News Summary

Woodruff, SC is preparing for significant economic growth with the construction of a $100 million high school and plans for over 6,000 new homes in five years. The new facility will accommodate up to 2,000 students and feature a gym and theater. Local businesses are also thriving, with new restaurants and increased consumer traffic. Major companies are investing in the area, creating jobs and bolstering the economy. As Woodruff anticipates more developments, residents can look forward to a vibrant economic future.

Woodruff Prepares for Economic Growth with New High School and Expanding Local Businesses

Woodruff, SC is setting the stage for significant economic growth with the ongoing construction of a new $100 million high school and plans for over 6,000 new homes in the next five years. The new Woodruff High School, located in Spartanburg County School District 4, is anticipated to open its doors for students in August 2026, with completion slated for November 2025.

The high school project, under the management of Clark Simpkins, Director of Facilities for Spartanburg County School District 4, aims to initially accommodate 1,500 students with future potential expansion to 2,000. The new facility will boast an auxiliary gym and a 600-seat theater intended for both school and community events, along with planned athletic fields for baseball, softball, and tennis, projected to be completed by summer 2026.

In addition to the educational improvements, the city has seen a surge in residential development. Ryan Homes is actively constructing homes at the Cavins Farm subdivision on Eden Hall Road, contributing to a projected 6,000 new housing units that will cater to the increase in population. Economic forecasts suggest that this surge in new homeowners may lead to heightened local spending, benefiting small businesses in the area.

Local businesses in downtown Woodruff have shown resilience and optimism regarding their economic prospects. Humble Grounds, a popular coffee shop, experienced a revival in customer traffic after reopening in May 2023, illustrating a shift in downtown dynamics that could support the area’s growth further. The owner’s anticipation of increased business due to population growth aligns with local sentiment about the evolving economic landscape.

Moreover, the city’s business scene is expanding, as Tap Three, a pub-style restaurant, plans to enhance its footprint by moving into additional space nearby. This growth indicates that despite challenges faced by existing businesses, there is a noteworthy trend of positive development in Woodruff.

Woodruff is also enticing larger companies to establish operations in the area. AIRSYS Cooling Technologies unveiled plans for a new $40 million plant in May, expected to generate approximately 215 jobs, while the BMW Group is investing $700 million to construct a battery assembly facility that will create over 300 jobs. These notable investments reflect a growing interest from major corporations in the Woodruff area, enhancing the city’s employment opportunities.

The city’s local officials, including City Administrator Lee Bailey, have indicated that more significant economic announcements are expected in August, further positioning Woodruff for growth. As the community approaches these changes, the focus remains on ensuring that both new infrastructures, such as the high school, and existing businesses can thrive amid the evolving economic environment.

As Woodruff prepares for these developments, residents can expect a mix of clouds and sun, with a high temperature nearing 90°F, and the possibility of a stray shower or thunderstorm in the afternoon. The evening will bring partly cloudy skies with a low temperature around 70°F, perfectly setting the stage for the community to witness the transition into an economically vibrant future.

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Additional Resources

• Post and Courier: Woodruff Growth and Development
• Go Upstate: Woodruff High School Referendum
• Post and Courier: Construction of New Woodruff High School
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Woodruff, South Carolina
• Google Search: Woodruff SC Economic Growth

Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG

The SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESpartanburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Spartanburg, Spartanburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spartanburg International Festival, Spartanburg ArtWalk, and motorsport events at Spartanburg Speedway. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and textiles that power the local economy such as BMW Manufacturing and Milliken & Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.