NEED TO KNOW
| NEWS
DECEMBER 20, 2019 | VOL. 9 | ISSUE 24
THE DESIGN ISSUE
Pictured: Robin Prince
THE GOLDEN YEARS
LS3P CELEBRATES 50th ANNIVERSARY PAGE 6 December 20, 2019 | upstatebusinessjournal.com
1
from
CARLTON MOTORCARS Greenville, SC
THE OPENING BELL
6 LS3P celebrates its 50th anniversary. Get a look inside the growth of their business through the years.
greenville
10 Total Human Resources relocates to a brand new office space with DIRTT.
columbia charleston myrtle beach www.MashburnConstruction.com
QUOTED
4
“When you have an old facility, it takes a very special client, with a very special vision to preserve the space with a nod to its past.” -Rick Bynum, architect
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“We’re really selling emotions.”
Helpin g Families Suppor t Causes T hey Care A bout
-Rose-Marie Geiss, owner, Geiss & Sons Jewelers
THE BIG NUMBERS
70,000
square feet of space in the Piedmont Shirt Factory. Read about the family taking on its renovation on Page 14.
$30,000
funded a study by Craig Gaulden Davis Architecture to determine positive impact of biophilic design. Page 8.
THE HILL FAMILY
DONOR ADVISED FUNDS HELP MAKE GIVING SIMPLER AND MORE POWERFUL
To learn more about Donor Advised Funds, call us at (864) 331-8418 or visit cfgreenville.org. December 20, 2019 | upstatebusinessjournal.com
3
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TECH AND DESIGN
A new lesson plan for Locust Hill School: Local couple to re-open community landmark as wedding venue n story by STEPHANIE TROTTER | photo provided by BYNUM ARCHITECTURE LLC
She’s selected her wedding dress designer, the photographer, even her neutral colors, with a touch of mustard yellow and dusty rose. All that’s left to secure is the venue, and Erin Frost knows exactly where she wants to marry Sean Eads. “The Locust Hill School,” says the 29-year-old. “It’s big. It’s beautiful. The way the sun sets through the windows. The first time we saw it, we fell in love with it.” The couple didn’t just fall in love with the little, red brick building on Locust Hill Road; they spent the next six months figuring out how to buy it, and closed on the property in November. The young couple is now transforming this quaint schoolhouse, 15 miles north of downtown Greenville, into a premier wedding venue for their nuptials and others.
When you have an old facility, it takes a very special client, with a very special vision to preserve the space with a nod to its past.” -Rick Bynum, architect
THE BUILDING
Some 6,600 cars a day zip down Locust Hill Road, which links Taylors to Travelers Rest. With its pointy white cupola, quaint front porch and arched transom window, the beguiling building stands out along the route’s cow-filled fields. Only longtime locals recall the vibrant activity that once thrived inside the community landmark near Tigerville Road. The two-story structure was built in 1923 and served as a schoolhouse for 41 years. Kindergartners through eighth-graders filled six classrooms, using warehouse-style windows for ventilation and pot-belly stoves for heat. The spacious second floor
4 UBJ | December 20, 2019
served as an auditorium and gathering spot, with neighbors roller skating across the tongue-and-groove oak floors on Saturday nights. After closing in 1964, a succession of owners used the schoolhouse as a church and private residence, before it was abandoned for years. Then in 2013, Bill Stephens spotted the sagging roof peeking out from overgrown vegetation. He and his wife purchased the building and its surrounding 3.7 acres for $173,000, with plans to use it for his business. His partner in the restoration: Greenville architect Rick Bynum.
THE ARCHITECT
“When you have an old facility, it takes a very special client, with a very special vision to preserve the space with a nod to its past,” Bynum says. “Bill Stephens had that.” The duo worked on renovating the 7,500-square-foot structure, careful to retain the vintage aesthetics, yet meet modern codes. “This was a poor, rural area,” Bynum says. “The original builders didn’t have extra money for ornate style. This was constructed with a utilitarian response, yet it was the heart of the community and we wanted to honor that. We kept the original floors and the center staircase. Upstairs, we reinforced and exposed the trusses to reveal a 25-foot-high cathedral ceiling.” Once the project was complete, Stephens’ plans changed and he put the property on the market for $785,000. The owner passed away a short time later, and once again, the small schoolhouse sat vacant and forgotten, with Bynum’s drawings sitting in a corner — and that’s where Eads and Frost found them last February during their second visit.
