Category: Press Release

The Franklin, a 3,517-square-foot redevelopment project by Franklin Real Estate Development, has opened at 107 E. Park Avenue in downtown Greenville’s East Park Historic District.

Designed as executive office space, The Franklin features 12 offices ranging from 90 to 225 square feet, a shared break area and a shared conference room. Walls and floors of the 107-year-old structure have been acoustically insulated to reduce sound transmission and improve energy efficiency. Leases include utilities, fiber-optic internet service, access to printers and copiers, cleaning services and parking.

Built as a private residence in 1917, The Franklin was converted into office space several years ago. The graceful two-story, columned structure across from Greenville’s McPherson Park is on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Franklin is the second historic redevelopment project undertaken by Greenville Developer and Broker Kurt Wallenborn in the past year. Prosper, a 7,000-square-foot office redevelopment project, opened in February 2023 at 832 Wade Hampton Boulevard in the former McBride Office Supply store.

Projects like The Franklin and Prosper fuel Wallenborn’s passion for adaptive reuse projects and historic preservation. Both projects received historic tax credits, with Prosper’s addition to the National Register of Historic Places expected this spring.

“The Franklin is a great example of what can be done with old buildings,” Wallenborn said. “These structures are built better than any new construction. The wood is so solid, so tight. This is like a custom house from one hundred years ago. It can’t be replicated today.”

Wallenborn has preserved the structure’s original heart of pine floors, and its original double hung casement windows were removed and restored by Kelvin Eichinger, then reinstalled.

“Layers and layers of paint were removed, and window weights restored so that all of the windows now open and function properly,” Wallenborn said.

The Franklin engineering, design and building partners include SHLTR Architects, Bluewater Civil Design, Studio Main, Creative Builders, Amy Emery Interior Design, Ivey Communications and Design the Experience. Equity in the project was raised from 33 individual investors through Greenville crowdfunding company Vicinity Capital, with additional financing by United Community Bank.

For leasing information, contact Gary Kirby at KDS Commercial Properties, (864) 242-4200.

ABOUT FRANKLIN REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT

Franklin Real Estate Development (FRED) is a development, consulting and brokerage firm founded by Kurt Wallenborn, MRED.

A native of Virginia, Wallenborn holds a Bachelor of Science in Real Estate from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Master of Real Estate Development (MRED) degree from Clemson University. His experience includes developing more than $130 million of new stores, fuel centers and store remodels for The Kroger Company and managing solar farm development, acquisitions and joint ventures for Dominion Energy. Prior to establishing FRED, Wallenborn coordinated development projects across the country for Greenville-based Centennial American Properties.
For more information, visit franklinredev.com.

GREENVILLE, S.C. (February 27, 2024) – Endeavor, the coworking and office space community in downtown Greenville’s ONE tower, announces that Trinity Partners, LLC, a full service commercial real estate provider, has chosen Endeavor as its new office location for its Greenville-based team. Trinity Partners, LLC offers multiple services including site selection, leasing, sales, property management, investment sales and development consulting across North and South Carolina.

When choosing an office space, Edward Wilson, partner, knew they wanted to be somewhere that was committed, competitive, and collaborative. “At Trinity Partners we bring passion, an entrepreneurial approach, and best-in-class service to every client we serve and every space we touch. We could quickly tell that the Endeavor team resembled the Trinity team in this regard.”

As an Office member, the Trinity Partners team has 24/7 access to Endeavor, as well as use of technology-equipped conference rooms, printing resources, high-speed internet and Wi-Fi, a state-of-the-art gym, and access to Endeavor’s professional development and networking events. Equally important, they receive face-to-face interaction with other like-minded members, fostering increased business-building opportunities, idea generation and professional growth.

“Endeavor is home to several companies based in other markets that have chosen to grow their presence in Greenville,” says Joe Erwin, president of Endeavor. “Trinity Partners, LLC is a successful company with a collaborative culture, and we are proud that the Greenville-based team has chosen to make Endeavor their home.”

