Out with the old, in with the new. | Photo provided by the City of Greenville
Built in 1972, Greenville’s 102,000-sqft City Hall is due for major upgrades to improve safety, energy efficiency, and modern workspaces. Renovating — rather than relocating — keeps City Hall anchored downtown, where it’s been since 1938. Now, the city has selected local firm DP3 Architects to lead the multi-million-dollar redesign.
The plan
Renovate the first six floors to house departments like the Mayor’s Office, City Manager, Finance, and Parks + Rec
Shell out floors seven through 10 for future use
Add a new City Council chambers and employee entrance at the rear of the building
Install a new glass facade to transform the building’s exterior
Mayor Knox White has said the renovation aligns with Greenville’s downtown resurgence — and moving Council chambers from the top floor to the ground level will make City Hall more accessible and encourage public participation.
DP3’s design plans and renderings are expected to go before the Design Review Board as early as next spring, and construction is slated to begin in early 2027.
Unflushables 101: How small choices keep our waterways clean
Presented by Reedy River Water Quality Group
Actions — both big and small — have a profound effect on the health of the Reedy River. | Photo by @james_simpson_photography
We all rely on our local waterways — for recreation, for wildlife habitats, and for the overall health of our community. One of the simplest ways to protect them starts right at home: being mindful of what we flush.
Those ever-so-handy “flushable” wipes. While some brands are marketed as “certified” flushable, it’s still safest to keep them out of the toilet.
After all, it’s an understandable misconception that anything labeled “flushable” will safely break down. The truth is that wipes may flush, but they don’t dissolve like toilet paper.
And it’s not just wipes that cause problems.
Many everyday household items that seem harmless — like diapers, feminine hygiene products, cotton rounds, paper towels, cleaning wipes, and even “compostable” or “biodegradable” products — belong in the trash can. These materials don’t break down in water, and they can create the same costly blockages and environmental hazards when flushed.
Rather than trying to memorize an ever-growing list of what not to flush, it’s easier to focus on what you can: only the three P’s. Everything else should be disposed of in the trash. Your city (and your pipes) will thank you.
Clemson University President Jim Clements announced yesterday that he will retire on Dec. 31 — exactly 12 years after stepping into the role. In an email to the Clemson community, Clements said it’s time for the university’s “next chapter.” Trustees are expected to name an interim president and launch a search committee today. (WYFF 4)
Civic
Greenville City Council swore in a new at-large member and three returning officials at Monday’s meeting. Tina Belge now fills the at-large seat vacated by Russell Stall, while Lillian Flemming, Wil Brasington, and Public Works Commissioner Debra Sofield all returned for new terms. Council terms span four years and the commissioner serves six. (Greenville Journal)
Plan Ahead
Collective Soul is headed to the Peace Center on Tuesday, April 28. The Atlanta rock band, now three decades in, recently dropped its 12th studio album “Here to Eternity.” Tickets go on sale this Friday, Dec. 12.
Festival
VIP and weekend tickets for Bear Shadow — a spring music festival in Highlands — go on sale tomorrow, Dec. 11 at 12 p.m. This year’s lineup features Trombone Shorty, Charley Crockett, Mavis Staples, and Margo Price. Explore the full lineup.
Biz
City Council approved a new Entertainment District Overlay downtown that takes effect immediately, stopping new permits for businesses wanting to operate or serve outdoors between 12 and 5 a.m. Existing permits remain valid. The city will watch how the new rules affect safety and business activity over the next year. (Greenville Journal)
Development
Greenville City Council also gave final approval to rezone the Haynie-Sirrine neighborhood, a 92-acre special emphasis area just south of downtown, after the Planning Commission backed the change unanimously last month. The update aligns zoning with the neighborhood’s newly adopted 2024 plan. (Greenville Journal)
Number
30. That’s how many years Mayor Knox White has been in office, an honor he was recognized for at Monday night’s meeting. Congratulations on three decades, Mayor White.
Community
Looking for fun, budget‑friendly ideas to make the most of winter break? From holiday‑light drives and scavenger hunts to $10 ice skating and $7.99 movies, check out this “Holiday Break on a Budget” guide.*
Cause
Greenville, let’s finish the year strong. As the clock winds down on 2025, there’s still time to make a tax-deductible impact right here at home. Explore Give Greenville, the new nonprofit directory, to support local causes that fuel our community’s brightest ideas — from neighborhood arts to community care. Learn more + donate.*
Beauty
Particle Face Cream was engineered for men to tackle skin issues in one simple step — reducing eye bags, diminishing wrinkles, brightening dark spots, hydrating, soothing after shaving, and nourishing deeply with Dead Sea minerals. Use code CITY20 for 20% off today.*
Category
Shop
Be the Broker: Shops at Greenridge
Qdoba is joining the Greenridge lineup in 2026. | Photo by Shops at Greenridge
We all brave Woodruff Road for a trip to Shops at Greenridge. Whether your destination is Best Buy, Marshalls and HomeGoods, J. Crew Factory, Kendra Scott, or Barnes and Noble, chances are you’re headed there at some point this month for holiday shopping.
The popular shopping center is 97.3% leased. With only a handful of spaces open, what’s missing? Answer below to let us know.
Asked
Asked
What do you want to see in the open space?
Share your dream shopping or dining destination for Greenridge.
I had a chance to see “Annie” at the South Carolina Children’s Theatre, and the cast blew me away. This is such a nostalgic show, especially around the holidays, and it’s the perfect December activity (with or without kids).
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