THE LOVE
The couple bought the building for just under $300,000, and with the help of two private investors, is turning it into a million-dollar wedding site called The School House Venue.
“We’ve already booked seven weddings,” Frost says. “Ours will be the first, hopefully next July, if construction stays on schedule.” Bynum is on the job again, melding Frost’s and Eads’ needs with Stephens’ vision and the building’s history. “They have such a passion,” the award-winning architect says. “It’s exciting to have a client who is so emotionally invested. We’re keeping things period-specific, and it’s very expressive with the juxtaposition of modern amenities against the original design.” Frost works as a wedding photographer. Eads is a physical therapist who shoots wedding videos on weekends for their business: The Ten O Eight Co. The two want to make The School House Venue the perfect place for ceremonies, especially in regard to capturing images. “We moved the original stage from 1923 to the other side of the room to capture the late afternoon lighting,” says Frost. “The best part is we’re keeping the setting super clean and white. It’s a blank slate, so brides can add whatever trend they want.” Shiplap, roof outriggers, even faint lines of the old basketball court, all point to decades long passed. “We’ve collected old photos to create a timeline,” says Frost. “There’s also the school bell that was made in 1885, and the bride and groom can ring the bell when they leave.” While Frost guides the vision, Eads balances the books.
“We’ve always had a five-year business plan that included purchasing a venue,” says the husband-to-be. “During market research, we noticed once you get outside the city, all you see are barn-style events. We’ll be providing a boutique-style venue that is different from anything else on the market.” Bynum is guiding upgrades to increase the occupancy load from the original 100 students to 300 guests at weddings, as well as corporate and private events. “Students used an outhouse,” he says. “So, we’ve installed indoor plumbing, a prep kitchen, and we’ve reinforced the auditorium upstairs. But across all of the new elements, we’ve remained faithful to the original style.” Although months from opening, Frost and Eads are already receiving visitors at the property. “Every time we are here, someone stops by who knows the place,” Eads says. “They are desperate to know we are not going to tear it down, and their eyes light up when they hear our plan and that we’re preserving it. Anytime you can keep something with so much character and memories, it’s so much more appreciated in the community.” May it stand happily ever after.
Find out more: TheSchoolHouseVenue.com and TheTenOEightCo.com
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MILESTONE
THE GOLDEN YEARS
LS3P CELEBRATES 50th ANNIVERSARY n story by JEANNIE PUTNAM | photos provided by LS3P
Architectural firm LS3P, built on a foundation of serving the community, celebrated its 50th anniversary in December. James “Jim” A. Neal started the company in 1969 after leaving another firm, J.E. Sirrine Co., to strike out on his own. Neal initially focused on small residential and office projects until the firm won its first large commission in 1973 when it was awarded the opportunity to design the Greenville chamber building on Cleveland Street. After that project, the firm was able to expand into another sphere of architecture, rather than the smaller projects, according to Scott D. May, vice president/Greenville office leader. In addition to building the business, Neal focused on serving the Greenville community even in the firm’s early days, he said. “Jim served the community in a number of different capacities and I think he transferred that (com-
munity service attitude) to a number of our employees here,” May said. “Whether it was serving in his church or serving the community at large, or serving individuals. We tried to emulate what he established as a long-term commitment.” Neal’s commitment to doing the right thing by providing quality design for reasonable compensation is a value the firm still holds today. This commitment led to the firm’s continued growth and expansion into other markets including K-12 and higher education by working on projects for Clemson University and other colleges. In 2005, Neal retired and the firm passed to May, who oversaw the merger of Neal Prince with LS3P in 2011. May said he felt the Greenville office’s values following the merger were very much in line with LS3P as a whole because its founder, Frank Lucas, attended Clemson with Neal. “They often called each other to chat about who was going to Below: Jim Neal discusses drawings with a colleague. buy which firm and who was going to merge where,” May said. “We had a long legacy
with the relationship between Jim and Frank.” The merger with LS3P allowed Neal Prince to join with seven other offices throughout North and South Carolina and to expand its platform to offer more services. The firm was also able to expand into different markets. “We have been enjoying that merger opportunity and the collaboration that has resulted from being one of eight offices throughout North and South Carolina,” May said. “Over the last nine years or so since that merger, we have continued that rich heritage of providing not only design services, but services to our community, which we feel very strongly about.” With the Greenville office celebrating its 50th year, May said the company has had time to reflect on the changes. Besides moving from using lead pencils and transparent onion skin paper to draw designs to going entirely electronic, the company has integrated interior design from the beginning of a project. “It used to be that, for instance, interior design was an afterthought in
It’s very diverse, which I think sets us apart (because) that is something that is not normally found in architectural firms is to have leadership with backgrounds outside of architecture. It’s a unique characteristic. It’s great to see how progressive the office has been.” -Kristie Holden, business development leader, LS3P
6 UBJ | December 20, 2019
LS3P
1969
THROUGH THE YEARS
James A. Neal starts firm at 1930 Augusta St.