Endeavor offers a range of membership options, with benefits that scale up based on the plan you select. Office and Private Desk members enjoy their own dedicated space with 24/7 access, while Daytime Coworking members and Day Pass visitors can utilize Endeavor’s large flex workspaces overlooking City Plaza Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. where the amenities include:

• Comfortable work areas with worktables, standing desks, soft seating and oversized monitors
• Member concierge and assistance
• High-speed, secure Wi-Fi / Internet
• Private telephone booths
• Community kitchen/café area, including bottomless coffee
• State-of-the-art gym and shower within Endeavor’s space
• Opportunity to connect with Endeavor members who offer a wide range of services to help build businesses
• Training and professional development opportunities
• Meeting rooms and event spaces, which are also available for booking by outside groups.

To learn more about Endeavor, including available private offices, desk memberships, coworking and day passes, contact Endeavor@EndeavorGreenville.com.

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About Endeavor
Endeavor is a membership-based coworking community for creative and entrepreneurial professionals, as well as corporate teams and business travelers. Endeavor’s premium location in the ONE Development in Greenville, SC provides members with state-of-the-art work and meeting space, and uniquely surrounds them with a diverse array of peers who offer a broad range of services and experience. Training opportunities, networking events and business consulting are available for the professionals who call Endeavor home every day, as well as business team members across the region. Endeavor has been recognized as the winner of the Coworker Member’s Choice Award for Greenville, SC. For more information, visit endeavorgreenville.com.

Greenville, S.C. – Bringing stories from the pages of her books to life is what fabric artist and children’s author Salley Mavor does best, and her latest exhibit, Salley Mavor: Bedtime Stitches, showcases the expertise with which she is able to draw people into a miniature world of embroideries that celebrate the universal theme of children sleeping safe in their beds. Opening at the Upcountry History Museum – Greenville County, a Smithsonian Affiliate, on Saturday, March 2, this exhibition will be on display through Sunday, May 5, 2024.

Each of the featured 18 pieces of original artwork is stitched entirely by hand and presents a three-dimensional bas-relief sculpture created like a shadow box. Made with a variety of materials, such as fabric, beads, and wire, these fabric arts contain Mavor’s detailed, intricate designs. Assembled like a tiny stage with its own scenery and characters, each scene takes visitors on an international journey from Afghanistan to Ghana to Scandinavia to South America and beyond to illustrate varying cultures and home environments. The common thread centers on what makes each child’s home a warm and welcoming place.

Using her illustrations from the book, “My Bed: Enchanting Ways to Fall Asleep Around the World,” Mavor has fashioned a colorfully immersive experience that highlights the endless ways children fall asleep. Whether on hammocks, straw mats, woven rugs or in curtained cupboards, cubby holes and quilt-covered beds, they nod off in houseboats, next to a warm stove, or under the stars on a rooftop – all scenes expertly transformed into visual clues about geographic regions, people, traditions, and cultures.

“Bedtime Stitches” is a product of Mavor’s four decades of developing her signature style while carving out her own niche within the children’s book world and the fiber art community. With a needle as her tool, thread as her medium, and stitches as her mark, she has created imaginative and intricate interpretations of everyday experiences for a multi-generational audience.

The Upcountry History Museum is located at 540 Buncombe St., in Greenville, S.C. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., and Sunday from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. For more information, call 864-467-3100 or visit www.upcountryhistory.org.

Principal and Chief Design Officer, Ben Urueta, AIA is one of the 4.9% of registered architects who are Hispanic and Latino in the country (NCARB). As an advocate for diversity and equity within our firm and the field of architecture, Ben has been selected as a “Diverse Design Professional” of the SAY IT LOUD South Carolina Exhibition. The exhibit is presented by AIA South Carolina in collaboration with Beyond the Built Environment and the newly established SC Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (SCNOMA). SAY IT LOUD South Carolina highlights the contributions of BIPOC and women designers, architects, engineers, planners, and students from around the state.

During this month-long exhibition, Ben’s work on the Easley Fire Department Headquarters will be on display at the new Center for Architecture in downtown Columbia, SC, and will be open to the public. Visitors can share in the stories and accomplishments of this year’s featured designers through lectures, events, and K-12 programming and help further the discussion on equity and diversity in the architecture profession and South Carolina’s built environment. This exhibit will start at the Center of Architecture in Columbia and will then become a traveling exhibit to the Lowcountry and Upstate. To learn more about SAY IT LOUD and to follow where the exhibit will be headed next, click HERE.

