News
Greenville News building sold, new owners Find Great People to occupy by summer of 2025
The Greenville News building located at 32 East Broad Street has officially sold as a deal between CAP Camperdown Greenville News LLC. and a new ownership group, 32EBroadStreet LLC.
According to the Greenville County Register of Deeds, the building sold for $10.7 million on June 28, 2024.
The 35,000-square-foot-building will feature the Greenville-based recruiting and human resources consulting firm Find Great People (FGP) as its main tenant, and will fall under full management of The Furman Co. Investment Advisory Services.
The Greenville News, part of Gannett, Co. Inc., and the USA Today Network will continue to occupy an office space in the building.
United Community headquarters opens in downtown Greenville
United Communitys new headquarters in downtown Greenville is officially open.
More than 300 employees began moving into the $65 million headquarters located at 200 E. Camperdown Way at the beginning of March.
The approximately 200,000-square-foot building took around two years to construct and includes 92 offices, 226 workstations and 26 conference rooms. It was designed according to WELL health and wellbeing standards and is one of the first certified buildings in South Carolina.
Community partnerships important in building United Community headquarters in Greenville, S.C.
GCEDC interview with Steve Navarro
Council Selects Leadership for Economic Development Board
City Council welcomed its first board of directors for the Greenville City Economic Development Corp. (GCEDC) at its formal meeting on January 22. The group’s background includes a diverse mix of economic development sectors – from real estate and investment to non-profits and small business.
The announcement comes as the City’s new economic development organization takes shape. Created in June of 2023, GCEDC is a private non-profit with its own governing board and the ability to raise private funds.
"During the selection process it was important to City Council to choose representatives with diverse backgrounds and experiences that match the priorities of our Economic Development Strategic Plan,” Mayor Knox White said. “We're pleased to have found such respected leaders in fields such as innovation and entrepreneurship, life science, finance, higher education, workforce, retail, real estate and commercial development. Their combined skillset will give Greenville strong direction to recruit and retain companies in varying sectors."
Source: https://www.greenvillesc.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=3383
The Furman Co. Announces Allen Lund to occupy a portion of historic Borden building
The Furman Co. (Furman Development) announced national transportation broker Allen Lund Company has signed on to occupy a portion of the Borden building, leasing approximately 5,600 square feet of office space at 711 W. Washington Street in Greenville, SC. The Greenville office is part the companys 37 offices across the United States.
The Borden building is currently in redevelopment. The buildings are approximately 42,000 square feet and were purchased in 2019 with the intent to preserve these historic buildings that were once home to the Borden ice cream factory. The original Borden building structure dates back to 1923. The developer wanted to keep the name of the modern urban office park Borden because of its rich history and to embrace what the site already has to offer. Stephen Navarro, President and CEO of The Furman Co. says that bringing a tenant of Allen Lunds caliber to the Borden building brings our vision of the redevelopment to life. The goal of this development is to breathe new life into an iconic historic building, while rediscovering its vibrancy. Navarro continued, the propertys proximity to downtown Greenvilles Main Street and nearby amenities like Unity Park are what makes the Borden building such an attractive location for new and expanding businesses to locate.
Source: The Furman Co.
Southern Tide Announces HQ Move to Historic Borden Building
Greenville, SC (August 23, 2023) – Southern Tide, the leader in premium coastal lifestyle and apparel, is pleased to announce its Greenville headquarters will be moving to downtown Greenville’s newly renovated Borden building. The move to the historic Greenville building marks a new chapter for the brand, as it embraces a space deeply steeped in local history and impact on the community.
Situated within the heart of the Greenville community, the Borden Building provides not only a strategic location but also a connection to the brand's origins. Southern Tide's decision to call the Borden Building its new home reflects its commitment to preserving local heritage. As the brand settles into this historic space, it is poised to further strengthen its ties with the community and better equip the brand in delivering high-quality products and a beloved lifestyle to both loyal patrons and newcomers alike.
The Furman Co. celebrates 135 years and is going strong
With 135 years and an expansive portfolio of projects in the books, The Furman Co. continues its influential presence in the Greenville community.
The Furman Co. President and CEO Stephen Navarro said what he has learned over the last 40 years of being with the company is that the world changes not only globally but locally and its all about adaptability.
As a real estate developer in the Greenville market, he said he has witnessed tremendous change.
