Greenville, SC, October 18, 2025
News Summary
The Design Review Board in Greenville has conditionally approved various significant projects, including renovations to the former ‘Baby Bi-Lo’ site at 505 N. Main St., an addition to the Second Presbyterian Church on River St., and upgrades to the Civic Design Center on S. Main St. The board aims to enhance the area’s commercial appeal and improve pedestrian access while requesting further studies on certain aspects of these projects.
Greenville, SC – The Design Review Board of Greenville has conditionally approved several significant development projects and renovations during its meeting on October 16. The notable projects include renovations for the former “Baby Bi-Lo” site at 505 N. Main St., a two-story building addition for Second Presbyterian Church, and upgrades to the Civic Design Center located at 15 S. Main St.
The board approved the renovation plans for 505 N. Main St., where Harrison Horowitz, owner of Oxford Capital Partners, aims to transform the former grocery store site into a high-quality commercial building named N. Main. The proposed renovations will significantly improve the building’s storefronts and facade by extending existing storefronts to enhance street presence. Furthermore, the central tower structure and gabled roofs of the building are set for removal, with a new brick façade, updated lighting, revised signage, and a renovated outdoor staircase planned as part of this project.
The property spans approximately 3 acres and aims to improve pedestrian access and site activation. It also includes upgrades to the parking lots off North Main Street and Academy Street. Landscaping and pedestrian lighting enhancements are part of the proposed improvements, which will increase available parking to 178 spaces. However, the board has requested further study regarding the eastern facade of the building, alongside the intersection of North Main Street and Academy Street. Suggestions for this area included wider sidewalks and additional pedestrian lighting to further activate the space.
In addition, a two-story building addition at 105 River St. for Second Presbyterian Church received conditional approval. This new church building will contain a fellowship hall on the first floor, with classroom space, a conference room, and a gathering space on the second floor. The architectural design is intended to complement the Gothic Revival style of the church’s sanctuary, originally constructed in 1909. This addition is planned to be built on the church’s existing surface parking lot. To compensate for the loss of parking, the church has plans to construct a 70-space surface parking lot at 225 S. Academy St. Additionally, there are future plans for a parking garage that will accommodate 110 spaces per level.
The board has requested further study of the west exterior elevation and building parapet details for the church addition. A mockup assessment of materials for the church addition must also be conducted onsite with input from city staff and board members.
The board also conditionally approved renovations for the Civic Design Center at 15 S. Main St., which will include approximately 6,132 square feet of new office space. Proposed changes include exterior façade modifications, entrance updates, and the creation of new storefronts. The applicant will need to submit plans for exterior furnishing selections as part of the approval conditions.
As these projects move forward, the City of Greenville is also taking steps to update its downtown design guidelines. Two public input sessions are scheduled for October 28, with the first session occurring from noon to 2 p.m. and the second during the monthly Project Preview Meeting from 4 to 6 p.m. Residents can find more details on the design guidelines at the city’s official website.
Key Features of Approved Projects
| Project | Location | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| N. Main Renovation | 505 N. Main St. | New brick façade, extended storefronts, 178 parking spaces, enhanced pedestrian access |
| Second Presbyterian Church Addition | 105 River St. | Fellowship hall, classroom space, new parking lot with 70 spaces |
| Civic Design Center Renovation | 15 S. Main St. | 6,132 sq. ft. of office space, façade updates, entrance modifications |
FAQ
What was approved during the Design Review Board meeting in Greenville?
The board conditionally approved exterior renovations for the former “Baby Bi-Lo” site at 505 N. Main St., a two-story building addition for Second Presbyterian Church at 105 River St., and renovations to the Civic Design Center located at 15 S. Main St.
What are the plans for the former “Baby Bi-Lo” site?
Harrison Horowitz, owner of Oxford Capital Partners, plans to transform the site into a high-quality commercial building named N. Main, which will include significant improvements to the building’s storefronts and facade.
What additional developments are there for Second Presbyterian Church?
A two-story building addition will include a fellowship hall on the first floor and classroom space, a conference room, and a gathering space on the second floor. A 70-space surface parking lot is also planned to compensate for the lost parking.
What changes are planned for the Civic Design Center?
The proposed renovations for the Civic Design Center cover exterior façade changes, entrance modifications, and the creation of approximately 6,132 square feet of office space.
How is the City of Greenville engaging the community in design updates?
The City of Greenville is updating its downtown design guidelines, with two public input sessions scheduled for October 28.
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Additional Resources
- Upstate Business Journal: Renovations Approved
- Greenville Online: New Grocery Store and Restaurant
- Greenville Journal: American Legion Property Rezoning
- Google Search: Greenville Design Review Board
- Wikipedia: Greenville, South Carolina
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