As we near the opening of phase one of Unity Park on Thurs., May 19, the question remains on whenthe observation tower, Honor Tower, will be built, how much it will cost, and what it will look like. The tower’s proposed location is between the future Mayberry Field + Meadowbrook Green. Check out the map of the park.
Current design rendering of Honor Tower | Rendering via MKSK
Late last month, the City proposed allocating $5.5 million in tourism funds from the 2023 budget to match private funds raised for the construction of the tower. However, approval is mixed among community leaders + council members on if the additional funds are warranted.
We want your opinion on the topic, but first, let’s look back at how tower plans + costs have changed:
Spring 2018: Unity Park is announced + its centerpiece, Honor Tower, is estimated to cost about $10 million.
Original design for the observation tower | Rendering via MKSK
Summer 2019: Plans for the tower are pushed to phase two and it is redesigned to cut costs to about $5 million. The new plans reduced the size of the tower from ~120 ft to ~80 ft. The tower will be solely funded by private donations.
Winter 2021: The tower’s overall cost increases to an estimated $9 million. It’s named “Honor Tower” in honor of Veterans and first responders.
Spring 2022: The City proposes to allot $5.5 million in tourism funds to match private funds raised to construct the tower. The current design is a 7-story tower with construction costs estimated around $11 million.
We mentioned approval is mixed. This article from the Post and Courier Greenville breaks down some of the opinions from city leaders:
The tower is “a crucial feature in the overall vision for the park.”
Removing the tower could “dissuade potential donors” + “those who have already pledged funds”.
The price of the park has “grown to be exorbitant…” and “future projects [for the park]… need to be at a level that can be 100% privately funded.”
One leader says they’re not against spending the money, but would want to “explore other options like a plaza or scaled-down tower.”
The 2023 fiscal year budget will have its first reading and a public hearing on Mon., May 23.
What do you think? Let us know below.
POLL
What are your thoughts on funding for the future of Honor Tower?
We would love to hear your opinion on the topic.
The additional funds should be allotted to build it as planned
Alternative designs and concepts should be considered to lower costs
Greenville Drive vs. Rome Braves | Fri., May 6 | 7:05 p.m. | Fluor Field at the West End | $9+ | Ring in the weekend with some baseball and post-game fireworks. 🎆
Shinedown: The Revolution’s Live Tour | Fri., May 6 | 7 p.m. | Bon Secours Wellness Arena | $25+ | Multi-platinum rock group Shinedown performs hits like “ATTENTION ATTENTION” with special guests The Pretty Reckless and Diamante. 🎶
Saturday
Travelers Rest Farmers Market | Sat., May 7 | 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | Trailblazer Park, 235 Trailblazer Dr., Travelers Rest | Celebrate the opening of the summer market season with a plant sale.
Mother’s Day Market with March of Dimes | Sat., May 7 | 12-6 p.m. | Gather GVL | Free | Celebrate mom with good food, a pair of earrings from Clay Expressions La Flor, and a picture of the whole fam from the photo booth. 🛍
Sunday
Carolina Youth Symphony Senior Honors Concert | Sun., May 8 | 3 p.m. | McAlister Auditorium at Furman University, 3300 Poinsett Hwy. | $5+ | Watch senior students perform both solo and as an ensemble. 🎻
Monday
MEnTAL Monday | Mon., May 9 | 6 p.m. | The Radio Room, 110 Poinsett Hwy. | Free entry | Test your trivia knowledge as you rock out and sip happy hour specials.
Formal Meeting of the Greenville City Council | Mon., May 9 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | City Council Chambers, 206 S. Main St. or virtual | Free | Learn more about local updates + weigh in on issues within your community.
Tuesday
Veterans Pickleball | Tues., May 10 | 6-8:30 p.m. | Victor Gym, 108 S. Line St., Greer | Free | Greer Recreation is honoring local veterans + their families with a night of pickleball — all skill levels are welcome.
