Greenville, October 23, 2025

News Summary

The Union Bleachery site in Greenville is set to undergo significant redevelopment starting in 2026. Developer 13th Floor Investments plans to create a mini-downtown featuring 222 market-rate apartments and a 2.2-mile trail extension. The project aims to transform the Superfund site into a vibrant community hub while addressing environmental cleanup efforts scheduled to begin next year. With a $2 billion valuation, the mixed-use development will enhance local infrastructure, connectivity, and provide job opportunities for the Sans Souci community.

Greenville

Construction on the first phase of the redevelopment of the Union Bleachery site in Greenville is expected to start in early 2026. This project seeks to transform a long-vacant Superfund site into a mini-downtown for the Sans Souci community. Miami-based developer 13th Floor Investments plans to initiate construction on a 222-unit market-rate apartment community in the first quarter of 2026.

The Union Bleachery, also known as the U.S. Finishing and Cone Mills site, is a 238-acre property that has had a history of industrial activity dating back to 1903. Contamination cleanup is scheduled to commence next year alongside development efforts, with the cleanup focusing on cracked soil and groundwater that posed environmental risks.

Valued at approximately $2 billion, the redevelopment project, named “On The Trail Greenville,” marks the first public movement since spring 2024, when stakeholders toured the site. The mixed-use development will include residential, commercial, and retail spaces. Renovations are also planned for a 2.2-mile trail extension along the Swamp Rabbit Trail to enhance local connectivity.

The Sans Souci Neighborhood Alliance President has expressed the community’s strong interest in the trail extension and the importance of pathways to homeownership. Supporting this endeavor, Greenville County has received a $20.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to aid in building the trail.

Initially, construction was slated to begin in February 2026, pending confirmation of funding. A portion of the property has already been removed from the Superfund National Priorities List, which signals progress in addressing environmental hazards. Excavation of contaminated soils will be managed by the Cone Mills Acquisition Group, partnered with the developer. The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will oversee the cleanup process, which is expected to finish by 2029.

The planned residential offerings within the redevelopment include garden-style apartments, townhomes, lofts, and mid-rise apartments, all designated as market-rate rentals. The development will also feature a restaurant and a distillery that will utilize materials from existing structures on the site. Alongside environmental remediation, the project aims to create local job opportunities and improve community engagement.

The EPA has earmarked $10 million specifically for groundwater treatment targeting chromium contamination. This cleanup effort is expected to start this year and may take 10 to 15 years to fully complete. Overall, the redevelopment aligns closely with the community’s vision for enhanced infrastructure, including sidewalks, bike lanes, and green spaces, contributing to an improved quality of life for the residents.

Key Features of the Union Bleachery Redevelopment

• Location: Union Bleachery Site, northwest of Greenville city limits
• Project Valuation: $2 billion
• First Phase Start Date: Early 2026
• Apartments: 222 market-rate units
• Trail Development: 2.2-mile extension along the Swamp Rabbit Trail
• Cleanup Oversight: S.C. Department of Environmental Services & U.S. EPA
• Environmental Budget: $10 million for groundwater treatment
• Overall Cleanup Completion Year: 2029

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Additional Resources

• Post and Courier: Union Bleachery Redevelopment
• Wikipedia: Superfund
• Fox Carolina: Union Bleachery Mill Redevelopment
• Google Search: Greenville development
• Greenville Online: Union Bleachery Upgrade
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Greenville
• Ground Break Carolinas: Union Bleachery Development
• Google News: Union Bleachery redevelopment

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.