07.20.2023

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Investing in Greenville’s past for its future

Historic Greenville medical center receives $600,000 in funding

GVL_McClaren_Medical_Shelter_Rendering_JULY2023

A glimpse into the future. | Rendering via The City of Greenville

A $600,000 investment from state and local leaders will help bring new life to the historic McClaren Medical Shelter, located at Academy and Wardlaw Streets, with the same mission it served in the 1950s: to provide resources to the community.

The past

Dr. Edward E. McClaren opened the Medical Shelter in 1949 after Working Benevolent Society Hospital — which served Black Greenvillians — closed the year prior. At the time, Black citizens were not served at St. Francis Hospital, and Greenville Memorial Hospital only had one ward dedicated to Black patients.

GVL_Doctor_McClaren_JULY2023 — Dr. McClaren performed 300+ surgeries at his medical shelter. | Photo via The City of Greenville

Dr. McClaren built the shelter next to his home with his own money, providing healthcare to his community and serving 1,000+ patients, who either paid out of pocket or received free care since insurance companies wouldn’t allow him to bill them for fees.

GVL_McClaren_Medical_Shelter_Old_Photo_JULY2023 — Dr. McClaren used $15,000 of his own funds to build the shelter. | Photo via The City of Greenville

The present

Rep. Chandra Dillard advocated for money in the state budget to renovate and revitalize the McClaren Medical Shelter and announced $500,000 in state funds on Monday, July 17.

“It was a pleasure to be an advocate to bring much-needed resources back to my district,” Dillard said. “We need to get this project going.”

Greenville City Councilmember Lillian Brock Fleming — who was a patient of Dr. McClaren — also announced $100,000 in discretionary funds each city council district is budgeted for projects within the district.

This $600,000 investment kicks off the efforts to bring new life to the historic building, which was relocated in 2020 to begin the renovation efforts, with plans to break ground on the project this fall.

The future

Once redeveloped, the Shelter will become the McClaren Institute for Health and Quality of Life and will provide health care and support services for the community.

The building will also house the Urban League of the Upstate.

Events

Thursday, July 20

Thursday Spillover Wine Lunch | Thursday, July 20 | 12-1:30 p.m. | The Gallery at M. Judson Booksellers, 130 S. Main St., Ste. 200, Greenville | $45 | Indulge in three wines from the same producer paired with three small plates from Camilla Kitchen.
“SIX” | Thursday, July 20-Sunday, July 30 | Times vary | Peace Center, 300 S. Main St., Greenville | $35-$115 | From Tudor queens to pop icons, the six wives of Henry VIII take the microphone to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a celebration of 21st-century girl power.

Friday, July 21

Greenville Heritage Main Street Fridays | Friday, July 21 | 5:30-9:30 p.m. | NOMA Square, 220 N. Main St., Greenville | Free entry | Groove into the weekend with tunes from the Night Owls.
Turtle Trail Naturalist Hike for Families | Friday, July 21 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Paris Mountain State Park, 2401 State Park Rd., Greenville | $3.50-$6 | Join a ranger on a hike on the Turtle Trail, using tools, tips, and hand-outs to encourage the pursuit of natural wonder.

Saturday, July 22

Saturdays on the District | Saturday, July 22 | 5-7 p.m. | District 356, 225 Field St., Greenville | Free entry | Before every Saturday Drive home game, enjoy a party for the whole family.
Butterbean Tasting | Saturday, July 22 | 8 a.m.-1 p.m. | Greenville State Farmers Market, 1354 Rutherford Rd., Greenville | Free entry | Taste a recipe prepared using fresh SC butterbeans, get the recipe card, and speak with Clemson Extension Master Food Preservers as you shop small vendors.

Calendar of events here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Coming Soon

We have a Whataburger update. Five Upstate locations are currently planned for the Texas-based burger chain: two in Spartanburg + one in Boiling Springs, Duncan, and Anderson. We don’t know when construction will begin or when the restaurants will open, but we’ll let you know as soon as we do. (The Post and Courier Greenville)

Number

$2.5 million. That’s how much the Nicholtown Community Center — located at 112 Rebecca St. — received in grant money from the state to help revitalize the center. The goal is to create “a modern, welcoming center with flexible spaces that can accommodate various activities and gatherings.” (Greenville Journal)

Featured

America’s Best Restaurants is bringing its roadshow to Chicora Alley — located at 608 S. Main St. The show will showcase dishes from the restaurant and interview owner brothers Ben and Burt Dixon. An air-date hasn’t been announced yet. (WYFF 4)

Sports

The Carolina Panthers Training Camp kicks off Wednesday, July 26 at Wofford College with practices open to the public (with free tickets) + autograph availability with the players. Plus, save the date for joint practices with the Jets featuring their new quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, on Wednesday, August 9 and Thursday, August 10.

Drink

Rick Erwin’s Clemson landed on Forbes’ list “30 Cocktails To Enjoy When Celebrating National Tequila Day” with its summer special — La Tacubaya — made with Casamigos Blanco, pomegranate hibiscus, yellow chartreuse, fresh lemon, a sea salt rim, and a dehydrated lime wheel. ICYMI, it’s also on our list of Drink Up specials. Cheers.

Biz

It’s Spinx Night at Fluor Field tonight, celebrating the Greenville Drive’s longest partnership + everything Spinx is doing for the Greenville community. Get tickets.*

Community

Backpacks for back to school season. The YMCA of Greenville’s Backpack Campaign is happening now-July 31. Donate a new backpack or school supplies at any YMCA location for a $0 membership joining fee (read: save up to $69).*

Featured Deal

Want downtown office space without the downtown office price? Enter: Endeavor’s Dedicated Desks with 24/7 access, your own large workspace, lockable storage, meeting rooms, and business perks + tools. Bonus: It costs less than a traditional office space. Schedule a tour by Saturday, Aug. 5 for half off your first month.*

Family

Looking for quality child care? Enter: The Sunshine House, with programs for children 6 weeks-12 years focused on social and emotional development, self-esteem, school readiness, and more. They’re now enrolling for fall at their 13 Upstate locations — space is limited. Learn more + enroll.*

Watch

A local chef heads to Flavortown

A local chef hit the Flavortown Market for “Guy’s Grocery Games”

When he entered the supermarket, Guy said, “We have a rule about having better hair than me.” | Photo by Campfire Marketing Agency

“I’ve basically been practicing for this moment for my entire career.”

That’s what Chef Michael Siebert, of White Wine and Butter at Cartwright Food Hall, said as he hit the Flavortown Market on Food Network’s “Guy’s Grocery Games.”

“Just competing on ‘Guy’s Grocery Games,’ I’m starstruck,” Chef Michael said on the episode. “I have to tell myself not to fan-girl.”

We want everyone to watch, so we won’t share what grocery store games Chef Michael had to play while shopping — or what dish he made for the judges — but we will tease that he went straight to the aisle with grits.

“We eat grits for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in South Carolina,” he explained, and if you’ve tasted his shrimp and grits, you know that was a smart move.

To see what Chef Michael made, which — spoiler alert — the judges called “really good,” “so smart,” and “perfectly cooked through,” save the episode info to catch a rerun.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Danielle

From the editor

I really enjoy learning about historic places in Greenville, especially those that helped so many people like the McClaren Medical Shelter. What’s your favorite piece of Greenville history? Let me know, and maybe I’ll write a story about it.

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