Work on two major Travelers Rest projects — a new mixed-use residential development off U.S. Highway 25 and a streetscape project that will extend the feel of the city’s Main Street — will move forward in some way in 2021.
“It’s going to be a great year,” said Travelers Rest City Administrator Eric Vinson. “We’re moving forward regardless of the pandemic.”
Here’s an update on each project and what’s expected to happen over the next 11 months.
Pinestone
The Pinestone development by Greenville-based The Randolph Group includes 100 single-family homes, 250 apartment units and up to 77,000 square feet of commercial, office and medical space on the site of the former Emb-Tex plant off U.S. Highway 25 North across from Wal-Mart.
The $100 million project was approved by Travelers Rest City Council in July 2019, and demolition is now underway, Vinson said.
Construction of the apartments and single-family subdivision is expected to begin in May 2021.
“We’re going to have a lot of new rooftops,” Vinson said. “You’ll be seeing completed buildings probably in the first nine to 12 months.”
Poinsett corridor
This streetscape project was first envisioned in 2017 and is designed to improve infrastructure along North and South Poinsett Highway and Center Street so that the corridor will attract redevelopment and become an extension of the city’s central business district.
The project is currently in the planning phase and has secured funding for initial survey work.
The city plans to have additional community outreach and involvement before beginning phase one of the project, which could happen in mid 2021.
Vinson said the city is ultimately looking to enhance the area with improved sidewalks, lights, curb and gutter, street trees and a redesign of the roadway to accommodate pedestrians as well as cyclists.
“That roadway historically was our town’s Main Street, and so we have a wonderful opportunity to be able to have a very pleasing pedestrian environment,” Vinson said.
The city estimates that phase one will cost at least $2 million, though that could change significantly once survey work is complete, Vinson said.
Funding would come from the city and the Greenville Legislative Delegation Transportation Committee, also known as the C-Fund Committee.
