Take a Tour: Bright Minds & Big Ideas by City of Rock Hill, SC

TAKE A TOUR ...AS IT ALL COMES TOGETHER

BRIGHT MINDS BIG IDEAS

DEVELOPMENT

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

WORKFORCE

LIFESTYLE

DECEMBER 2021

WHAT’S INSIDE ON THE COVER: THE THREAD: SIZE + SCOPE: 400,00 SF INDUSTRIAL WAREHOUSE LOCATED IN ROCK HILL, SC. TO FEATURE CLASS A OFFICE, RESTAURANTS, RETAIL & MORE. LARGEST ADAPTIVE REUSE PROJECT IN THE CAROLINAS. estimated delivery | 2022

FEATURED DEVELOPMENT PAGE 4-7 FULL SPREAD MAP PAGE 8-9 DAVID SWENSON

JENNIFER WILFORD

Director York County Economic Development

Director of Economic & Urban Development City of Rock Hill

York County continues to show we are the location of choice and opportunity. Over the past decade we have seen tremendous growth in jobs and investment matched with strong population changes. This hasn’t happened by chance. Our location offers great access to the world and major domestic markets via the Charlotte Douglas International Airport and Interstate 77, a diverse and growing mix of community resources that includes new parks and outdoor amenities, and a world class workforce. Come be a part of our community that is built on a rich history and new collaborative approaches towards future prosperity for all. York County is -- The Location You Need. The Life You Want.

Bright minds + Big ideas thrive as Rock Hill continues to evolve. Our prime location, favorable business climate, talented, diverse workforce, and a wide range of amenities make Rock Hill the ideal place to locate a business and establish a family. From outdoor recreation to special events, and an emerging arts scene, there’s something for every age and interest. I challenge you to forget what you thought you knew about Rock Hill, and come see for yourself what makes Rock Hill a great place to live, work, and play.

YORK COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 1830 SECOND BAXTER CROSSING FORT MILL, SC 29708 803.802.5760

ROCK HILL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 155 JOHNHSTON STREET PO BOX #11706 ROCK HILL, SC 29731-1706 803.329.7090

www.yorkcountyed.com

www.rockhillusa.com

CONNECTIVITY PAGE 10 ENTREPRENEURSHIP PAGE 11 WORKFORCE PAGE 12 EDUCATION PAGE 13 SPORTS TOURISM PAGE 14 LIFESTYLE PAGE 15

MOVE YOUR BUSINESS FORWARD, WITH TECHNOLOGY FROM RIGHT DOWN THE ROAD. At Comporium, we’ve been invested in the success of our Rock Hill community for over 125 years. There’s nothing we enjoy more than supplying our friends and neighbors with the services they need to reach their business goals. From 1-Gig Internet to Business Intelligence services, our job has always been to help you be better at yours.

BUSINESS.COMPORIUM.COM

DEVELOPMENT

HICKORY GROVE

ROCK HILL, SC CAMBRIA HOTEL

The landscape of Rock Hill continues to transform as major redevelopment projects complete, moving Rock Hill toward the long-time vision identified nearly 10 years ago in the Knowledge Park Action Plan. With over $400 million worth of current or upcoming development projects in the urban core of Rock Hill, the Knowledge Park strategy continues to make strides. Whether it’s attracting jobs, businesses or visitors to the historic center of Rock Hill, or creating opportunity and prosperity for the community, Rock Hill is quickly evolving into a walkable, multi-faceted district by reinventing the original heart of Rock Hill. CAMBRIA© HOTEL:

THE The HERALD SITE Herald Site

The Nest

UPSCALE HOTEL WITH RESTAURANT AND ROOFTOP BAR, HEALTH & WELLNESS, INDOOR POOL. LOCATED IN THE HEART OF ROCK HILL’S UNIVERSITY CENTER. www.choicehotels.com/south-carolina/ rock-hill/cambria-hotels

THE NEST: THE NEST AT UNIVERSITY CENTER. LUXURY OFF-CAMPUS APARTMENTS OFFERING 2,3 & 4 BEDROOM FLOOR PLANS WITHING WALKING DISTANCE TO WINTHROP UNIVERSITY. www.thenestrockhill.com

CONCEPT PLAN - OVERALL DEVELOPMENT

The Perch

The Exchange

THE HERALD SITE: NEW MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT LOCATED AT THE FORMER HERALD SITE. FUTURE PLANS INCLUDE RESIDENTIAL, RESTAURANT, RETAIL, AMPHITHEATER AND OUTDOOR LEISURE SPACE. constuction start | Q1 2022 White Point | www.whitepointpartners.com

