and more — bring a gently used coat to donate.
Reimagining Shakespeare | Thursday, Dec. 15 | 7 p.m. | Virtual, Greenville | $5 | The Fine Arts Center in Greenville + the South Carolina New Play Festival host a panel discussion that explores how the works of Shakespeare can be adapted and reimagined towards greater inclusivity.
Phillip Howe Trio Concert | Thursday, Dec. 15 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Sigal Music Museum, 516 Buncombe St., Greenville | $5-$20 | Join pianist Phillip Howe, bassist Mike Holstein, and drummer Kevin Korschgen for an evening of live music.
Shine-A-Light | Thursday, Dec. 15 | 6 p.m. | First Baptist Church, Fellowship Hall, 847 Cleveland St., Greenville | Free | Learn more about the Holocaust Memorial of Greenville, Hanukkah, and hear from featured speaker Ana Sazonov.

Friday, Dec. 16

Indie Craft Parade Holiday Pop-Up Shop | Friday, Dec. 16-Sunday, Dec. 18 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Makers Collective, 2909 Old Buncombe Rd., Greenville | Free | Shop a mix of handmade art, home goods, jewelry, and children’s items from 25+ makers.

Saturday, Dec. 17

A Burchfield Family Christmas | Saturday, Dec. 17 | 8-10:30 p.m. | Radio Room Greenville, 110 Poinsett Hwy., Greenville | $20 | Singer Sam Burchfield performs at the Radio Room with Pip the Pansy.
Holiday Bash | Saturday, Dec. 17 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Paw Paws Warehouse, 400 Birnie St., Greenville | Free | Calling all dog lovers — shop pet vendors, get pictures with Santa, treat your pup to a pawdicure, and more at this holiday bash.
Crafting Saturdays at the Artists Guild Gallery | Saturday, Dec. 17 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Artists Guild Gallery, 200 N. Main St. , Greenville | Free | Enjoy a holiday crafting workshop.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Endeavor’s second annual 12 Days of Members spotlight 👋

Endeavor is highlighting members to celebrate the season. | Gif provided by Endeavor

Picking a coworking space can make you feel like the Grinch choosing an outfit for the Holiday Whobilation. You’re looking for a great location, sparkling amenities, and inspiring people (co)working alongside you.

Turns out that Endeavor’s membership roster is chock-full of inspiring & talented professionals — and not a Grinch in the bunch. Get to know 12 local hustlers (plus a bonus extra) who call Endeavor home in their second annual 12 Days of Members series.*

MEET THE MEMBERS

Weather

45º | Rain | 80% chance of rain

Opening

Bridal boutique Fabulous Frocks will open in Greer (228 Trade St., next to The Davenport) on Thursday, Dec. 15. The franchise will be owned by local real estate attorney Kasey Fowler and her mother, Kristy Fowler. Book an appointment to start your wedding dress shopping. 💍

Community

The City of Greenville and Duke Power recently doubled their funding for the POWER ON service line conversion program. The program offers financial assistance (up to $3,000) to city homeowners interested in burying their overhead power lines — the average cost is ~$2,900. Here’s how to apply to the program.

Biz

The City of Greenville transferred ownership of the McClaren Medical Shelter to the Urban League of The Upstate on Monday, Dec. 12. The clinic, which was founded in 1949 by Dr. Edward E. McClaren to treat Black patients during segregation, will become a community wellness center — the McClaren Institute for Health and Quality of Life.
The Mailroom Barber Co. at Taylors Mill (230-B Mill St, Taylors) is moving to Overbrook (1633 E. North St.) on Tuesday, Jan. 3. The new space will be a modern, gender-neutral barbershop with expanded space and staff. 💈
Ready to take your big ideas to the next level? Garner interest from potential investors and stakeholders with sophisticated software design + digital services made easy by The Worthwhile Company (think: mobile apps, customer experience mapping, data visualization). Schedule an appointment to see how Worthwhile can transform your company.*

Civic

The final Code Connection session is today (Wednesday, Dec. 14) at 5 p.m. The live, virtual update will discuss what to expect in the City of Greenville’s new development code. Join the session. 🏙️

Seasonal

An expanded life size Great Nativity scene — the largest in SC — was unveiled yesterday at Prince of Peace Catholic Church (1209 Brush Creek Road, Taylors). The hand carved and painted scene, which was first unveiled last year, now features three wisemen. (FOX Carolina)

Greenvillian

Kshiraj Talati, a senior at JL Mann High School, has been chosen as a delegate to the United States Senate Youth Program. Kshiraj will join 102 other students in Washington, DC in March. Read more about Kshiraj + the program. (Greenville Journal)

Family

Managing a divorce or separation during the holidays typically adds a layer of extra stress and strain — not only for parents, but also for children. Find out how to make the most of the holidays for you + your kids with these nine holiday coping tips for divorced families.*

Number

150. That’s how many local and regional artists participated in the 20th annual Greenville Open Studios last month. Take a peek inside five studios we were lucky to get to check out.*

Travel

How does Scott’s Cheap Flights work? Sign up for free, follow up to five airports, and Scott’s will notify you when flights are 40-90% off. Bonus: You can browse deals immediately after signing up (like a $300+ round trip to Bermuda). 🌴*

Shop

What gifts are on the radar this season? City Editor Kyle is ready to sport this GVLtoday smile embroidered sweatshirt, and City Editor Danielle is ready to decorate with these Greenville cast iron mice. Shop these unique gifts + more at our online shop Six & Main. 🛍️
(Gift) wrapping up your last-minute shopping? Have a box of cheer delivered by Christmas morning when you order a specialty Carolina Box from Lowes Foods by Thursday, Dec. 15.* 📦

Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.

Remembering the McAlister Square fire

A look back on the history of Greenville, SC’s McAlister Square

Deemed one of the worst in Greenville history | Clipping from the Greenville News via newspapers.com

Today, McAlister Square (225 S. Pleasantburg Dr.) is relatively quiet, but it was this week 41 years ago (Dec. 12, 1981) that holiday shopping was in full swing at the shopping mall before a fire broke out — one of the worst in Greenville history at the time.

The fire was believed to be an electrical fire, and one that spread quickly because of the lack of a sprinkler system within the mall. Smoke + water damage to smaller shops the collapse of a portion of the roof in the northern corridor of the building equaled an estimated $30 million in damages.

McAlister Square eventually reopened in February 1982 and a $5 million renovation began to remove any evidence of the fire.

The former shopping mall now serves as the University Center of Greenville.

Click below to look back on more historic McAlister Square moments.

MORE MEMORIES THIS WAY

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Kyle.

Editor’s pick: All this talk about the start of Overbrook and memories of McAlister Square has me wishing I could time travel to some of Greenville’s most historic moments. Can you imagine seeing Amelia Earhart in the flesh, right here in town? If you could time travel to any historic moment in Greenville, what and when would it be? Take me back.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Get a head start on planning NYE in Greenville.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Kyle Steadings, Danielle Johnson, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Emily Shea| Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Anne Hazard| Advertise with us.

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