Two prominent vacant buildings in downtown Spartanburg have been sold and could soon attract new businesses to the city’s urban center.
Former Spartanburg Mayor and chairman of the Spartanburg Northside Development Bill Barnet recently acquired the former Abby’s Grille building at 149 W. Main St. and Carolina Gallery at 145 W. Main St.
Barnet purchased both buildings, which sit at the gateway to the city’s redesigned Wall Street across from Morgan Square, from Spartanburg neurosurgeon Cavert McCorkle for $1.45 million.
“I have a lot of confidence and hope for downtown Spartanburg and the central business district,” Barnet said. “These buildings have been vacant for some time… I hope that we can either lease them or sell them quickly and get them actively involved in the city’s growth.”
The 9,244-square-foot building known locally for housing Abby’s Grille was constructed in 1893, according to county property records. It has remained empty since Cornbread to Caviar, an upscale Southern eatery that followed Abby’s, shuttered in 2011.
The three-story 6,627-square-foot art gallery building was built in 1900, according to property records. It too has sat vacant for many months.
“We think the fact that we have folks that are prepared to or looking to invest is a positive sign,” said City Manager Ed Memmott. “They are prominent buildings and we’re hopeful this purchase will result in the occupancy of these properties.”
Barnet said that he does not have any commitments yet, but the buildings have caught the eye of prospective tenants.
“Several groups have approached us and have had access to the buildings,” he said. “They’ve brought in talent to study them. I’m hopeful the will come back with concrete plans that we can support and that encourage more growth in downtown.”
In early 2015, the city completed a project to transform Wall Street, a small side street that previously ran between both buildings, into a “festival street.” The street was closed off to vehicle traffic and bricked over to create a pedestrian walkway. New street lighting was also added.
Spartanburg developer Royce Camp completed his multi-use Wall Street building in 2014. The building houses several apartments and three eateries — Health in Hand Juice and Smoothie Bar, Hub Diggity and Baguette & Company.
“I want to see the downtown area grow and attract our citizens, our students, and become a very vibrant, healthy place to see people and be seen,” Barnet said. “I hope these spots will contribute to that.”
Barnet said the momentum building in Spartanburg behind construction of the new AC Hotel, Montgomery Building renovation, Hub City Co-op and a spate of new shops and restaurants encourages him.
“I think when the hotel opens we will have reached the tipping point,” he said. “We’re not chasing anybody. Hopefully, our community is evolving into what it wants to be — a healthy, vibrant place where people feel good about interacting with others… I hope for the next generation of people who want to live in Spartanburg that it will be an exciting place with good jobs and cultural opportunities.”
