Developers move forward with Piedmont riverfront community.

PositionRed Oak Developers

This story first appeared in the Feb. 21 print edition of GSA Business Report.

Developers of a green townhouse community on the banks of a Saluda River mill dam plan to break ground this spring after a two-year pause.

In 2019, Red Oak Developers, a reconstruction partner in the Judson Mill project and other historic properties, went public with plans to create a hydro-powered residential development within the bones of 1876-era Piedmont Mill One.

Only a smokestack stands from the original mill itself following a 1983 fire, but at one point, according to the S.C. Historic Properties Record, Piedmont Manufacturing's Henry Hammett built out the property to be one of the largest textile plants in the world in the 1800s.

The Saluda River dam, a footbridge across the river between two of the Piedmont mill sites and a soon-to-be renovated mercantile space remain, laying the groundwork for what Red Oak Developer's Brad Skelton hopes will become a "cool urban living" space.

The area is "prime for the pickings," he said, with Piedmont's close proximity to Greenville and cheaper property than in most municipalities in the county. The historic structures and corresponding tax credits also sweeten the pot.

"I think it will be more of a millennial vibe maybe. In the town of Piedmont itself, which is contiguous, there are several developers who are already upfitting some of the old building there," he said. "There's already a co-work space in an old bank there."

Plans for the refurbished mercantile space will also cater to the younger demographic: a coffee shop, taphouse, cafe and five art studios committed to lease the space several years ago, according to developer KDS Commercial Properties.

Skelton aims to build out 90 to 105 three-level townhomes in Piedmont Village, as well as...

To continue reading

Request your trial

VLEX uses login cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience. If you click on 'Accept' or continue browsing this site we consider that you accept our cookie policy. ACCEPT