'Bermuda Triangle' of development to become iconic addition to Greenville's skyline (2024)

GREENVILLE —The city’s Design Review Board approved preliminary plans for a 29-story tower at the most-prominent entrance into downtown Greenville.

Members voted 5-0 to approve the size and general shape of the building, but made suggestions about how the exterior should look. Members recommended designers for the project incorporate more greenery to harmonize with the area's flourishing tree canopy.

This marks the first stride toward developing the prominent intersection of Beattie Place, Church Street and East North Street, often calledthe "gateway site" due to its placement at the delta of Interstate 385.

The property has sat vacant for more than two decades, following the demolition of the Greenville Memorial Auditorium in 1997.

When constructed, the tower will become one of the newest and tallest additions to Greenville's skyline. At its highest point, the building will be four floors taller than the historic Daniel Building. It will feature more than 400,000 square feet of residential space and 12,000 square feet of commercial space on the bottom floor, to be filled by restaurants and retail.

The board previously deferred a vote on NR Investments’ request for site plan approval on April 18, requesting more details on the mass and scale of the building.

The Miami-based firm's previous plan placed a 25-story tower atop 250 N. Main Street. The design has slightly evolved, now showing a two-tiered tower with 24 stories on the north side and 29 stories on the south.

The board praised how far the design had come since its initial presentation, noting the building's slender feel despite its lofty size.

The architect, Johnston Design Group, produced two models of the building for members of the board to mull over.

There was polite debate over whether the overhang on the building should be rectangular or curved. Curved won the day when board member Jeff Tiddy said the smooth edges harked back to those of the former Greenville Memorial Auditorium.

The board has yet to see or vote on the developer's proposed building materials and specific plans for landscaping.

Last year, City Council approved a $3 million allocation that would enable the developer to build public improvements. It’s supposed to be the first of $9 million total in public funds to support the project.

Mayor Knox White previously called the site a "Bermuda Triangle" of development,with its challenging triangle shape and placement. There have been numerous plans to transform the site over the years, but none have been seen through.