1987 Firm becomes Neal Prince & Partners Architects Inc.
1990 Dave Benham, Scott May and Joel Van Dyke are made partners; firm moves to 110 W. North St.; first major church project, the Billy Graham Chapel
2007
Firm becomes Neal Prince Architects; first major AIA SC Residential Award Robert Mills Covington Penthouse
2011 Firm merges with LS3P and Greenville office becomes LS3P (Neal Prince legacy firm)
Pictured: Jim Neal drafting
NOTABLE PROJECTS • Billy Graham Chapel in Black Mountain, NC • Clemson University Littlejohn Coliseum renovation
• Most of CU-ICAR • Furman University the Duke Library
• Greenville Technical College Center for Manufacturing Innovation
Below: Jim Neal and colleagues discuss files at a church.
1973 1st major project (Greenville Chamber of Commerce building); move to second office on Cleveland Street
1980 Firm becomes Neal Prince & Browning; Robin Prince made partner
2000 Firm becomes Neal Prince + Partners Architects
2005
James A. Neal retires and Scott May takes over
2019 Firm moves to One building in Greenville
architecture,” May said. “Today it is integrated from day one in the planning that we do and how our interior environments work. We have grown a lot in our understanding of sustainable materials and how to build sustainable projects. In fact, our office here (Greenville) is going to be LEED (Lead in Energy and Environmental Design) gold interior office fit-up. That’s a sustainability certification organization.” In addition to the changes with how designing is done, the makeup of LS3P’s leadership has evolved as well. “Fifty years ago, you would see the leadership (in this office) as male architects,” said Kristie Holden, business development leader. “Today, that is not the case. We have people who do not hold architectural degrees in leadership. We have interior designers and accountants and a host of individuals, male and female
in our leadership across the firm. It’s very diverse, which I think sets us apart (because) that is something that is not normally found in architectural firms is to have leadership with backgrounds outside of architecture. It’s a unique characteristic. It’s great to see how progressive the office has been.” Along with all the changes that have happened over the last 50 years, the firm’s leaders also attribute the firm’s ability to survive the various economic downturns to its diverse portfolio of work, which includes faith-based and community colleges. “Because we have a diverse portfolio of work, we think often that our faith-based clients are typically countercyclical to the business cycle,” May said. “When we have a good mix of commissions that follow the business cycle and those that are countercyclical, that’s how you create
enough diversity to sustain some of those economic downturns.” Ultimately, May said he feels that trying to make a positive impact in the communities LS3P serves is the root of the company’s success. The company’s legacy is “making a positive impact on our communities, the people that we serve and individuals that make up our employee base,” he said. “I think reputation has certainly helped us stay open. I think the value system and the way we work with our clients and our employees, (by) just trying to do the right thing has helped us. We have a great reputation with our constructor partners as well as many of the legacy clients that have been with us for 30 years. Clemson is a great example. We have done hundreds of projects. Our latest is the new college of business facility that will open in April 2020.”
