The City of Greenville is witnessing remarkable progress with its Build Project. This initiative aims to bring about significant changes in safety, accessibility, and connectivity within the city. Ryan Griffin, the owner of Nash Hot Chicken, expressed his excitement, stating, "It’s going to be a visual delight. It will greatly benefit downtown businesses and enhance accessibility for all." The project has been in the pipeline since August 2023. In November 2024, the intersection of East Fifth Street and Cotanche Street in downtown began to undergo construction. During this period, local businesses have faced detours, causing some inconvenience. Stephen Calkins, the bar manager at Blacken Kraken, remarked, "The traffic flow definitely seems slower." Drew Cheshire, the manager of Uptown Brewery, also shared his concerns, saying, "Hopefully, our customer base remains strong enough to cover our expenses. Lately, it has been a tough struggle." Griffin acknowledged the challenge but emphasized the collaborative effort between the City of Greenville and local businesses. He said, "Teamwork truly makes the dream work. As part of the board, we are doing everything in our power to support everyone. The City of Greenville is also actively involved. When we organize events, we consider accessibility and promotion." Businesses believe that local support is crucial for their survival and continued service to the community. Calkins stated, "When you support local businesses, the money you spend remains within the community, fueling its growth." Cheshire added, "Local support is of utmost importance. We couldn't survive without it. While out-of-town customers bring in new business, it's the local residents, workers, and regulars who keep us going." The City of Greenville expects the closures at the intersection of East Fifth Street and Cotanche Street to last approximately 5 to 6 months. This period will enable the implementation of various improvements such as wider sidewalks, brick crosswalks, site furnishings, and street trees. For more details about the $48.5 million Build Project, visit the project's website.

Enhancing Safety and Connectivity

The Build Project focuses on enhancing safety by creating wider sidewalks. This provides more space for pedestrians, reducing the risk of accidents. The brick crosswalks add a touch of charm and improve visibility, making it easier for both pedestrians and drivers to navigate the area. The site furnishings will enhance the overall aesthetic of the downtown area, creating a more inviting and pleasant environment. The addition of street trees will bring a sense of greenery and improve the air quality, making the city more livable.

Boosting Business and Accessibility

The improved accessibility offered by the Build Project will have a significant impact on local businesses. With wider sidewalks and better connectivity, more people will be able to easily access downtown shops and restaurants. This will lead to increased foot traffic and potentially boost business revenues. Griffin emphasized the importance of considering accessibility when organizing events. By making the area more accessible, more people can participate and enjoy the events, further promoting the local economy. The collaboration between the City and businesses is crucial in ensuring the success of the project. Together, they are working towards creating a more vibrant and prosperous downtown.

Overcoming Challenges and Supporting the Community

The construction process has presented some challenges for local businesses. The detours have caused temporary disruptions, but the community has shown great support. Griffin praised the teamwork between the City and businesses, stating that it is essential in overcoming these difficulties. The local support received by businesses has been heartening. Calkins and Cheshire both emphasized the importance of local customers in keeping their businesses afloat. They believe that by providing excellent service and a unique experience, they can continue to attract and retain local support. The City of Greenville is also committed to supporting the community during this time. They are working closely with businesses to minimize the impact of the construction and provide assistance where needed. This collaborative effort is helping to maintain the spirit of the community and ensure its continued growth.