Greenville City Considers Purchase Of New Location At Falls Park

Press release from the City of Greenville:

May 25, 2021

Proposed Deal Would Move City Services to Bowater Building

The City of Greenville is exploring options to move City offices and services to the Falls Park area, at the edge of the Liberty Bridge. Council will consider the sale of City Hall at 206 S. Main Street and the purchase of the Bowater Building at 55 E. Camperdown Way.

“This is a once in a generation opportunity,” said Mayor Knox White. “Not only does the move to the Bowater Building put city employees and operations next to Greenville’s greatest natural resource, but it will also allow us to provide better customer service to citizens and those seeking to do business with us.”

Benefits of Relocation

• Modernized, ground level Council Chambers allow easier access for citizens to attend public meetings
• True One-Stop-Shop for residents, businesses, development community and visitors
• Significantly improved safety and security for the visiting public and City employees
• Improve inter-departmental collaboration and employee morale
• Redevelopment of current City Hall by a private entity
• Bring additional office, retail, and affordable housing to downtown
• Revitalize an aging building in a key location
• Iconic location in the center of Falls Park at Liberty Bridge
• Reduced utility costs, rental income

Challenges with Current Location

• City Hall is not large enough to accommodate today’s business needs; some staff are having to use walk up service counters as their desks
• Not customer service oriented – planning and development functions are located on multiple floors making it difficult for the public to conduct business
• Extensive maintenance needs over the next 8 years at a projected cost of $5.75M
• Security does not meet today’s needs; difficult and costly to retrofit
• Council Chambers is difficult to access; emergency evacuation would be challenging

This press release was produced by the City of Greenville. The views expressed here are the author’s own.