December 20, 2019 | upstatebusinessjournal.com
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TECH AND DESIGN
Craig Gaulden Davis Architecture concludes biophilic learning space study n story by GEORGIA GAY | rendering by CRAIG GAULDEN
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Craig Gaulden Davis Architecture, vironment, enjoyment and math acaheadquartered in Greenville with a demic performance were analyzed. The study group had a view to a second office in Baltimore, recently concluded a $30,000 funded research garden that was planted right outside study with Morgan State University, of the classroom window. “The garden acts as a way for stuThe Salk Institute and Terrapin Bright Green to determine the positive im- dents to focus on something in napact of biophilic design in learning ture that in return helps them to recharge and regain their focus in the spaces and on student success. Jim Determan, a principal archi- classroom,” Determan said. Biomorphic forms and pattect with Craig Gaulden Davis, defines biophilic design as a concept terns were also incorporated into used within the building industry the floor and ceiling design of the to increase occupant connectivity study group room. “Contour patto the natural terns found in the environment Our research carpet and a 3D through views to nature, biomor- was based on previous biomorphic pattern in the ceiling are phic forms and processed easily by patterns, and explorations of the brain, alleviatdynamic and biophilic design.” ing stress,” Deterdiffused light-Ed Zeigler, president and CEO, man said. ing. “Few studies Craig Gaulden Davis Finally, with dyaround the marnamic and diffused gins of biophilic design have been conducted in learn- lighting, the classroom’s opaque mini-blinds were replaced with moing spaces,” Determan said. Ed Zeigler, president and CEO of torized, perforated and translucent Craig Gaulden Davis, says this proj- roller shades operated by a solar cell. ect is the first to test the impact of Determan said that a lack of daylight biophilic design on student success can prevent students from an enhanced learning outcome. in a K-12 environment. Through all of the biophilic design “Our research was based on previous explorations of biophilic design elements implemented in the sixth so, intuitively, we suspected the ex- grade classroom, the study strongly periment would render positive re- suggested that there is an association with biophilic design and stusults,” Zeigler said. A sixth grade math class from dent success. Green Street Academy in Baltimore “Once the evidence of an associawas selected as the study group, tion between biophilic design, stress which incorporated the biophilic reduction and improved learning design in its classroom. It was then outcomes is widely known, we expect compared with a seventh grade math to see it employed in learning spacclass, which was the control group. es in Greenville and throughout the Stress, perceptions of the learning en- country,” Zeigler said.
8 UBJ | December 20, 2019 10MBA-Ad1-Print--AfricanAmericanMale-UBJ-v3-2.indd 1
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TECH AND DESIGN
Total Human Resources locates to new office space with DIRTT
n story by GEORGIA GAY | photos by COLEMAN GREEN WITH THE TEN OH EIGHT CO
Previously located on The Parkway in Greer, Total Human Resources was ready for a change of space. What started as a rough plan on a napkin is now the company’s current space, located at 1041 Verdae Blvd. in Greenville. Robbie Randolph, a real estate agent with Blackstream and an interior fashion stylist, helped Jason Thomas, director of operations of THR, find the current space. “The owners of THR are friends and clients of mine who were looking for new space to lease,” Randolph said. THR wanted a large space that also had a corporate feel to it. “DIRTT was recommended for this particular project after taking their wants into consideration,” Randolph said. DIRTT — which stands for Doing It Right This Time — is an
integrated, prefabricated, modular construction process enabled by advanced technology that is designed to minimize waste and make deployment more efficient. “We were wanting to either renovate our old space or move into a new space,” Thomas said. “With the new space, we were able to bring everyone together and collaborate better compared to our old building.” With DIRTT, the only fabrication done on site were the floors, ceiling and one wall. “Everything else is made in a factory and shipped to the space,” Randolph said. Thomas said the installation took a week, and gave the office space a modern look. “I came in one day and there wasn’t anything set up but came back at the end of that week and everything was set up,” he said.
With the new space, we were able to bring everyone together and collaborate better compared to our old building.” -Jason Thomas, director of operations. THR 10 UBJ | December 20, 2019
THR has been in its current space since the last week of October. The doors in the building slide open, instead of a typical push or pull, which has presented the only real challenge, Thomas said. “We actually had a UPS driver come in and pull one of the doors off the rails,” he said.
