Spartanburg city officials have been buzzing with excitement as construction on a proposed multimillion-dollar redevelopment of Morgan Square in downtown is on the verge of starting. This significant project, with a budget exceeding $15 million, aims to transform the area into a pedestrian-friendly hub that can host a diverse range of events. City Manager Chris Story recently updated City Council, emphasizing the importance of this endeavor. “We’re striving to achieve the status of having one of the best main streets in the South,” Story said. “The pieces are coming together, and Morgan Square will be at the center of it all.”

Key Features of the Redevelopment

The proposed redevelopment encompasses several exciting elements. It will include additional terraces, providing more outdoor spaces for relaxation and socializing. Dedicated areas for outdoor dining will enhance the dining experience and attract more visitors. An event pavilion will serve as a central gathering place for various events, adding to the vibrancy of the area. Additionally, more green space will be incorporated, bringing a touch of nature to the heart of the city. However, Story also mentioned that a final tweak might be incorporated to further enhance the project. “We believe it makes sense to extend the connection further westward to include the block immediately to the west, which will add some cost but will greatly enhance the overall layout,” Story said.

Integration with Other Projects

This redevelopment comes at a time when construction is progressing on several other significant projects in Spartanburg. Fifth Third Park, the stadium for the Hub City Spartanburgers Minor League Baseball team, is taking shape. The joint city-county complex and planetarium are also in the construction phase. These projects, along with the Morgan Square redevelopment, are shaping the future of the city. Morgan Square, with its current layout where one street is blocked off to car traffic, has seen various iterations over the past few decades. The current setup was established during the COVID-19 pandemic when outdoor dining regulations came into effect. This has led to a newfound appreciation for the area and its potential.

Community Response

Jarvis Steele, who recently made Spartanburg his home, is enthusiastic about the redevelopment. “One of the main reasons my fiance and I chose this area was the abundance of opportunities to get out and be part of the community. Any additional opportunities like this make me extremely excited,” he said. His positive attitude reflects the community's excitement and support for the project. Story views Morgan Square as the heart of the city's downtown and believes it is evolving to meet the needs and character of the downtown area at this moment. “It should serve as a sort of living room area for the heart of the city,” Story said.

Construction Timeline

Construction on Morgan Square is expected to begin either in late spring or early summer, depending on the final authorization from City Council. Once construction commences, it is estimated to take around 10 months to complete. This timeline has the potential to bring significant changes to the downtown area and enhance the city's urban landscape. The redevelopment of Morgan Square is a major step forward for Spartanburg, promising to create a more vibrant and inviting downtown area that will benefit both residents and visitors alike.