Yesterday, we shared the final 112-page Greenville Downtown Master Plan that was publicly presented to the Chamber of Commerce. Today, we are diving into what jumped out at us – to get the conversation started + to see what got your attention.

The timeline. The implementation of the master plan initiatives will occur over the next 5-10 years, as the city grows.
The design. Urban Design Associates was hired to create the layout of the space. (They are the real deal – we worked with them in 2018.) The final plan includes public, private, and city leadership input. (Full stakeholder list on slide 4.)
Attracting new office users. Less office space was occupied in 2018 than in 2015. To combat this continuing decline, an intentional, well-planned, well-marketed, and well-supported office-occupier strategy will be implemented to bring in a diversity of tenants to downtown. I.e. not simply residential, retail and hotel – we need anchor institutions to thrive. (See slide 24.)
Creating pedestrian mobility by connecting our corridors. By activating and enhancing our green spaces, residents will be able to experience an expanded downtown that is more than linear. E.g. making Heritage Green a City Park + increasing the green space under the Church Street bridge. (See slide 40.)

Proposed green space downtown | Rendering provided by Urban Design Associates

Providing a diversity of entertainment. Working to increase the variety, options and energy downtown (specifically in regards to live music). A unique conference venue has been recommended to anchor the downtown hospitality sector. This is already in the works... More on that here.
Making downtown more affordable. From the project team: “[There is] Not one growing city in the country that is not struggling with tackling this.” They believe there is a major opportunity to get affordability right with Unity Park – emphasizing that it needs to be integrated in as true mixed income neighborhood.
Focusing on form + function. 68% of the world will live in urban areas by 2050 – thus visibility + mobility are key. The rendering below shows a pedestrian only street (similar to the Tupelo Honey area). (See slides 59-62.)

Increasing mobility through piazza-style building connections | Rendering provided by Urban Design Associates

Our takeaway:

The comprehensive plan adds onto the foundation of what makes downtown special today – such as livability, walkability, arts + culture, trails, safety + more – and builds on those for responsible future growth.

As far as next steps, the final plan will circulate through the City Council, Planning Commission, and the Design Review Board this summer. We will keep y’all updated as new developments are announced.

Does this check-off your dream downtown checklist? If not, let us know what you would add.

Let us know in the comments below.