Economic Development in Mauldin SC
Mauldin continues to grow, gaining quality development projects that enhance the quality of life for its citizens and surrounding community.
Mauldin’s many new projects include urban development attracting mixed-use components that promote opportunities to live, work and play. BridgeWay Station, a new mixed-use design, will lead the way in development over the next few years with over one million square-feet of new product in phase one. BridgeWay Station will be connected to Mauldin by a pedestrian bridge that will span over I-385, allowing the Swamp Rabbit Trail to finally cross over into southern Greenville County, including Simpsonville and Fountain Inn.
“This bridge will open incredible economic development potential for hospitality and retail sectors, and I’m excited that Mauldin and its partners could make that happen,” said Councilman Taft Mattney, chair of city council’s Economic Planning and Development Committee.
The recent announcement and development of several projects all point to the need for additional housing and services to the city. Such projects include Courtyard by Marriott with $18 million in construction cost with 35 jobs; Koops Manufacturing adding 150 jobs; and the expansion of Samsung-Alorica that will include 400 jobs; Alo with a $6 million investment to add at least 44 new jobs; and Global Lending Services LLC with more than $4.2 million investment and 669 new jobs.
Housing development in Mauldin has increased tenfold, and the city has annexed over 500 acres of undeveloped properties with projects anticipated for each annexation. The city continues to look for opportunities for future infill development projects, adding to the mix of projects already located within city limits. Mauldin expects to see more than 2,000 new homes built over the next two to five years.
Mauldin continues to see redevelopment projects come to fruition, including the redevelopment of vacant buildings such as the former Lynn’s Shoes on South Main into a Starbucks; the opening of J Peters Grill and Bar in the Corporate Center of Millport; the redevelopment of Jerry’s Gas Station to house another restaurant group. With so many businesses bringing new life to old locations in Mauldin, the city continues to show that its landscape is growing by the day.
Redevelopment also includes the city’s vision for an urban downtown village. In October 2019, Mauldin selected a firm to redevelop its downtown, creating an urban core to boost business and enhance community connections. The firm, Contour Development, hopes to break ground on the project in 2020.
The City Center Master Plan was envisioned as a sustainable mixed-use project providing great walkability to connect adjacent sites that include the Mauldin Cultural Center on East Butler Road and the Mauldin Sports Center on City Center Drive. Since the conceptual approval of City Center in 2009, City Council has, strategically, taken steps to lay the framework to facilitate this development project, including the purchase of properties and the implementation of a zoning overlay for the designated ±24 acres that make up the City Center area. In 2017, the future site of City Center was designated as a Multi County Park to encourage additional investment within City Center.
The development of this long-held downtown dream, as well as the extension of the Swamp Rabbit Trail through the proposed City Center and over I-385 to BridgeWay Station, will be instrumental in connecting Mauldin to the larger Upstate community and changing the landscape for years to come.
Mauldin still remains a safe, inviting community. The City has repeatedly been ranked among the safest cities to reside in by both state and national lists, as well as listed among the most affordable places to own a home. With a variety of recreational activities, arts and entertainment events, and a welcoming community, Mauldin continues to be a great place to live.