GREENVILLE, S.C. — As part of its mission to help businesses develop young professionals, The YoPro Know has launched two surveys aiming to delve further into the culture, ethos, and pitfalls of the modern workplace.
Two different surveys from The YoPro Know are live: one for current young professionals, those ages 21 to 39, and one for future young professionals, those who are in high school and college and will soon enter the workforce. People can take the Current YoPro Survey here and the Future YoPro Survey here.
The survey focuses on the qualities that young people value in the companies they work for (or want to work for); the things they feel they’re lacking professionally; how connected they feel with other generations at work; benefits they’d like to see more companies offer’ and many other questions.

The YoPro Know is an innovative consulting group that is changing the way businesses engage with young professionals. It draws on its exclusive content and knowledge base to help business leaders better attract young professionals using digital branding and culture.

About The YoPro Know:

The YoPro Know’s mission is to help businesses develop the future leaders of our workforce through research, education, and recruiting and retention consulting. Based in Greenville, S.C. with a national community, The YoPro Know promotes success in the workplace by being a bridge between ambitious young professionals and progressive businesses who want to recruit, engage, and retain them. Learn more at www.yoproknow.com.

(Greenville, SC) The Greenville Chamber held its 135th Annual Meeting on Thursday, February 22nd at the Greenville Convention Center. The theme for the event, presented by TD Bank, was “Betting Big for Greenville” and featured the Chamber’s bold vision for the future, recognition of Chamber volunteer leadership, and presentation of annual awards.

Through a panel discussion featuring four of Greenville’s visionary leaders, Greenville Chamber President/CEO Carlos Phillips shared the Greenville Chamber’s plans for the year ahead and urged attendees to work collaboratively to meet the evolving needs of Greenville’s growing community.

The “Legacy and Emerging Greenville Leaders” panel discussion featured Judge Merl Code, Of Counsel at Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C.; Minor Shaw, President of MICCO LLC; Carl Sobocinski, President of the Table 301 Restaurant Group; and Ebony Sullivan, Chief Operating Officer of Cassy Electric. Panelists shared valuable leadership lessons, stories of Greenville’s transformation and called upon attendees to use their own platforms to drive change in Greenville.

Annual awards were presented to the following Upstate leaders:

The Ambassador of the Year Award recognizes an individual for outstanding service in their role as a Greenville Chamber Ambassador. This year’s award was presented to Ashley Cowper, Director of Business Development for Craft Axe Throwing and active Greenville Chamber Ambassador for her outstanding service in 2023.

The ATHENA Leadership Award®, sponsored by Hughes Agency, honors individuals who assist women in reaching their full leadership potential; demonstrate excellence, creativity and initiative in their business or profession; and, provide valuable service by devoting time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community. The 2023 ATHENA Leadership Award® was presented to Dr. Marjorie Jenkins for her role as Dean of the USC School of Medicine Greenville.

The Buck Mickel Leadership Award, sponsored by Duke Energy, honors those who have dramatically impacted the community by playing a leadership role in solving critical community issues, strengthening the community or providing visionary leadership to a major community development project. The 2023 Buck Mickel Leadership Award was awarded to Stewart Spinks for his philanthropic endeavors and professional accomplishments over the past 51 years of The Spinx Company.

The 2023 Chairman’s Award, sponsored by Ogletree Deakins, was presented to Tami Miller, former Leadership Development Director at the Greenville Chamber. Miller was recognized for her fifteen years of outstanding service in developing Greenville’s current and future leaders.

The F. Ben Haskew Collaboration Award, sponsored by Furman University, recognizes Upstate leaders who display progressive visions and a partnership approach to responsible growth in the Upstate. The 2023 award was presented to Dave Edwards in recognition of his leadership of the Greenville-Spartanburg Airport District and his role in Greenville’s community and economic development.