With plans to stay in their current space for three to five years, Thomas finds the setup to be perfect. “And if we grow — which we are — we would love to take over the space located right next to us in the building,” he said.
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Rooftop Pool, Falls Park Place photo by J. Jones Photography
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MILESTONE
Geiss & Sons Jewelers celebrates 30 years in Greenville
n story and photos by EVAN PETER SMITH
As the longtime co-owner of Geiss & Sons Jewelers in Greenville, Rose-Marie Geiss can be forgiven for using jewelry terminology when telling a story. Take the time she met her husband and business partner, Fernando Geiss. It was the late 1980s, and Rose-Marie was busy running her French restaurant Rose-Marie’s Café, when she saw Fernando walk through the door. It was, she says now, “instant sparkle.”
We’re really selling emotions. ” -Rose-Marie Geiss The couple have now been together for almost as long as Geiss & Sons has been in Greenville. Having just celebrated its 30th anniversary in its Haywood Road location, Geiss & Sons Jewelers has earned its place as a local institution for those looking for their own “instant sparkle” moments. But the story of Geiss & Sons goes back even further than 30 years — a full 70 years further, to be exact.
12 UBJ | December 20, 2019
A FAMILY LEGACY
One hundred years ago, in 1919, Fernando Geiss’ grandfather opened up the first Geiss jewelry store in Brazil. He had no way of knowing that it would be the start of a family tradition that would go on to span a full century — and expand to a different continent. It was the whims of political fate that swept the Geiss family into North America. In 1964, Brazilian President Joao Goulart was thrown out of office, in what is now known as the 1964 Brazilian coup d’état. When the military took over the Brazilian government, establishing an authoritarian dictatorship, Fernando Geiss’ father decided it was time to take the chance on a new nation. Fernando Geiss was just 9 years old and spoke not a lick of English when he and his family arrived in the United States. “It was difficult,” he says now. “We didn’t know anyone, and we didn’t speak the language. It was a major adjustment. But after a couple of years, we fit right in.” His father quickly made the most of their newfound home, opening the first local Geiss & Sons location in Spartanburg in 1967. Fernando
Geiss grew up immersed in the world of jewelry, developing a keen eye for the intricacies of color, cut, clarity and carat. To further expand his knowledge, he spent three years in Pforzheim, Germany, mastering the art of goldsmithing at Goldschmiedeschule (a jewelry school) before coming back to open up his own Geiss & Sons location in Greenville. That’s when Rose-Marie entered his life.
SELLING EMOTIONS
An immigrant herself, Rose-Marie hails from the French-speaking region of Switzerland around Geneva. And yet here she was in Greenville, South Carolina, running her own restaurant. That enterprising spirit, coupled with a shared love for European culture, drew her and Fernando together. They’ve been working side by side at Geiss & Sons ever since. But to hear Rose-Marie tell it, the beautiful jewelry that gleams in every corner of the store isn’t what draws her to work each day. “We’re really selling emotions,” she says. “That’s what makes me come into work every day, knowing that we’re going to make somebody happy at a special moment in their lives
The first Geiss jewelry store was opened in 1919 in Brazil with a beautiful piece of jewelry that they’ll have forever, and beyond forever even — something to give to their children and grandchildren.” Not unlike a family business that passes from grandfather to grandson, Rose-Marie hopes each piece of jewelry will stand the test of time, providing an emotion that strengthens with each passing year. “If you don’t feel that emotion for the jewelry,” she says, “you cannot sell it.”
