Description
Since its inception, Uptown Greenville has made great strides in revitalizing Greenville's center city. One of the key efforts by Uptown Greenville, working with the city was the removal of the section of Evans that was made into a sidewalk mall in 1974. Thanks to efforts by Uptown Greenville, $250,000 was raised toward the project and the streetscape was opened and redesigned which was a major step needed to improve foot traffic to the area. Since then, many new businesses have opened and the retail businesses are continuing to grow.
The Façade Improvement Grant program was jointly funded by Uptown Greenville and the City of Greenville. This program provides matching grants for renovation of properties in the Uptown district and has been a major success. Thanks to this program, portions of the central business district have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The restoration of buildings in this district thanks to the Façade Grant program enables properties within the district to qualify for major federal and state rehabilitation tax credits. This program continues to assist property owners and results in a more beautiful Uptown.
In 1999, Uptown Greenville planned and started the Freeboot Friday live music concert series. This free event has become a traditional community favorite and takes place on the Friday before home ECU football games in the fall in Uptown Greenville. This series has become very popular among locals and visitors drawing an average attendance of 2,500. The event runs from 5-8 pm and features live music, an inflatable Pirate Ship, free food samplings from area restaurants with the hope that you'll stay and dine and play in the Uptown district following Freeboot. Other annual events that Uptown Greenville organizes or co-sponsor include: Uptown Umbrella Market, Uptown ArtWalk, and PirateFest.
Uptown Greenville continues to work closely with the community to provide input into decision making policy about Uptown issues including parking, security, sanitation, landscaping, and beautification. Uptown Greenville partners with public and private organizations to develop concepts for future projects and events in the Uptown district.
Member dues support a number of programs and events that Uptown sponsors throughout the year to raise awareness of and support the revitalization of the Uptown district.
For more information on Uptown Greenville visit uptowngreenville.com or call (252) 561-8400.
