Greenville, SC, September 4, 2025
News Summary
The City of Greenville has started a significant renovation of City Hall to enhance accessibility and modernization. This project will involve revamping the first six floors, constructing new city council chambers, and retaining the historical essence of the building while incorporating modern features. The renovations, estimated at $35-$40 million, aim to reflect the city’s growth and improve public engagement. The timeline includes a 12-month design phase, with construction expected to begin in early 2027 and finish by late 2028.
Greenville, SC Launches Major Renovation for City Hall, Aims for Accessibility and Modernization
The City of Greenville has initiated a significant renovation project for its City Hall located at 206 South Main Street. On September 3, the city issued a request for proposals (RFP) to initiate the major overhaul, with design submissions due by September 30.
This renovation aims to completely revamp the first six floors of City Hall, which will house various city departments, including the mayor’s office, city manager’s office, and city attorney’s office. The upper four floors will undergo an interior renovation, leaving them as a shell for future development. Additionally, a new structure will be constructed at the back of the building to accommodate new city council chambers and a dedicated employee entrance.
The redesign seeks to reflect Greenville’s booming downtown area while prioritizing public engagement, as the new council chambers will be relocated to a more accessible ground-floor location. The permitting and design phase is anticipated to last for 12 months, with construction projected to start in early 2027 and wrap up by late 2028, subject to potential adjustments to the timeline.
City officials determined against selling the City Hall building, opting instead to retain ownership due to the structure’s logistical suitability and sound condition. Greenville City Hall, which opened its doors in 1938 as a courthouse and post office, has never seen extensive renovations in its more than 50 years of operation. A feasibility study by McMillan Pazdan Smith concluded that renovations would be more economically viable than constructing a new facility.
Costs for the upcoming renovations are estimated to range between $35 million and $40 million. The new design will feature modern office spaces on the first six floors, and renovation of the upper floors for future city expansions or potential office tenants. A key aspect of the redesign includes a new glass façade, intended to modernize the building’s exterior appearance.
In addition to aesthetic upgrades, the project will address critical structural improvements along with upgrades to mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and fire protection systems. Site enhancements will also introduce new signage, lighting, security measures, ADA accessibility features, and landscaping improvements.
Funding for this extensive renovation will be sourced from the city’s capital reserves along with a bond, with a focus on maintaining current tax rates for residents without increases. An evaluation committee is set to review all submitted proposals following the RFP process.
During renovation work, the city plans to sustain normal operations possibly by utilizing the Greenville Convention Center for meetings and distributing office activities across the downtown area. The updated City Hall is anticipated to become a “signature building” that enhances the cultural landscape of Greenville’s downtown.
Previously, there were discussions regarding the sale of City Hall to M. Peters Group for modernization efforts, but the latest plans focus on retaining and renovating the existing structure, thereby preserving its historical value while bringing it up to modern standards.
FAQ
What is the timeline for the City Hall renovation project?
The design and permitting phase is expected to take 12 months, with construction projected to begin in early 2027 and be completed by late 2028.
How much is the renovation estimated to cost?
The renovations are estimated to cost between $35 million and $40 million.
What improvements will be made to City Hall?
Improvements will include modern office spaces, structural repairs, upgrades to mechanical and electrical systems, a new glass façade, and features enhancing accessibility and security.
Why was the decision made not to sell the building?
City officials decided to retain the building due to its sound condition and logistical needs, considering renovation more cost-effective than building anew.
Key Features of City Hall Renovation
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | 206 South Main Street, Greenville, SC |
| Renovation Cost | $35 – $40 million |
| Timeline | Design: 12 months; Construction: Early 2027 – Late 2028 |
| Office Space | First 6 floors for city departments; upper 4 for future office tenants |
| New Features | City council chambers, employee entrance, glass façade, enhanced accessibility |
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Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: Greenville Announces Plans for City Hall Renovation
- Wikipedia: City Hall
- Greenville Journal: Greenville Plans Multi-Million Dollar Renovation of City Hall
- Google Search: Greenville City Hall renovation
- Greenville Online: Greenville Public Safety Agencies Together in New Home
- Encyclopedia Britannica: City Hall
- Post and Courier: Greenville City Hall Redevelopment
- Google News: Greenville City Hall
- Upstate Business Journal: Next Greenville Project Preview
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
