Greenville wants views on a mixed-use project with affordable housing on city land on Church Street. Drop in 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, at 15 S. Main St.

The city of Greenville wants residents to help shape a mixed-use development, including affordable housing, on land it owns along Church Street. A drop-in public meeting runs from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, at the Civic Design Center, 15 S. Main St.

The site sits just outside downtown, near County Square and the Haynie-Sirrine neighborhood. The city announced the meeting Friday.

What the city is planning

The city says this is the first time it has bought land to carry out its GVL2040 Comprehensive Plan. That plan’s priorities include affordable housing, open space, mobility and economic development.

The release gives two sizes for the site:

  • the development is planned for “more than 10 acres of City-owned property along Church Street”
  • the Church Street property itself is “approximately seven acres of vacant land” the city bought in 2024

It does not explain the difference.

The city hired the design firm Arcadis Consulting to draw up a land development plan. Once that study is finished, the city will contract private developers to build to the Arcadis plans. The city expects the plan to be done in early 2027.

The site has already been through two steps. City Council adopted the Haynie-Sirrine Neighborhood Plan and approved updated zoning for the land, the city said.

The release does not say how many homes would be built, how many would be affordable or what the project would cost.

How the meeting works

The meeting is drop-in style. People can come and go between 5 and 7 p.m., look at concepts and talk to the planners.

City Manager Shannon Lavrin said the city will use a “dot-mocracy” approach. “Residents will be able to put dots on the displays to indicate the type of architecture styles they prefer,” Lavrin said.

Because the land is on a main gateway into the city, officials want people from across Greenville to take part, not only nearby residents.

What it means for you

  • When: 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22. Drop in at any time.
  • Where: Civic Design Center, 15 S. Main St.
  • What you can do: look at the concepts, ask the planners questions and mark the building styles and amenities you would like to see.
  • What happens next: Arcadis finishes the development plan, expected in early 2027, before any builder is hired.

For how rezonings and permits work in the city, see our guide to building permits and zoning. Our neighborhoods guide covers the areas around downtown.