I mean how do you put your hands around 135 years? said Navarro. We have been through high times, trying times, and back again.
The Furman Co., born February 1888, realized that memorable projects depend not only on the leadership, professionalism, creativity and competence of the developer, but also the quality and depth of the client and the willingness of the community to invest.
Source: GSA Business Report
A thank you from atop the world
From high atop the world, Len sent this video message thanking the team at Furman for all their support throughout the years.
You can follow Len as he continues towards his goal of climbing Everest and raising $1,000,000 for Hopecam and kids with cancer here: https://www.hopecam.org/mt-everest-expedition-blog/
If you are able to make a sponsorship donation to support this goal, Hopecam would be incredibly grateful. 100% of the funds go directly to help kids with cancer stay virtually connected to their classmates. The pledge can be paid over a number of years.
Source: Hopecam.org
Meet the 50 Most Influential in South Carolina honorees
Stephen Navarro
Title: President and CEO
Company/organization: The Furman Co., Inc.
Years at your current position: 40
What is your greatest career achievement/accomplishment?
When I (we) chose to move to South Carolina we did so because we wanted to raise a family in a place that matched our values…but near the mountains, having grown up on the west coast beaches. Professionals in the real estate and economic development arena influence change and are faced with choices and have a responsibility to recognize the positive and negative consequences of the growth we facilitate. What I am most proud of comes not from the projects, developments, or industries we have helped position to grow, but in maintaining a steadfast perspective of what makes our state great, remembering why I chose to come here, and then to help us grow with purpose, by choice and not by chance so future generations might do the same.
Source: https://scbiznews.com/announcing-meet-the-50-most-influential-in-south-carolina-honorees/
Poe West listed in National Register of Historic Places; Furman sponsored nomination
Poe West is officially listed in the National Register of Historic Places, having completed the 4th and final stage historic certification process. The nomination was sponsored by the developer, The Furman Co., and nomination materials were prepared by Furman, Johnston Design Group architect of record, and MacRostie Historic Advisors historic consultant.
Poe West is an approximately five-acre property located at 556 Perry Avenue in the West Village of Greenville, one street over from historic Pendleton Street. The property has multiple structures including historically significant 1946 warehouses and a circa-1961 one-story office building.
Poe West was listed in the National Register of Historic Places as a good and intact example of a Mid-century Modern style, specifically in the International style, and for its association with the Poe Hardware Company. The Poe Hardware office retains its floorplan and exterior and interior character-defining features, including architectural precast concrete panels, cast-in-place concrete beams, and wood paneled interiors. All of the major structures have been preserved with a high level of integrity.
Source: The Furman Co.
Where Black history was made and lives on around downtown Greenville
The Clausen Bakery building, one of Furmans prized historic rehabilitation projects, was featured by the Greenville Journal in its February 2, 2023 article as part of Black History Month:
Until the bakery closed in 1973, Greenvillians who drove past 400 Augusta St. sucked in the succulent aroma of freshly baked bread. Nearly a half-dozen years before that, though, 22 African American employees went on strike to protest the companys discriminatory practices.
Greenville native Jesse Jackson helped bring the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. to Greenville in April 1967. At the bakery, King preached economic justice and support for the Claussen workers who had been called boys then they stood up like men, according to The Green Book of South Carolina.
Source: Greenville Journal
$14M project at former Borden factory in downtown Greenville nears completion
TThe reimagining of a long-vacant factory in downtown Greenville into an "urban office park" is nearing completion.
The Borden project near Unity Park an adaptive reuse and mixed-use development will feature more than 30,000 divisible square feet of office space for up to seven tenants.
The project is centered around the historic renovation of the former Borden Ice Cream Factory, which was originally Greenville Ice Cream before changing its name.
The original Borden building structure dates back to 1923, and The Furman Co., the developer on the project, is gearing up to celebrate its centennial with the opening of Borden this spring, after breaking ground nearly a year ago, according to Robert Poppleton, The Furman Co. vice president of development.
Source: SC Biz Nws
Old Borden Building on track for early 2023 opening
The historic building that once served as the headquarters of Borden Ice Cream is undergoing a transformation and is set to reopen to the public in early 2023.
Located at 711 W. Washington St., on the periphery of Unity Park, the two-story building will reopen to the public as a Class A mixed-use development with more than 40,000 square feet of commercial space.
