The redevelopment of downtown Spartanburg’s most iconic historic building could begin in late September.
Greenville developer James Bakker, principal of BF Spartanburg LLC, said his company is in the due diligence phase of the Montgomery Building project and has completed most of its investigation of the building.
The company is working through its approvals with the South Carolina Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service in regards to historic tax credits.
Bakker said he anticipates completing the purchase of the property from Florida-based Cypress Lending Group on Sept. 22, and then moving forward with plans to convert the 93-year-old office building into a high-rise mixed-use facility.
Plans include 72 apartments, 10,000 square feet of office space and 9,000 square feet of ground floor commercial space for new retail and restaurant ventures.
“We feel very good about the prospects of moving forward and it all hinges on the historic tax credit approval,” Bakker said.
According to the building’s historic places registration, it was build in 1924 by the Montgomery family, who were prominent in the local textile manufacturing industry, and designed by Lockwood Greene.
During its lifespan, the 10-story building has supported a variety of office tenants, including BMW Manufacturing Co., which set up space on the top floors while its plant off Highway 101 was under construction.
“I was first attracted to the Montgomery Building because of its uniqueness and character,” Bakker said. “It is a special building and is worthy of saving because there is still so much historic fabric left and has played such an important role in the history of Spartanburg. Also, the vibrancy of downtown Spartanburg attracted us as well. There are a lot of great projects happening, especially the AC Marriott… The Montgomery Building will be a great addition.”
Earlier this month, crews removed a few of the building’s exterior panels to begin the process of having replacements designed, approved and made. Thousands of panels will be replaced when the renovations move forward.
Bakker said, during the next few months, residents might not see a whole lot of progress being made on the exterior of the building.
“Most of what will be happening will be behind the scenes, but local residents can expect to see some interior demolition and leading signage go up on the building,” he said.
Bakker said he believes the project is significant because of the building’s location and history. He said it will be a “bridge” connecting activity and amenities on North Church and St. John streets with Morgan Square.
“The Montgomery Building is the single highest priority out of the historic structures we’d like to see renovated and repurposed,” said Chris Story, assistant city manager. “We’re thrilled to see this landmark restored and activated. I think people will be blown away by it… We think [Bakker’s] plans make a lot of sense. That number of residents will energize and connect everything from the Marriott and Chapman Cultural Center, and the properties around them, to the heart of downtown.”
