Council gives preliminary Bailey Bill approval to 200 Main Street despite planning staff concerns about roofline

Greenwood County Council granted preliminary (pre‑certification) approval under the county’s Bailey Bill to rehabilitate the building at 200 Main Street, a property that faces Bailey Circle adjacent to the county’s Veterans Center. The vote followed a split staff recommendation and extensive discussion.

Planning staff recommended denial, citing changes to the building’s roofline and facade that staff said diverged from its historic appearance. Planning materials in the packet included pre‑construction photos and a certificate of appropriateness from the city’s Board of Architectural Review; staff noted the city’s review but remained concerned about exterior changes.

Applicant Steve Riley described extensive interior deterioration, said the previous roof leaked, and explained why he installed a pitched roof for structural reasons. Riley said he would preserve interior brick and the concrete floor, invest in historic colors for the exterior and retain what he could of the building’s original fabric. He also identified himself as owner of Emerald Promo and Smoking Coles barbecue products and said the renovated building would be a for‑profit commercial venture with plans for a catering kitchen and events.

The county manager urged council to view the Bailey Bill as a balance between preservation and community revitalization and recommended preliminary approval, arguing the renovation would be beneficial to Uptown Greenwood. After discussion and a motion by Ms. Bishop, council voted unanimously to grant pre‑certification; Riley will return for final certification after construction is complete.

What changed: The decision reflects a council judgment that the broader revitalization value and interior preservation merit preliminary support despite planning staff’s stylistic objections to the roofline. Final certification will require the applicant to meet the county’s Bailey Bill finalization steps.