1MILLION+ SF CURRENT OR UPCOMING DEVELOPMENT

THE PERCH: SIZE + SCOPE: 29,000+ SF, 2-STORY BLDG & FORMER COCA-COLA BOTTLING PLANT TO FEATURE RESTAURANT, RETAIL AND OFFICE estimated delivery | Q2 2022 The Warren Norman Company | Warren Norman 803.366.8141

THE EXCHANGE: SIZE + SCOPE: BEST IN CLASS MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT. 229 APARTMENTS, POOL, LOUNGE ROOF DECK + 26,000 SF OF ADAPTIVE REUSE RETAIL & COMMERCIAL SPACE. estimated delivery | 2022 Catalyst Capital Partners URS Capital Partners

$400 M+ DEVELOPMENT PLANNED OR UNDERWAY

350+

RESIDENTIAL UNITS BUILT OR UNDER CONSTRUCTION OVER THE LAST FOUR YEARS

The Black Economic Leadership League, also known as B.E.L.L., is a local committee comprised of Black business owners and engaged community members within the City of Rock Hill.

Clinton ConNEXTion is a community-driven strategy for attracting jobs, businesses, and housing to the historic neighborhoods of South Rock Hill. Building on a strong foundation of previous planning efforts, the action plan is a tool to help build economic prosperity, address housing needs, and strengthen ties between Rock Hill’s South Side and the development areas addressed in the Knowledge Park Action Plan. Clinton ConNEXTion Action Plan priorities also include enhancing educational opportunities, improving the health, wellness and safety of all residents, expanding neighborhoodbased cultural, arts, recreation and entertainment activities.

UNIVERSITY CENTER ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA

MIXED-USE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE HISTORIC BLEACHERY MILL FEATURING:

The Lowenstein Office Building is a restored historic textile mill that consists of ±225,000 square feet of Class A Office and Retail Space. Available spaces range from ±3,000 to ±20,000 square feet For leasing opportunities, contact: Skip Tuttle or Wes Tuttle skip@tuttleco.com | wes@tuttleco.com.

LIVE, WORK, PLAY! Rock Hill, South Carolina’s newest live-work-play development, University Center offers companies and individuals competitive rates for Class A Office and Retail Space as well as Market Rent Apartments. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: SKIP TUTTLE OR WES TUTTLE

803-366-1158 | WWW.TUTTLECO.COM

UNIVERSITY CENTER MASTER PLAN

DEVELOPMENT

HICKORY GROVE

FORT MILL, SC CAMBRIA HOTEL

THE EXCHANGE

219 & 221 MAIN STREET

Located at the crossroads of North and South Carolina, Fort Mill continues to grow while offering both a small town feel in the historic downtown as well as a mix of upscale amenities closer to interstate 77. Development is diverse, offering Class A office space, new downtown redevelopment projects and retail, growing business parks, as well as award-winning outdoor spaces. Just a few of the many reasons Fort Mill attracts new families each day, expanding their business community and every growing talent pool.

219 & 221 MAIN STREET: 10,000 SF MIXED-USE REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT TO CREATE TWO STOREFRONTS. THE PROJECT WILL PRESERVE HISTORIC THEMES FEATURE HIGH-END OFFICE, RETAIL & MORE. estimated completion | Q2 2022 Kuester Commercial

Kingsley

KINGSLEY: 600+ ACRE MIXED-USE HEIRLOOM PROJECT THAT INCLUDES LARGE CORPORATE OFFICE HEADQUARTERS, LUXURY APERTMENTS, HOTEL, RETAIL, DIVERSE RESTUARANTS & MORE. www.kingsleyfortmill.com Clear Springs Development Company

KINGSLEY

Piedmont Hospital

ANOTHER PROJECT

200,000 SF FACILITY

2022 THIS FALL

100 BEDS

PIEDMONT MEDICAL CENTER – FORT MILL Slated to open in the fall of 2022, Piedmont Medical Center – Fort Mill, is a 200,000-square foot facility designed to meet the community’s needs at every phase of life. The 100 bed hospital will boast all-new equipment, state of the art technology and a compassionate care team. Services include a full-service Emergency Department, Labor and Delivery, Surgical Services, Intensive Care Unit, and a Medical/Surgical Unit.

GIBSON OFFICE PARK

NEW OFFICE | MEDICAL SPACE

KUESTER

COMMERCIAL

V &VI

BUILDING V 14,494 SF

WHO WE ARE

AVAILABLE

O U R PR O D U C T

NEW OFFICE | MEDICAL SPACE The perfect home for companies big and small Rare, large block availability offering efficient and contiguous space on one level Abundant parking with a combined ratio of 5/1,000 SF

BUILDING VI 17,370 SF

AVAILABLE

Kuester Commercial Real Estate provides a full range of leasing, brokerage, development, and management services. The scope and seamlessness of our capabilities, along with our vast expertise, lets us provide customized solutions to real estate owners, business owners, tenants, investors, and professional associates.

