The Post and Courier Greenville

GREENVILLE, S.C. – A former hotel near the intersection of Laurens Road and Interstate 85 has found new life as a 117-unit apartment community.
Flathouse Studios held its grand opening today – creating a shining example of creative reuse of former commercial space. In this case, the developers, Millrock Commercial of Salt Lake City with NHE Inc. of Greenville managing the property, have turned the closed hotel into much-needed residential.

“This was a great collaborative effort to help create something really unique in the market,” said Jeff Lemmon, a consultant on the project.
Flathouse Studios is the first community in South Carolina to offer Ori Expandable Apartments. Expandable Apartments are dynamic spaces — walls move, and rooms appear and disappear on command, so residents get much more living space. In addition, the site features a seasonal outdoor swimming pool with deck chairs, an onsite podcast studio, a coworking space, a deluxe, state-of-the-art fitness center with high-end equipment, and a game room.
The site features 112 studio apartments, which are about 308 SF each, as well as five one-bedroom units. Learn more at www.flathousestudios.com or by following the community on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
The revitalization of the site comes as the City of Greenville looks to start the transformation of Laurens Road into a more mixed-use corridor.
“This is an amazing project and an example of the out-of-the-box thinking that we want to see when it comes to creating more housing opportunities,” said Mayor Knox White.

The site will be managed by NHE, one of the largest property management companies in the Carolinas and has a strong track record of exemplary service. Taylor Davis, the company’s CEO, said they are excited to be bringing this project to fruition.
“We have enjoyed working with the owners and their team over the past year to help bring their vision to life,” Davis said.

About NHE:
NHE provides professional association management, apartment management, community development and service coordination to communities across the Southeast, and currently represents more than 18,000 homes, apartments and condominiums in 15 states. NHE’s clients benefit from expertise, experience and leading-edge technology delivered by a dedicated staff offering diverse services to ensure premium performance and value. Actively engaged with national and state industry trade associations and government regulatory bodies, NHE holds the prestigious AMO (Accredited Management Organization) designation through the Institute of Real Estate Management and is a multi-year honoree of Top Workplaces in South Carolina and Best Places to Work. Learn more at nhe-inc.com.

GREER, S.C. – Associates from BMW Manufacturing helped start a new Habitat for Humanity home on Ruddy Creek Circle Wednesday morning.
A wall raising is more than a ceremony that starts the process of building a new affordable home, said Monroe Free, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County. It is the important first step that unites the volunteers with the family who will be putting up drywall, nailing on shingles and painting walls with them over the next few months.
“This is a celebration that marks the start of the construction phase for a new home,” Free said. “It’s a time to recognize the hard work that goes into building affordable housing, and to celebrate the families who will soon move into their new homes.”
Raymond T. Davis, CEO of Habitat Spartanburg, said it is great to have community partners such as BMW to support the mission of affordable homeownership.
“Habitat Spartanburg is excited for this joint build with Habitat Greenville and BMW Manufacturing. We look forward to fulfilling our mission by sparking generational change and transforming our communities,” Davis said.
“BMW Manufacturing is proud to continue our partnership with Habitat for Humanity and support the important work they are doing in our community. The mission of Habitat aligns with our commitment to making a lasting impact through teamwork, service and stewardship. It’s an honor to work alongside the Habitat affiliates once again to not only build a house for a deserving family, but provide hope and opportunity to our community. Together, we are creating a better future for those who need it most,” said Max Metcalf, Manager of Government and Community Relations for BMW Manufacturing.
The people who will live in the home will be purchasing it, Free said. A common misconception is that the houses are donated.

In reality, Habitat’s homeowner preparation program includes courses in personal finance, budgeting, mortgages, credit, home maintenance and repair, conflict resolution, being a good neighbor, and others. In addition, the prospective homeowner and family members must be willing to complete a minimum of 200 hours of volunteer service to Habitat. Known as “sweat equity,” this includes working on the construction of the prospective homeowner’s home, other Habitat homes and possibly volunteering at other nonprofit organizations.

“Habitat offers an unparalleled opportunity to help families with low income attain homeownership,” Free said.

About Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County:
Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County opened its doors in 1985 to bring families, community partners, and volunteers together to construct affordable, energy-efficient homes that help families build strength, stability, and self-reliance. As of October 2024, Habitat Greenville has completed the construction of more than 410 homes. Habitat Greenville ReStores are located at 3033 Wade Hampton Boulevard in Taylors and 1818 Woodruff Road in Greenville. Call 864-312-5016 for free donation pickups. Learn more at www.habitatgreenville.org.
About Habitat for Humanity of Spartanburg:
Habitat Spartanburg started in 1987. As of October 2024, Habitat Spartanburg has completed the construction of 156 homes and currently has 2 builds under construction. Habitat Spartanburg builds primarily in the city of Spartanburg, but also has homes in the outskirts such as Boiling Springs, Chesnee, Greer, Inman, etc. Habitat Spartanburg uses volunteers (individuals, groups, families, clubs, churches, etc) to volunteer. Habitat Spartanburg ReStore is located at 2270 S. Pine Street in Spartanburg. Please call 864-591-2221 for free donation pick-ups. Learn more at www.habitatspartanburg.org.
About BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC
BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC is a subsidiary of BMW AG in Munich, Germany, and assembles the BMW X3, X5, X5 M and X7 Sports Activity Vehicles; the BMW X4, X4 M, X6 and X6 M Sports Activity Coupes; and the BMW XM. In addition to the South Carolina manufacturing facility, BMW Group North American subsidiaries include sales, marketing, and financial services operations in the United States, Canada and throughout Latin America; a manufacturing plant in San Luis Potosi, Mexico; and a design firm and technology office in California. For more information on BMW Manufacturing, visit www.bmwusfactory.com.

Greenville, SC – October 25, 2024 – At the American Institute of Architects South Carolina (AIA SC) annual awards, DP3 Architects was honored with a Citation Award for Interior Architecture in recognition of their work at Bakala Capital. Located in Greenville, SC, this project was completed in partnership with Mavin Construction and exemplifies a collaborative approach to modern interior design.

The AIA SC Design Awards celebrate the highest standards in architecture, selecting winning projects in categories such as New Construction, Residential, Adaptive Reuse/Preservation, Interior Architecture, and Unbuilt Projects. Juried by architects and designers from outside the state, the awards highlight projects that inspire exceptional design and functionality.

Completed in 2023, the 2,000-square-foot headquarters embodies Scandinavian-inspired design with a focus on light woods, neutral tones, and tactile fabrics. The result is an atmosphere of refined simplicity that promotes productivity and well-being. Upon entering, clients experience a modern, welcoming environment defined by clean lines and intentional layouts. High-end finishes and expansive glass walls allow light to flow throughout the space, connecting private offices, a conference room, a break room, and collaboration areas—all carefully planned to maximize the office’s compact footprint.

“It’s an honor to have received this recognition,” said Meg Terry, Principal & CMO of DP3 Architects. “This project reflects our dedication to purposeful design, and we are grateful for the collaboration between our team, our client, and our construction partners at Mavin Construction.”

About DP3 Architects
DP3 Architects, established in 1984 and headquartered in the heart of downtown Greenville, South Carolina, is an architectural and interior design firm specializing in commercial interiors, hospitality, higher education, and community projects. DP3 Architects designs projects that invite, inspire, and invigorate the people that work, live, and play in the spaces we create.

PEOPLE | PLACES | PURPOSE
www.dp3architects.com

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Sportsclub Fitness & Wellness raised more than $12,000 last month to support Defenders for Children.

Founded in 2010, Defenders for Children aims to prevent child abuse, trafficking, and child pornography by creating, implementing, and operating projects that raise
community awareness by educating adults and children while increasing community
involvement to keep children safe.

During the month of September, members and staff of the three Sportsclub sites in
Greenville raised funds through a series of events including a Stair Climb for
our Heroes competition on September 11, the Members Make a Difference Social on September 17, and a Pickleball and K-9 Social on September 22

“We are thankful for our partnership with Sportsclub,” said Toni Clark, CEO and Founder of Defenders for Children. “Their staff and members helped make a big impact in our community.”

Sportclub’s campaign was part of a larger one being led by its parent company, acac Fitness & Wellness Centers, which has locations in Pennsylvania, Virginia and South
Carolina. The 30 Days for $30 campaign was originally created in 2009 to
celebrate the company’s 25th anniversary. Since then, acac has supported a variety of organizations including the American Heart Association, the Alzheimer’s Association, the American Red Cross, and more.

“We are honored to have helped such an amazing organization in our community,” said Kelly Brogdon for Sportsclub.

About Sportsclub Fitness &
Wellness:

Since
1975, Sportsclub Fitness & Wellness has been the choice for
those who want something more than just a gym membership. Their mission is to
provide the best health club experience in the Upstate of South Carolina.
Their members appreciate a wide variety of equipment, adult and youth fitness
programming, group exercise classes and a friendly and knowledgeable team. From
team sports to group activities to individual instruction, they can define a
fitness program that suits anyone’s unique ability and lifestyle at their three
convenient locations in Greenville. Learn more by visiting https://sportsclubsc.com.

