May is National Historic Preservation Month and the City of Greer will soon see a part of its past become a vibrant part of the community once again.
“This is a building that’s been here for 120 years, and the way it’s constructed when it’s renovated, it will last another 120,” said Greer Mill Owner Lawrence Black.
Lawrence Black is renovating Greer Mill into apartments and retail space. He says buildings like this one are crucial to communities like Greer.
“They’re a historical part of the community that are irreplaceable,” Black said.
Betsy Potter, the Chair of the Board of Architectural Review, says she’s excited to see this building brought back to life.
“And it’s going to bring so much back to this Greer that has just been kind of dead. This area has just been dead for so many years,” Potter said.
Giving guidance on renovations like this are part of her role, along with keeping a record of historical buildings and proposing them to the National Register.
“We would love to see some of these historic buildings outside of that downtown area preserved so that we can encourage more tourism and more economic development in the city,” Potter said.
Greer Mill was the last operating mill in Greer, and is the last mill standing in City limits. Black can’t wait to see his vision become a reality.
“Once the windows get opened up and people start to see it, and the light starts to come in; in the beginning there was light. Light is important. And so I think then people start to realize the possibility,” he said.
With that, he hopes to uncover even more about this historical spot and share that with the community.
“It’s heartwarming when you’re here, and we’ve been here for a while. You can’t stand on the corner and have somebody sort of walk up, drive-by, what’s going on and tell you a story about grandfather or aunt or their parents who worked here.”
Greer Mill will start a phased occupancy in late fall or early winter.