E XC E PT I O N A L LO CAT I O N Located within Charlotte’s most sought-after submarket, Fort Mill, SC Easily accessible to high-quality hotels, restaurants, and retailers Convenient access to I-77 and located directly off HWY-160

Contact our Fort Mill office for further information

127 Ben Casey Drive, Suite 103 | Fort Mill, SC 29708 | 803.578.7788 | www.KuesterCRE.com

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Anne Springs Close Greenway Carowinds Amusement Park Catawba Bend Preserve Clinton College Winthrop University Woodend Farm York Technical College

Development Projects: Fort Mill 1 Baxter 2 Kingsley 3 Lakemont Business Park 4 One Sixty Office Park 5 Southbridge 6 Stateline 77 7 219 Main Street Rock Hill 8 Antrim Business Park 9 Aspen Business Park Carolina Panthers HQs 10 Firetower 77 11 Legacy Business Park 12 Riverwalk 13 The Exchange 14 The Perch 15 The Thread 16 University Center 17 White Point Development Clover 18 Westgate Industrial Park York 19 East York Industrial Park

CONNECTIVITY Pennies For Progress TRANSPORTATION York County keeps growing, along with the infrastructure to support business expansion and the people who live and work here. I-77 has consistently seen improvements and widening over the years, with significant investment continuing on roadways across the county. Charlotte Douglas International Airport is just 15 miles from the state line, the deep-water Port of Charleston is an easy drive and rail service is top of the line. Seamless connectivity to Atlanta and Raleigh and the rest of the world are here. York County is poised at the intersection of business, opportunity, and quality of life.

The Pennies For Progress program, an additional 1% tax on goods and services sold in York County, was initiated in 1997 in an effort to provide a funding stream that directly supports residents and commuters with a safer and more efficient roadway system. Funds from the program have allowed York County to leverage over $100 million from the State Infrastructure Bank used for projects that benefit York County’s crucial infrastructure, including the widening of Interstate 77 from Charlotte to Rock Hill. At the completion of Pennies 4, the Pennies program in total will have leveraged over $1 billion in local, state and federal dollars used to fund roadway improvements in York County. Progress on the Pennies 4 Program is currently underway. Some of the major active and recently completed projects include:

AIRPORTS

York County is a 30-minute drive and one flight away from the rest of the world, thanks to the Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). The airport is the 2nd largest on the east coast, averaging more than 700 departures and landings daily. The Charlotte Air Cargo Center, the region’s premier air cargo facility, is also located at CLT International Airport. The Rock Hill-York County Airport is 20 miles south of Charlotte and is the major business and industrial airport serving the area.

Gold Hill/I-77 Interchange (Exit 88) in Fort Mill US 21 widening from SC 160 (Peach Stand) to Springhill Farm Road HWY 51 widening from US 21 to the NC State Line The widening of HWY 274/Pole Branch Road in Lake Wylie near the Gaston County line

$1 BILLION IN INFRASTRUCURE IMPROVEMENTS UNDER THE PENNIES PROGRAM SINCE INCEPTION

Electric buses serve Rock Hill along four major corridors. It’s easy to find routes, stops and buses in real-time. Visit MyRideRockHill.com or download the mobile app to find your ride!

Free to Ride

Electric

Bike Racks

Free Wi-Fi

PLANNED PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE ROCK HILL, SC

Connectivity is a key action item included in the Knowledge Park Action Plan, with a focus on pedestrian, bike and transit connections to support urban development, healthy lifestyles and environmental stewardship. In addition to support of the My Ride transit system, the community group identified the need for bicycle and pedestrian connections. Limited pedestrian access between Rock Hill’s downtown and millions of dollars of new development just to the north, on the other side of Dave Lyle Blvd and the railroad, presented a fundamental challenge. The solution is a pedestrian bridge, anchored by White Point’s upcoming development on the former Herald site. The bridge will be designed to accommodate both pedestrians and cyclists in an effort to more effectively allow people to move between the two areas unencumbered.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP The Gravity Center is an entrepreneurial support organization serving Rock Hill and York County, SC. It is designed to be a one-stop for entrepreneurs and small businesses in the area for co-working space, collaborative events, business education and mentoring. The Gravity Center proudly partners with the City of Rock Hill, York County and other ecosystem builders in education, non-profit and business services. The center is located at 153 South Oakland Avenue in downtown Rock Hill. Visit www.mygravitycenter.com to find local resources and events.

