Greenville, SC, August 16, 2025
News Summary
The former Baby Bi-Lo site in Greenville’s North Main neighborhood is set for revitalization, with plans for retail, dining, and essential services. Renovations will begin in early 2026, transforming the currently vacant site into a community hub. Additionally, a separate mixed-use development called 426 North Main will introduce housing and commercial space downtown, showcasing modern architecture while respecting the area’s historical context. Local leaders emphasize the significance of these developments for the community.
Greenville, SC – Significant development plans have been unveiled for the North Main neighborhood, targeting the long-vacant former “Baby Bi-Lo” site. This site has remained largely unused for over a decade, but with a recent acquisition by Oxford Capital Partners and Northpond Partners for $6.75 million, transformation is on the horizon.
The redevelopment initiative aims to revitalize the 40,000-square-foot shopping center into a vibrant all-day gathering spot, featuring a blend of retail, dining, and essential neighborhood services. Planned tenants include a small grocer, bakery, butcher, wine bar, coffee shop, and fitness studio, responding to community desires for meeting spaces and essential services.
Renovations are set to commence in early 2026, with a goal of completing the project by fall 2026. As part of the redesign, the property will expand by approximately 4,000 square feet, while existing structures such as the central tower and gabled roofs will be removed. Local leaders, including Mayor Knox White, emphasize the importance of quality neighborhood commercial space, contrasting it with proposals for high-rise apartments that had been considered.
A community meeting is scheduled for August 26 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Prisma Health Welcome Center at Unity Park, allowing residents to preview designs and engage in discussions about the redevelopment plans.
In addition to the renovation of the former Baby Bi-Lo site, a separate mixed-use development named 426 North Main is set to be introduced at the north end of downtown Greenville. Developed by Green Property LLC and Bijou Properties, this project will consist of three buildings at the corner of North Main Street and Academy Street. The planned development will provide approximately 650 apartments and around 20,000 square feet of commercial space, including retail and dining options.
A public parking garage with capacity for 650 to 750 vehicles will also be constructed as part of this project. The residential buildings along North Main Street are designed to rise 12 stories, while an additional six-story residential building will be positioned along Academy Street. A key feature of this development will be a large public plaza designed for community gatherings at the intersection of North Main and Academy streets.
The architectural vision strives to respect the area’s historical context while integrating modern design elements. Preliminary project details were initially presented during a city preview meeting on March 25, with a project site plan scheduled for review by the Design Review Board in May. Further architectural details will undergo assessment in late summer 2025, ensuring the designs align with city aesthetic standards and zoning regulations relevant to mixed-use development.
The development will also utilize parts of the former Greenville City Municipal Court property and the American Legion property, which are currently being sold to the developers. Recent amendments to property zoning by the City Council facilitate these mixed-use projects, highlighting a growing trend in community-focused urban development in the area.
Key Features of the North Main Neighborhood Developments
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Former Baby Bi-Lo Redevelopment | Conversion to high-end retail and dining, with completion targeted for fall 2026. |
| Proposed Tenants | Small grocer, bakery, butcher, wine bar, coffee shop, fitness studio. |
| Development Area | Expansion by approximately 4,000 sqft, demolition of certain existing structures. |
| 426 North Main Development | 650 apartments and 20,000 sqft of commercial space, including public parking garage. |
| Architectural Design | Respect for historic context with modern elements; large public plaza featured. |
FAQ
What is being developed at the former Baby Bi-Lo site?
The site will be transformed into a high-end gathering space with various retail and dining options.
When will construction begin and end?
Renovations are set to start in early 2026 and are expected to be completed by fall 2026.
What types of businesses will be included in the redevelopment?
The plan includes a small grocer, bakery, butcher, wine bar, coffee shop, and fitness studio.
What is the 426 North Main project?
This is a separate mixed-use development planned to include approximately 650 apartments and 20,000 square feet of commercial space.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- GVL Today: Baby Bi-Lo Development
- Post and Courier: Downtown Greenville Development
- WSPA: Housing Development Approved
- Upstate Business Journal: 426 North Main Development Approved
- The State: Mixed-Use Development Update
- Wikipedia: Urban Development
- Google Search: Greenville SC Development News
- Google Scholar: Urban Development in Greenville SC
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Urban Development
- Google News: Greenville SC Development
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.
