Greenville, S.C. — The Greenville City Council on Monday unanimously passed first reading of an ordinance that would appropriate $10.77 million from the city’s Parking Fund for the Downtown Greenville Conference Center Project.
The money would support property acquisition and related project expenses. The city has already executed agreements to acquire properties needed for the project area and is continuing due diligence and pre-development work.
The project, also known as the Falls Park Conference District, is planned as a mixed-use destination with a city-owned conference center, parking structure, public park and complementary private development. Plans call for a 100,000-square-foot conference center and a luxury hotel.
A feasibility study updated by VisitGreenvilleSC projects about $37.1 million in direct annual spending and $62.9 million in total annual economic output once the center reaches stabilized operations.
Council member John DeWorken said the project will help bring more people to the city and support locally owned shops and restaurants on Main Street. The ordinance takes effect upon final approval at the council’s Oct. 26 formal meeting.