Programs and Services:

Coworking Space Venture Mentoring Service Program Small Business workshops, classes Monthly meetups Encore Entrepreneurship classes for area retirees Legislative Advocacy Monthly LaunchPad event for business pitch Ecosystem Partner Summer Entrepreneurship Camps for Middle & High School students

"As a local entrepreneur, the Gravity Center is where my administrative office is located and where I am in collaboration with other business owners in the area. The Gravity Center’s education and support programs, including the Venture Mentoring Service, are where I can work on and scale my business with expert advice.” - Ryan Sanderson, Owner, Knowledge Perk

Hannah Horne, MBA | Executive Officer, Gravity Center hannah@mygravitycenter.com www.MyGravityCenter.com

"There isn't a day that goes by, I am not amazed by the persistence and courageous spirit of an entrepreneur or small business owner. The Gravity Center's programs are designed with their clear and present needs in mind-collaboration, education, space and mentoring. We are here to help start and scale businesses and help entrepreneurs achieve their full potential." - Hannah Horne, Executive Officer, Gravity Center

WORKFORCE York County’s job growth over the last 10 years is expected to top 21.8%, a strong number that reflects its strategic position as a home for new and expanding high-value businesses and industries. Once almost exclusively dependent on textiles for non-farm employment (though we still have peach orchards and corn fields), York County’s economic diversity has proven it can weather downturns. Strengths in traditional sectors such as finance and transportation are combined with fast-moving trends including advances in automation, robotics and 3D printing. Startups and Fortune 500 enterprises alike have staked claims in York County, making it a hot spot for economic growth for years to come.

21.8%

employment growth 2010-2020

92,262

prime age (25-54) labor force

More than 40 employers recently participated in the York County Regional Job Fair. The event, held at the Rock Hill Sports and Event Center, was a group effort organized by SC Works, Rock Hill Economic Development, the City of Rock Hill, and York County Economic Development.

85.7%

prime age labor force participation rate (25-54)

“We were able to speak with dozens of potential candidates and make offers to ten or twelve throughout the event. It was also a great opportunity to network with some of the other businesses in the area and share best practices.” – David Broadway, General Manager, NFI Industries located in Rock Hill

143,890

York County’s labor force

FIND YOUR TALENT CLOSER TO HOME The latest On The Map Census Data (2019) shows that more than 69,000 workers commute out of York County each day for work – the vast majority traveling just across the state line to Charlotte. Often these commuters sit for an hour or more in traffic, despite the seemingly short 25-mile commute. These workers are employed in everything from Management, Information ANOTHER PROJECT Technology, and Finance and possess the Knowledge Economy skills that many Charlotte area employers are seeking. It is likely that the majority would work closer to home if a similar opportunity were made available closer to home in York County.

1,185,198

labor shed within 45 mins

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau: 2020 Census & American Community Survey (ACS) 2015-2019. JobsEQ, Bureau of Economic Analysis. JobsEQ.

45,870

50,377

69,368

EDUCATION YORK TECHNICAL COLLEGE Focus on Dual Enrollment Program York Technical College annually serves over 500 dual enrollment students in 25 high schools in the 4 public school districts in York County, 4 adult education (GED) centers, local and virtual SC Public Charter Schools and private schools in YTC’s service area. York Technical College’s Dual Enrollment program is exceptional because it offers a high value: • Focused on college completion – 65 dual enrollment students graduated from YTC • Lottery Tuition Assistance and SC WINS scholarships that help offset the already in 2021 (12% increase from 2020) reasonable tuition and fees • Easy transfer to in state and out of state colleges and universities • Low cost textbooks • Student focused • Coordinated pathways for clear course selection • High level of student support • Choice of 96 programs of study • Student focused faculty, free tutoring in person or online • Youth Apprenticeships in automotive repair, nursing assistant, CNC machining • Early Academic Alerts & Midterm Grades communicated to students and electrical mechatronics technician • Choice of course mode of delivery • YTC dual enrollment team of 6 to assist students and parents Popular programs include: University and Engineering Transfer, Automotive Repair, Diesel Engine Performance, Early Childhood Development, Industrial Maintenance/Mechatronics, Personal Trainer, Patient and Nursing Care Technician, Utility Line Worker, Welding

To learn more: dualenrollment@yorktech.edu | apprenticeship@yorktech.edu | 803.415.3181

BEST PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN SOUTH CAROLINA York County’s four public school districts include some of the most highly ranked elementary, middle and high schools in South Carolina and the Charlotte region. source: niche.com

Winthrop University

4-year, Public, Co-Ed 65 degree programs

5,576 students

York Technical College 2-year, Public, Co-Ed

111

degree programs

84%

placement rate

Clinton College 2-year, Private, Co-Ed

degree programs

190

students

York County’s education portfolio encompasses a major university, 2-year and technical colleges, four public school districts, and several high performing private and charter schools, boasting some of the most highly ranked elementary, middle and high schools in the Charlotte region. Along with outstanding and diverse K-12 offerings and highly accredited university recognitions, technical programs offer both vocational training as well as adult continuing education programs.

