News Summary
The Spartanburg County Council has approved a $22 million townhome project in the revitalized Drayton community, featuring 100 upscale units. Scheduled to break ground by the end of 2025, the development aims to address the housing shortage with a focus on workforce housing options for various demographics. The initiative is part of ongoing revitalization efforts in the area, contributing to an estimated total investment of $150 to $200 million and improving the community’s desirability as a vibrant residential destination.
Spartanburg County Council Approves $22 Million Townhome Development in Revitalized Drayton Community
The Spartanburg County Council has approved a $22 million townhome development in the Drayton community, a rapidly growing area known for its recent economic investments. The project will feature 100 townhomes located near the intersection of Skylyn Drive and Drayton Road, and construction is anticipated to begin by the end of 2025, with leasing for the upscale units expected to start by 2027.
This development, spearheaded by developer John Montgomery, aims to address the housing shortage by providing a “missing middle” option. This term refers to housing types that are neither apartments nor larger single-family homes, catering to various demographics such as job seekers, recent college graduates, students from the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) and Wofford College, as well as empty-nesters.
Tax Incentives and Workforce Housing
To support the new development, the Spartanburg County Council granted an 85% tax break for the first year of the project, with the rate decreasing annually to 4.25% by the final year. Twelve of the 100 townhomes will be designated as workforce housing, targeting tenants who earn at or below 80% of the area median income, with rents capped at 30% of their income.
Revitalization Efforts
The approval of this townhome project is part of a larger trend in the Drayton community, which has seen significant revitalization initiatives in recent years. The historic textile plant in Drayton has been transformed into luxury Drayton Mills Lofts and a marketplace. Additionally, the opening of Drayton Mills Elementary School in 2018 has contributed to the area’s educational landscape.
New residential options, including townhomes and apartments along the Drayton Mills Trail, reflect the community’s growth and increasing desirability. Future development phases are set to include more retail opportunities and additional housing developments along Floyd Street. Notable projects like the Lively Drayton Mills, a 297-unit apartment complex nearing completion, will also feature affordable housing options and amenities such as a pool, fitness center, and access to local trails.
Positive Community Impact
The redevelopment initiatives represent an estimated total investment of between $150 million and $200 million by various stakeholders, including Pacolet Milliken. This concerted effort aims to establish Drayton as a vibrant community destination, reducing its past image as merely a pass-through area.
As the Drayton community continues to grow, increased traffic congestion has been observed, underscoring the area’s rising popularity and activity levels. Local business owners, including those who have recently relocated to the area, have expressed satisfaction over the enhancement of economic opportunities and improved community prospects.
Concluding Remarks
The approval of the $22 million townhome development marks a significant milestone in the ongoing revitalization of the Drayton community. These initiatives not only aim to improve housing availability but also to increase community density and enhance the overall living experience in Spartanburg’s Eastside.
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Additional Resources
- GoUpstate: Spartanburg Developer Excited About Growth in Drayton Road Area
- Post and Courier: Drayton Townhomes and Apartments in Spartanburg Eastside
- Upstate Business Journal: Spartanburg’s Drayton Mills Redevelopment
- Wikipedia: Spartanburg County, South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Spartanburg
