For the first time, we're seeing the official view from the top of the Honor Tower. However, if you're a longtime — and we mean longtime — reader, this isn't the first time you've seen it.

Raise your hand if you've been a GVLtoday reader since June 12, 2019, when we went up in a bucket truck to show you what it would look like from atop a hypothetical future observation tower. It's been 2,343 days since then, and based on this before-and-after, a lot has changed.

The tower — which has a no-bag policy — has its ceremonial grand opening Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. It will then be open exclusively to first responders from 1 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12 and Thursday, Nov. 13.

Starting on Friday, Nov. 14, daily hours will be:

Tuesday to Saturday | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday | 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

It's free to visit. Just keep in mind it's closed on Mondays and city holidays, and daily from noon to 1 p.m., with the last admission 30 minutes before closing.

By the numbers

352 stairs bring visitors to and from the 99-ft-high observation deck of the 125-ft tower, which weighs 250,000 lbs. That feels like a lot, but it's only 10 lbs per sqft, which makes it relatively light.

22 staircases with 20 landings make up the double-helical design (think: like a DNA molecule) that keeps ascending and descending traffic separate — a very intentional design choice by the architect Paul Endres of Endrestudio that was crafted right here in the Upstate by The Heirloom Companies (aka the same team that made the UNITY sign and the park’s signature picnic shelters).

75,000 pounds of steel from SC Steel, a manufacturer located in Taylors, support the elevator, stairs, observation deck, and mechanical platforms. That's the equivalent of 18 Ford F-150s. SC Steel says it fabricated 84 tons.

~3 miles of aluminum slats make up the tower's exterior

How it's funded

The full funding for the ~$11 million tower was secured in December 2022:

$5.5 million came from private donations.
$3.5 million came from the local accommodations tax.
The City collects a local 3% tax on hotel and motel charges within Greenville’s city limits, and state law says a portion of that revenue must be spent on tourism-related items.
$1 million came from the hospitality tax.
The City collects a 2% tax on food and beverages (including alcoholic beverages) sold in the city limits and the funds must be used for tourism-related activities and improvements.
$1 million came from Unity Park construction savings.