PREPARING STUDENTS TO MAKE AN IMPACT ON

OUR WORKFORCE

• • • •

Undergraduate programs in high-demand fields such as cybersecurity, data science, applied software development and healthcare management AACSB-accredited business programs – a designation held by less than 5% of business schools worldwide Online and on-campus MBA programs, with such content areas as accounting & analytics and micro-certificates built into the curriculum (GMAT/GRE waivers available to those who qualify) Bachelor of Professional Studies program for adult students seeking to complete their WWW.WINTHROP.EDU bachelor’s degree with a focus on organizational operations or health services

SPORTS TOURISM COMPETITION LIVES HERE A leader in sports tourism, visitors from around the world continue to choose Rock Hill due to our reputation as a premier destination.

World Class Facilities Outstanding Customer Service Convenient Location along East Coast Easy Airport & Interstate Access Amenities to fit every Lifestyle & Interest

$337.86 MILLION

DIRECT ECONOMIC IMPACT

$69.1 MILLION

HOSPITALITY TAX REVENUE

2.5

MILLION ATTENDANCE

490,958

ROOM NIGHTS

PANTHERS + PARTNERSHIP Construction of the new Carolina Panthers practice facility and headquarters is well underway in Rock Hill on a 240-acre site adjacent to I-77. The new development will not only include a world-class sports complex, but also be a true destination for the entire region, offering entertainment, dining, retail, athletics and medical care. The Panthers are already investing in the Rock Hill community beyond a new state-of-the-art practice facility and headquarters. Carolina Panthers Charities made a $200,000 donation to Miracle Park, and David and Nicole Tepper followed with another $500,000. Miracle Park, located at 1005 Eden Terrace, is an inclusive place bringing together people of all ages and abilities to enjoy a playground and sensory wall, Miracle Field, traditional baseball field, and a variety of programmed activities.

LIFESTYLE Discover NEARBY EATS, DRINKS, AND THINGS TO DO DOWNLOAD THE VISIT YORK COUNTY APP

FOOD+DRINK York County boasts one-of-a-kind tours featuring more than a dozen local breweries and the hottest new restaurants. Grab a pint glass, a koozie, and a fork and jump on the #YoCoBrewTrail or the #YoCoTasteTrail in York County – the hardest part is choosing where to start.

HIKE + BIKE Whether you hit the mountain biking trails at the Anne Springs Close Greenway in Fort Mill, head out for a day trip to Kings Mountain State Park near Clover, or enjoy all of the amenities at Rock Hill Outdoor Center at Riverwalk, there is a unique opportunity for everyone.

HIT THE WATER

As Charlotte’s Southern neighbor and the northernmost county in the Olde English District region of South Carolina, York County offers something for everyone. We’re an adventurous, affordable, and authentically southern destination with the appeal of big city amenities and a small-town feel.

CATAWBA BEND PRESERVE

Boat, canoe, kayak or float. There are ample choices when looking to enjoy the water in York County. Whether you experience the Catawba River by tube or a guided tour from Riverwalk. Or, maybe rent a jet ski on Lake Wylie or take a wakeboarding lesson at SouthTown Wake Park, access to water is abundant in York County.

EXPERIENCE THE ARTS If a picture is worth a thousand words, our murals personify our vibrant downtowns and continue to grow. Take in the sights and sounds of York County through live performances, top-rated musical acts, and unique historical experiences.

Catawba Bend Preserve will be York County’s premier nature-based park. Nestled on 1,900 acres of woods and fields, and gently guided by the wild and scenic Catawba River. The land is dotted by majestic pines and more than half a dozen tranquil ponds, teaming with a variety of wildlife. York County’s purchase will protect this rich and diverse property from large-scale development, opening it up for hiking, mountain biking, boating, tubing, fishing, camping, nature study, and more. In the master plan, (left) you can see a detailed layout of what Catawba Bend Preserve will offer York County for generations to come. Implementation of The Catawba Bend Preserve Master Plan was authorized by York County Council, October 4th, 2021.

Mural by Shepard Fairey in Rock Hill, SC

The Greenway Gateway Welcome Center at Anne Springs Close Greenway