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SQUARE FEET
Former Piedmont Shirt Factory building to be revitalized by family of entrepreneurs n story and photos by JESSICA MULLEN | rendering JOHNSTON DESIGN GROUP
The Piedmont Shirt Factory on Poinsett Highway is being revitalized in 2020 by a family of entrepreneurs who plan to create a new space for the community to gather. The husband-and-wife team of Fred and Paula Jane “PJ” Rosen are the new owners of the building, while their children Matt McClain and Chelsea Rosen are working closely with them as their first tenants. McClain and Chelsea Rosen
We want to take care of the people here, rather than scrounge them out.” -PJ Rosen, new owner, Piedmont Shirt Factory
14 UBJ | December 20, 2019
are the owners of Treehugger Customs, a company that builds custom, sustainable environments, which will be headquartered at the space. The 70,000-square-foot warehouse at 111 Henry St. sits across the street from the former location of the Piedmont Shirt Factory’s main production building, which was torn down in 2013 after falling into disrepair. “The Poinsett Highway is a real gateway coming into Greenville,” PJ Rosen says. “It has come into disrepair, but we want to get it back to feeling like a very special area that, as you’re coming into Greenville, makes people proud.” “Greenville used to be completely driven by the textile industry, and when we ignored that, the community suffered,” says local textile historian Don Koonce. He notes that The Piedmont Shirt Factory would have depended heavily on the area’s textile industry for materials as it manufactured its apparel products. “There’s a lot of awesome culture and history in the area,” McClain says. “We feel that Piedmont Shirt Factory is an opportunity for us to memorialize that.”
The Piedmont Shirt Co. was where Max Heller, who would later be the mayor of Greenville, Above: (left to right) Chelsea Rosen, Fred Rosen, PJ Rosen and Matt McClain first worked as an work spaces or even a co-op on the immigrant from war-torn Austria during the Second property. Outdoors, the Rosens have World War, according to Koonce. plans for a beer garden and a green The Rosen family plans to continue space, and will partner with Ride that inclusive spirit in their plans Garden to build a pump track, acfor the property. “We want to take cording to Fred Rosen. The Rosens plan to start tenant care of the people here, rather than upfitting in August 2020. They scrounge them out,” says PJ Rosen. “It’s another way of salvaging,” says would like to open the space to the McClain, whose reclaimed wood- public in the fall of 2020. As they work is one of the hallmarks of his welcome new partnerships, the Chelsea Rosen’s work at Treehugger owners say they want to keep their Customs. These values are what led community vision at center stage. the family to choose Greenville-based “We want to maintain the synergisJohnston Design Group as the ar- tic approach with the tenants that chitects behind the renovations. “We are here. We want them to have the picked them because of their portfo- same philosophies that we have as lio and reputation, and also because far as the community,” McClain says. of their sustainable approach to their The Rosen family want the comdesigns,” McClain says. munity to name the space, too. A Treehugger Customs is the first contest is open to allow the public to tenant at the location, but the Ro- pick the name, and a $100 prize will sens plan to welcome other local be awarded to the winner on Jan. 21. businesses to the property, which is a 10-minute drive from downtown Greenville. They hope to see artist For more information studios, restaurants, breweries, co-
on the naming contest and the Rosen family visit UpstateBusinessJournal.com
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BUSINESS
Mailroom Barber Co. rebrands as The Oxford Barber Co., announces new location
New to the Street Recently opened businesses in the Upstate
n story by ARIEL TURNER | photos by PAUL MEHAFFEY
The Mailroom Barber Co. location at 1256 Pendleton St. in the Village of West Greenville has rebranded and will move just around the block. As of Thursday, Dec. 5, the shop is known as The Oxford Barber Co. under the same owner, John Redgrave. The new location hasn’t yet broken ground, but Redgrave has signed a lease for the entire first floor of the new construction project by Henry and Harrison Horowitz at 578 Perry Ave.
The new 2,092-square-foot, two-story building will be constructed on land next to Kuka Juice, with groundbreaking expected in January and completion projected for early summer. The Oxford Barber Co. will occupy the 1,046-square-foot first floor. Redgrave opened the Mailroom Barber Co. location in the Pendleton Street retail collective called The Saltbox 18 months ago in partnership with the Mailroom Barber Co. based in Florence, South Carolina. “I wanted to open strong and have a strong base,” Redgrave says of the partnership.
Bon Secours AFC Urgent Care recently
opened another facility. This location offers urgent care, vaccinations, on-site labs, X-rays, physicals and more. Where: 2709 Pelham Road, Suite B, Greenville
Now the two companies have chosen to part ways on good terms, and Redgrave says he will continue to carry the Mailroom Barber retail line. Redgrave says the move, with three times the square footage, will allow him to create a high-end gentlemen’s experience while still maintaining a reasonable price point. He plans to expand from four chairs to as many as eight and is currently hiring skilled precision barbers. Spa-like services and packages and a complimentary Scotch bar will also be available, while precision barbering will remain the primary focus. “We’ll be adding a lot more of an experience factor,” Redgrave says.
