Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
A new project is expected to bring 160 new apartments to downtown Anderson.
Artist rendering of proposed project
The $40 million investment is public-private partnership between the developer, Southeast Partners, the City of Anderson and Anderson County is aimed at meeting the growing need for additional housing options in Anderson.
The nine-acre tract will feature three-story, garden-style apartments, pocket parks, green spaces and commercial opportunities on the property which stretches along North Murray Avenue bordered by Clinkscales Street, Fair Street and Tribble Street. The apartments are scheduled to include an outdoor pool and a clubhouse.
The development, which is slated to begin construction soon, will also feature the renovation of one existing historic warehouse at the abandoned Chem-Text facility, which was once a chemical division operation of the Abney Mill.
“We are excited to see this project break ground,” said Anderson City Manager David McCuen. “Our city is growing and that means we need more places for people to live. Our council listened to the public and supported a project highlighted in our downtown master plan. We also appreciate our partnership with Anderson County, making this project a reality, and the developers’ continued investment in Anderson.”
This site was one of the seven “shock blocks” identified for redevelopment in the city’s 2019 downtown master plan, “Shock this Block.” More than 1,000 citizens participated with great interest and enthusiasm for the future revitalization of this property, naming it part of the West End Gateway of downtown.
Anderson County Administrator Rusty Burns hopes the new development is just the beginning for that area.
“Anderson County was pleased to work with the City of Anderson and the developers to repurpose and drastically improve that part of town,” said Burns. “We hope it is just the start of new investment in that area.”
The developers of the new project are the same group which restored the Palmetto Lofts, expanding housing opportunities in downtown Anderson.
"We hope to begin work in the second quarter of this year," said Rob Wilson, one of the partners in the new development."
Wilson expects the first part of the project to be complete is 12 months. This is the historic mill building, which will feature 20-foot ceilings and the orginal brick, and house 18 apartments. Once complete, the rest of the development is targeted to be complete in less than two years.
"Anderson has been the easiest to work with of anywhere we have built developments," said Wilson. "It makes a big difference from developers' standpoiont to have this klnd of cooperation, and we hope to work on future projects here."