The Leadership Greenville Distinguished Alumni Award, sponsored by Prisma Health, recognizes a Leadership Greenville Alum who has made outstanding civic and community contributions. The 2023 award was presented to Brian Albers and Mario Brown, graduates of Leadership Greenville Class 43 and co-founders of Affordable Upstate. After meeting in Leadership Greenville, Albers and Brown were inspired to create Affordable Upstate to support neighbors in need.

The Max Heller Neighborhood Improvement Award, sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, is given annually to an organization or individual that has shown exemplary efforts toward improving the lives of those in Greenville. The award is named in honor of former Greenville Mayor Max Heller, who spearheaded numerous efforts over the years to improve the quality of life for all citizens of Greenville County. The 2023 award was presented to Upstate Circle of Friends in honor of their work to enhance the quality of life for Greenville’s at-risk youth and their families.

The Minority Business of the Year Award is presented to a local, independent and minority-owned company that has been in business for a minimum of three years and is a graduate of the Minority Business Accelerator program. The 2023 award was presented to 360clean. Owner Lorenzo Bates has led the organization to become an innovative leader of the janitorial service industry.

The Small Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Greenville Triumph and Greenville Liberty, was presented to Cassy Electric. Under the leadership of Chief Operating Officer Ebony Sullivan, Cassy Electric is a rapidly growing, premier electrical contractor and is unique in their woman-owned, minority-owned and family-owned designations.

The Young Professional of the Year Award, sponsored by Michelin North America, is designed to recognize an individual between the ages of 22 and 39 for their involvement in the community. The 2023 award was presented to Jessica McCoy. McCoy serves as Client Experience Manager at Brasfield and Gorrie and is highly involved in the community.
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ABOUT THE GREENVILLE CHAMBER
The Greenville Chamber, now in its 135th year of operation, is the largest business organization in Upstate South Carolina with over 1900 Investors supporting the vision of a globally competitive Upstate economy where businesses succeed and people prosper. For information, visit greenvillechamber.org.

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Lima One Capital, the nation’s premier lender for real estate investors, has added Stephan Leccese as Managing Director of Operations.
In this newly created role, Leccese oversees core operational functions including loan production, strategic accounts, lender finance, valuations, and construction management. Leccese brings over two decades of experience in real estate, finance, and technology that will help Lima One drive efficient loan production and a more effective customer experience.
“I’m pleased to welcome Stephan to the Lima One team,” Lima One CEO Jeff Tennyson said. “I have known Stephan for several years in various operational and industry leadership roles and have always respected him and his strong operational skills, insights, ethics, and professionalism. He’s an excellent addition to our senior leadership.”
Rankin Blair, Lima One’s Chief Operating Officer, stated, “As Lima One continues to grow, we are always looking for experienced industry leaders to join our team. We are pleased to have Stephan and his family in Greenville and look forward to the positive impact he will make on our operations and loan closing processes.”
Leccese’s track record features deep experience in business-purpose lending for real estate investors. He has co-founded multiple real estate ventures where he played key roles in generating over $1 billion annually in both loan origination and loan acquisition across multiple companies. He is also a founding member of the National Private Lenders Association (NPLA), having served multiple terms on the Advisory Council and currently serving as the co-chair of the Ethics Committee.
“After serving on the NPLA Advisory Council with Jeff Tennyson for many years, I witnessed firsthand and respected the impressive company culture and values at Lima One. And I was impressed with how they have achieved substantial growth over the last few years in a very challenging industry environment,” Leccese said. “I am thrilled to join Jeff and to work directly with Rankin and his impressive operations team as we continue to deliver operational excellence to our borrowers as the nation’s premier lender for real estate investors.”
About Lima One Capital: Since its inception in 2010, Lima One Capital has been recognized as the nation’s premier lender for real estate investors and has funded over $9 billion in business purpose real estate loans. With a reach across 46 states, Lima One operates as a capital partner for real estate investors who are building, improving, and stabilizing neighborhoods. Lima One’s core loan products are Fix and Flip loans, New Construction loans, Rental Property and Portfolio loans, and Multifamily Bridge loans. Lima One works directly with customers and also offers business-to-business partnership platforms for Brokers, Wholesale, and Lender Finance table funding. For more information, visit limaone.com.