THE OXFORD BARBER CO. 1256 Pendleton St. | Greenville (current) 578 Perry Ave. | Greenville (summer 2020)
Hours: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. MondaysFridays and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays For more information: Call 864-651-9217 or visit www.www. afcurgentcare.com
Best Western Plus recently opened. This
hotel offers free Wi-Fi, complimentary full hot breakfast, meeting space, fitness center and a seasonal outdoor pool. The guest rooms feature microwaves and refrigerators, sofa beds in select rooms, flatscreen TVs and coffee makers.
Where: 831 Congaree Road, Greenville For more information: Call 864-288-6221 or visit www.bestwestern.com
Is Your Space Ready? SPACE PLANNING • FLOORING • FURNITURE ARCHITECTURAL PRODUCTS • TECHNOLOGY
youngoffice.com • 864-281-9500
16 UBJ | December 20, 2019
THANK YOU FOR NETWORKING WITH UBJ IN 2019 We look forward to connecting with you in 2020.
From the Business on Tap event on December 4 at The Whale Photos by Jack Robert Photography
NEWS |
NEED TO KNOW
Networking + Business Events Planner JAN
1
JAN
2
Leads Group
Links Group #1
Noon-1 p.m. | Mauldin Cultural Center
8:45-10 a.m. | Greenville Chamber
Rotary Room, 101 E. Butler Road, Mauldin
550 S. Main St., Greenville
For anyone looking for business leads.
This non-compete leads group offers business networking and referral marketing.
The Mauldin chamber at 864-297-1323
JAN
2
Ebony Austin at 864-239-3730 or eaustin@ greenvillechamber.org
Chamber Connects Referral Group 2
SQUARE FEET
Front Row: Dec. 2019 Design Review Board Urban Panel n story by SHERRY JACKSON
The December City of Greenville Design Review Board Urban Panel meeting only had three board members in attendance with four items on the agenda and two informal items to review. All applications were approved.
435 W. WASHINGTON
The first project was an application of appropriateness for a new 43,000 square foot building for the Downtown Presbyterian Church located at Washington and Broad streets. There was some discussion about changing the pattern of the brick on the new steeple to be a little more decorative since this is a “gateway site to the city.”
CITISCULPT (LEFT rendering by MCMILLAN,
Noon-1 p.m. | Simpsonville Chamber 100 W. Trade St., Simpsonville Monthly series featuring a guest speaker and information to help grow your business. Topics include marketing strategies, business resources, local industry trends and more. Free to Simpsonville chamber members. Josh Wiseman at JoshWiseman@KW.com
JAN
22
(RIGHT
rendering by GOOD CITY ARCHITECTS)
PAZDAN, SMITH)
Next up was the Citisculpt project originally approved October 2017. The mixed-use development on the corner of Academy and West Washington streets, where the AGFA building now sits, is expected to have 263 apartments, a 500-space parking garage, a 60,000 square foot office building and potentially a hotel. The owners have now decided to move forward with the multi-family component first. Overall the board liked the project with DRB member Danielle Fontaine calling it a “beautiful project with traditional design mixed with modern.”
1 AUGUSTA STREET
The building currently housing Smoke on the Water, Mellow Mushroom and other businesses will get a new coat of paint and some general “sprucing up.” The stairway and canopy located at the back of the building will get a new look as well.
31 S. MAIN STREET
Fifth Third Bank requested an outdoor café area, new signage and lighting for its building. The outdoor area doesn’t meet city guidelines and was denied as the applicant doesn’t serve food. The other part of the application was approved and is part of a new concept for the bank. On the ground level, Fifth Third will have an interactive ATM where customers can learn more about the bank, close loans and open bank accounts virtually.
Business on Tap 5:30-7 p.m. | Genevieve’s 300 S Main Street, Greenville Upstate Business Journal’s casual networking event in a relaxed atmosphere. No pressure. No presentations. Bring your friends, grab your business cards and meet interesting people who have new ideas to share.