Winemaker Dinner | Tues., May 10 | 6:30-9 p.m. | Village Kitchen, 2000 Society St. | $75 | Tony Rynders of Tendril Wine Cellars in the Willamette Valley pairs wines with an exclusive menu by Executive Chef Tanner Marino. 🍷
Wednesday
Paint & Sip | Wed., May 11 | 6:30 p.m. | Wine & Design, 1175 Woods Crossing Rd. | $35 | Paint an interpretation of melting time inspired by artist Salvador Dali’s “The Persistence of Memory” on a pre-traced canvas at this BYOB class. 🎨
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
Calling all apartment hunters. We recently got to check out the fresh new look of the Victor Verdae — from its newly-renovated apartments to its oh-so-spacious pool(hello, summer). Keep reading to see how you can Try This + find out how GVLtoday readers can save $3,000 on rent. 👀
Sweet dreams are made of this. | Photo by GVLtoday
What we tried (with pricing):
We toured the 2BR/2BA model unit, but the Victor Verdae also offers studio and one-bedroom units.
It’s easy to get used to the en suite bathrooms, non-carpeted floors throughout, closets with built-in shelving, and spacious open-concept living areas. (Oh, and did we mention the balconies?) Rent varies among floor plans and ranges from $1,1070-1,750 per month.
See more of the renovations + what not to miss when it comes to the amenities.*
81º | Scattered thunderstorms | 90% chance of rain
Coming Soon
The Pineapple Express, an authentic Hawaiian barbecue eatery at Warehouse at Vaughn’s in Simpsonville, is building a new tiki lounge called Blue Piranha Tiki. The lounge will also be located at Warehouse at Vaughn’s and is opening this summer.
Number
$271.5 million. That’s the price tag on United Community Bank’s acquisition of Progress Financial Corporation + its subsidiary Progress Bank & Trust. The Huntsville, AL-based financial company has 14 locations across Alabama and the Florida Panhandle. The merger is scheduled to close at the end of 2022. (Upstate Business Journal)
65 mph. That’s the new speed limit on I-385. Originally 55 mph, the South Carolina Department of Transportation’s study on the highway (ahead of the completion of the I-85 and I-385 interchange) revealed observations like: drivers were traveling safely at 65 mph, shoulders + travel lanes were now wider, and the pavement is in good condition. 🛣️ (WYFF 4)
Announced
Table 301 founder Carl Sobocinski has been named an Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2022Southeast Award Finalist for Ernst & Young — the only representative from SC. The award recognizes those creating long-term value through entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth + impact. Regional winners will be announced Wed., June 15. Congratulations, Carl.
Hook, line, and sinker. Anderson Countyis hosting the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship this year. Anglers from across the country will compete for a cash prizeand a spot in the 2023 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk on Lake Hartwell Wed., Dec. 7-Sat., Dec 10. 🎣 (Greenville Journal)
Award
Legacy Early College English teacher Deion Jamison is the 2023 SC Teacher of the Year. Deion is no stranger to awards, having received the Early Career Educator of Color Leadership Award from Teach for America, among others. In addition to $25,000, he gets a new BMW for one year. (Greenville Journal)
Kids
Calling all Sparkle City parents. Looking for ways tospend summer with the kiddos in and around town? Check out Kidding Around Greenville’s Ultimate Guide to Summer in Spartanburg, SC, featuring places to cool off to summer camps to free activities. ☀️ (Kidding Around Greenville)
Older Adults
The Clemson University Institute for Engaged Agingis now open. Created in partnership with Prisma Health, the institute fosters research in areas like the brain and mobility to develop ways for older adults to engage in community living. The center is located at Prisma Health Oconee Memorial Hospital in Seneca. (Greenville Journal)
Drink
Looking for the tea on bubble tea + boba? Off the Grid Greenville has the deets on this treat, from what it’s made of and what “boba” means to how you order one for yourself and where to find it in the Upstate. Start sipping. 🧋 (Off the Grid Greenville)
Eat
Attention, backyard grilling fanatics: Before you fire up that propaneand break out the tongs, save yourself prep time by stocking up on Lowes Foods Pick and Prep veggies (so you can focus on the fun part). 🍔*
Greenville Federal Credit Union is hiring a Remote Lending Specialist. This position is responsible for providing superior member service, handling service requests relating to financial services, and responding to members’ questions + concerns. Learn more and apply.*
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Not one, not two, but seven female business owners took home awards at this week’s Excellence in Entrepreneurship Small Business Awards event hosted by the Greenville Chamber + CommunityWorks, a local Community Development Financial Institution. The winners include:
Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Ashton Link, 613 Boutique
Minority-Owned Business of the Year: Ebony Sullivan, Suga Pie Honeybun
Editor’s Pick: Happy Friday + first day of Artisphere, GVL. Make sure you’re following @artisphere on Instagram and tuning into its stories throughout today. You might see a familiar face.
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