Local Greenville companies picked to build $500M conference center complex in the SC city
Greenville-based Auro Hotels will redevelop an existing office building for a luxury hotel adjacent to the newly announced Falls Park Conference Center District in downtown Greenville.
It will also manage the conference center, connected by a newly built hotel tower.
Greenville City Council Monday approved spending $26 million to purchase six acres for the development of the Falls Park district.
As envisioned now, the district will be a $500 million development with multi-family residences, office space, restaurants and retail with access to Falls Park, Greenville’s signature public park beside Reedy River Falls.
“For nearly five decades, Greenville has been home for our family and our company, so being entrusted with a project of this significance is both humbling and very meaningful to us,” said DJ Rama, president and CEO of Auro Hotels.
Auro owns and manages 40 hotels worldwide under the Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt and Wyndham brands.
The city also announced Thursday that The Furman Co. will serve as master developer of the Falls Park Conference District.
“This project is deeply personal to us,” said Steve Navarro, president and CEO of The Furman Co. “Greenville is our home, and we are approaching this opportunity with a responsibility to get this right.”
Hines, a real estate investment manager based in Houston, will build a multi-story building with approximately 250 multi-family units.
United Community Bank, which is located nearby, will expand its offices into the district.
“This initiative strengthens the community we call home and creates a more connected, energized environment for our team,” said Lynn Harton, chairman and CEO of United Community. “We believe the Falls Park Conference District will transform our downtown and create even more opportunities that support United’s long-term growth. And we’re excited to be part of it.”
“This redevelopment will emphasize thoughtful design that complements downtown’s beloved riverfront environment, enhancing the pedestrian experience along the Reedy River and integrating seamlessly into the surrounding conference district,” Mayor Knox White said in a news release.