18 UBJ | December 20, 2019
INFORMAL REVIEW
Two items were presented during the informal review. The city presented a text amendment to adopt a Local Landmarks Ordinance. The new ordinance is common in other cities and would allow any property owner to apply to be a landmark site. Once a landmark, structural and exterior changes would need to go in front of the DRB. Staff said many property owners have
NEED TO KNOW
| NEWS
BUSINESS
UP NEXT
On the Move Some of the Upstate’s most recent hires, promotions, awards and appointments
GOT ANY THOUGHTS? CARE TO CONTRIBUTE?
PUBLISHER Mark B. Johnston mjohnston@communityjournals.com
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
LET US KNOW AT
upstatebusinessjournal. com/submit.
Susan Schwartzkopf
EDITOR Claire Billingsley
HIRED: Chris Robinson recently joined GrandSouth Bank
as a senior vice president of commercial banking. Robinson previously worked at Carolina First and as a senior lender and team leader with South State Bank. He is a graduate of the University of South Carolina.
HIRED: Anna Friddle recently joined NAI Earle Furman as a
broker. Friddle was previously a sales executive in the information technology industry for over a decade. She specializes in value-add commercial and residential investment properties with an emphasis on single-family portfolios, multifamily developments, and investor relations.
ASSOCIATE BUSINESS EDITOR Sherry Jackson
STAFF WRITERS Georgia Gay, Jessica Mullen, Evan Peter Smith
MARKETING & ADVERTISING DIRECTOR OF SALES Emily Yepes
MANAGER OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MARKETING REPRESENTATIVES
RELATIONSHIP MANAGER ACCOUNT MANAGER
Holly Duncan recently joined Converse College as
Callie Michalak
Dr. Tarak Shah recently joined Carolina Nephrology’s
team. Shah is certified on the American Board of Internal Medicine. He serves as a professional member in the American Society of Nephrology and has co-authored multiple medical publications.
UBJ
Heather Propp | Jessica Schwartz Abby Guin
HIRED:
HIRED:
IN THIS WEEK’S ISSUE OF UBJ? WANT A COPY FOR YOUR LOBBY?
Donna Johnston
Jackson Marketing Group celebrates 25 years By sherry Jackson | staff
Solve. Serve. Grow. words summarize Jackson Marketing Group’s guiding principles, and ac cording to owner Larry Jackson, form the motivation that has kept the firm thriving for the past 25 years.
Meredith Rice
chief communications officer. Duncan was previously director of brand marketing for the Harlem Globetrotters and held multiple management positions for Verizon Wireless. She started her career at EP+Co (Erwin Penland).
EVENTS: Submit event information for consideration to events@communityjournals.com
20 Upstate bUsiness jo
CLIENT SERVICES Anita Harley | Lizzie Campbell
DIGITAL CONTENT MANAGER
Order a reprint today, PDFs available for $25. For more information, contact Anita Harley 864.679.1205 or aharley@ communityjournals.com
John Olson
ART & PRODUCTION GRAPHIC DESIGNER Laura Allshouse, Kimberly Collier
ADVERTISING DESIGN Michael Allen
VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS Holly Hardin
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Kristi Fortner
HIRED: Liza Brethouwer recently joined United Community
Bank as vice president/director of retail product management. Brethouwer has nearly two decades of experience and was previously employed by ING Group in the Netherlands. She is a graduate of Southwestern University and the University of Texas at San Antonio.
NAMED: Jack McDonald recently named partner at Bannister,
Wyatt & Stalvey. McDonald has been with the firm for ten years with his practice primarily being focused on real estate law. He is a graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law.
publishers of
HOW TO CONTRIBUTE EVENTS: events@upstatebusinessjournal.com
NEW HIRES, PROMOTIONS, AND AWARDS: onthemove@upstatebusinessjournal.com UBJ welcomes expert commentary from business leaders on timely news topics related to their specialties. Guest columns run 500 words. Contact the editor at editor@communityjournals.com to submit an article for consideration. Circulation Audit by
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December 20, 2019 | upstatebusinessjournal.com
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