Council authorizes multiple property agreements as first step toward downtown conference center

Greenville City Council on the record authorized the city manager to enter into multiple purchase-and-sale agreements to assemble parcels for a proposed downtown conference center that city staff and the manager described as central to the city’s long-term economic development plan.

The city manager told the council the purchases are "the first step" toward making the downtown conference center a reality and said the site presents an opportunity to restore pervious surface and add green space. The manager said the plan aligns with Greenville 2040 goals and the council’s recently adopted priorities.

During debate, a council member said the conference center will drive customers to locally owned retailers and restaurants, helping sustain downtown "mom-and-pop" businesses. Another council member noted potential transit connections that would reduce congestion for visitors traveling from the airport through downtown.

Council members moved and seconded motions authorizing the manager to enter the purchase-and-sale agreements and approved the resolutions by voice and roll-call votes. The council also approved specific purchase-and-sale agreements for properties referenced in staff materials (including parcels held by Timberland Holding Company LLC, United Care Community Bank, and Design Development LLC) as the initial acquisitions to support the project.

The city manager thanked staff and the city attorney for their work and said more announcements about partnerships and next steps will come in the short term. He also noted February part‑1 crime numbers were down and thanked the Greenville Police Department and the community for their role in public safety.

The council’s approvals authorize staff to proceed with the negotiated purchases as described; staff said each acquisition is a preliminary step before any further design or construction approvals.