About
acac Fitness & Wellness Centers:

Founded by Phil Wendel in 1984, acac
Fitness & Wellness Centers has become the gold standard for health and
wellness facilities. With 11 locations throughout Virginia, Pennsylvania and
now South Carolina, acac members and guests have access to a full spectrum
of high quality programs, services and equipment. acac’s
mission is to provide a great fitness experience for members of all ages in a
clean and safe environment. Its team members are dedicated to the integration
of medicine and fitness to improve community health by focusing on prevention,
treatment and rehabilitation of lifestyle-related disease. Learn more at https://acac.com

The Greenville, SC Branch of the NAACP, Unit 5522, will hold its biennial election of officers and executive committee on Sunday, November 10, 2024. The election takes place via an electronic ballot sent to active members of the Branch between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Those persons elected will serve a two-year term that begins January 2025.

[Greenville, SC] – GOAL Justice (Greenville Organized for Accountable Leadership) invites the public to its pivotal Community Problems Assembly (CPA) on November 7th at Springfield Baptist Church. Doors open at 6:00 PM, with the event beginning promptly at 6:30 PM. This powerful assembly will unite congregations from across Greenville County to confront pressing community issues and set our collective course for change.

Over 750 Voices Heard in County-Wide Listening Campaign

Through house meetings this year, GOAL has gathered over 750 stories highlighting real challenges facing Greenville County residents. This Assembly will bring these voices forward, with testimonials from our house meetings revealing the heart of community concerns. Together, attendees will vote to select the two new key issues GOAL will champion in the coming year, following past work focused on housing and mental health—issues that deeply impact lives across our region.

A Call to Action for Press and Public

This year’s CPA offers an unprecedented opportunity for members of the press and community to witness democracy in action as we share powerful testimonies, vote on new leadership, and welcome new member congregations. As we shape our justice initiatives for the year ahead, your presence and support amplify the impact of our work.

For interview opportunities or additional information, contact Abigail Anthis at abigail@thedartcenter.org or 832-490-7272.

Join Us in Shaping Greenville’s Future

Date: November 7, 2024
Location: Springfield Baptist Church, Greenville, SC
Time: Doors open at 6:00 PM; Program starts at 6:30 PM

Greenville, S.C., November 2024- Augusta Road Business Association (ARBA) is hosting their annual celebration to kick off the holiday season. Holiday Open House will take place on Sunday, November 17 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Holiday Open House, was created in the 1980s, when ARBA first became an organization, and it continues each year making Augusta Road the place where families experience the beginning of the Christmas season. All along Augusta Street, on Sunday, November 17 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., participating businesses will host special events to celebrate the upcoming holidays. Shoppers can get in the holiday spirit with a visit from Santa, music, art, special sales, raffles, door prizes, carriage rides, hot cocoa, holiday treats, special gift ideas for Christmas and much more. It is a fun day for all ages.
Santa is coming! There will be many opportunities to talk and take photos with Santa so we advise parents to bring a camera.

The Annual Instagram Contest will also return. Attendees can snap photos or selfies while at Holiday Open House and post on Instagram. Follow @onlyonaugusta and post your favorites pics. Make sure to tag @onlyonaugusta and #onlyonaugusta in your post to win gift certificates to businesses along Augusta Street.

Holiday Open House Participants Include:
Augusta Road Aesthetics, Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop, Bella Bridesmaids, Diggs Designs, Labels Designer Resale, Danielle Miller Jewelry, First Bank, Harringtons, Kate Carlyle, Mathnasium, Muse Shoe Studio . Paisley & Paper, Palmetto Olive Oil Co., Savvy, Twill, Ponthieux’s Jewelry Design Studio, StretchLab, The Elephant’s Trunk, The Vista, The Nested Fig, The Nested Fig Garden, The Rock House Antiques, Vann & Liv, Pigtails and Crewcuts, Jersey Mike’s, and Westside Market
For more information on Holiday Open House visit www.onlyonaugusta.com.Hi-Res photos are available at http://www.onlyonaugusta.com/community/photo-gallery/

About The Augusta Road Business Association:
The Augusta Road Business Association (ARBA) is a coalition of businesses and residents who work together to establish a unified voice for the community. Our mission is to promote area advancement, economic development and provide support and communication for businesses along the Augusta Road corridor. About us onlyonaugusta.com/about-us

YMCA of Greenville is now selling individual tickets for $50 per person for its annual Thanksgiving Prayer Breakfast on the morning of November 21 at Greenville Convention Center. The event is a way to bring the community together to pause, reflect, and give thanks for Greenville’s many blessings. Breakfast will begin at 7 a.m., with the program beginning at 7:30 a.m.

Presented by HomeTrust Bank, the Y’s Thanksgiving Prayer breakfast’s keynote speaker is Thomas C. Settles III, senior pastor of Calvary Bible Church, FCA campus director at the University of Georgia and author of the devotional Better Together: Fifteen Encouraging Messages from an Unforgettable 2021 Season. Don’t miss this special morning of networking, reflection and inspiration, as Settles shares a message designed to bring our community together in the spirit of service and gratitude.

Tickets can be purchased for $50 per person now through November 13 from the event website.