Spearheaded by the Furman Co., the project will be in line with the companys restorations of other historic buildings around Greenville, including Claussen Bakery, Keys Court and, most recently, Poe West in the Village of West Greenville.
Source: Upstate Business Journal
West Greenville community helps Joseph Bradley rebuild after fire at $1 million art studio
The culmination of Joseph Bradley's 14 years of contemporary artistry was set aflame in an early morning fire on Oct. 14. The blaze left the framework of his $1 million art studio in ashes.
Joseph Bradley Studios was under construction and scheduled to open around Christmas as he transitioned out of his North Main Street studio and into a space as detailed as his graphite-based paintings of nature.
Source: Greenville News
Former Borden Building on track for early 2023 opening
The historic building that once served as the headquarters of Borden Ice Cream is undergoing transformation and is set to reopen to the public in early 2023.
Located at 711 W. Washington Street, on the periphery of Unity Park, the two-story building will reopen to the public as a Class A mixed-use development with more than 40,000 square feet of commercial space.
Source: Upstate Business Journal
Former Borden Ice Cream Near Unity Park Becoming Multi-Tenant Offices
On West Washington Street in the Southern side community, a building with a sweet history now rumbles with the sounds of construction equipment. The Borden building — a former ice cream plant for local and eventually national dairy companies — sits on a slight hill above Unity Park and across from the U.S. Post Office. After the Greenville-based developer Furman Co. bought the property in 2019 and worked to get the structure certified as a historic place, the roughly $13 million project is physically underway.
Source: Post and Courier
United Community Bank Headquarters Breaks Ground, CEO Receives Order of Palmetto
Ground is broken on the new United Community Bank headquarters at 200 E. Camperdown Way. A crowd of local leaders and statewide lawmakers came together Tuesday, March 29 over 4.2 acres of tilled earth, where construction is now underway on the 118,000 square foot, $70 million headquarters.
Source: Upstate Business Journal
Village Launch Third Thursday’s begins for 2022 in Poe West
May 18, 2022
If you’re looking for a way to support women and minority-owned businesses and grab some local items and a meal, Third Thursday’s at Poe West is right up your alley.
The Village Launch Third Thursday market is returning on Thursday, May 19th. The market showcases women and minority-owned small businesses and entrepreneurs, many of which have graduated from the Village Launch entrepreneur academy.
More than 15 vendors will be present. There will be a live band, Levelz, as well as a food truck Vegan House Shack and a photo booth.
Source: 7 News WSPA.com
Long-vacant Borden Building transforming into ‘post-COVID urban lifestyle’ space
May 13, 2022
The historic building that once served as the headquarters of Borden Ice Cream is undergoing a transformation.
Located any 711 W. Washington St., on the periphery of Unity Park, the two-story building will reopen to the public at the start of 2023 as a Class A mixed-use development with more than 40,000 square feet of commercial space.
Spearheaded by the Furman Co., the project will be in line with the company’s restorations of other historic buildings around Greenville, including Claussen Bakery, Key’s Court and, most recently, Poe West in the Village of West Greenville.
Source: Upstate Business Journal
6AM City moving HQ to Poe West
April 29, 2022
Following years of rapid growth, Greenville-based 6AM City is moving its headquarters to Poe West in the Village of West Greenville.
6AM City specializes in hyperlocal news and operates in 24 markets across the country, according to chief operating officer Ryan Heafy.
Heafy said the company signed a multiyear lease for about 5,000 square feet of office space to support its rapidly growing operations.
With 120 employees — 40 of whom will operate out of the Poe West office — and plans to expand into 50 markets within the next five years, the company remains committed to staying in the community that saw its launch in 2016, Heafy says.
Source: Upstate Business Journal
Claussen Bakery
February 13, 2022
This historic building was originally built in 1930, operating as a commercial bakery until 1973. In 1967, the building was the site of an employee strike in which 22 employees conducted a protest of the bakery’s discriminatory hiring and promotion practices. The NAACP called for the boycott of Claussen Bakery products, leading to Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. paying a visit to Greenville on April 30, 1967. Situated in Greenville's historic West End, this LEED® Silver-certified building was refurbished and converted into a brand new urban mixed-use building in 2014.
Source: Greenville Journal
United Community Bank HQ design aims to blend with Falls Park, earn WELL certification
December 10, 2021
The new headquarters for United Community Bank initially raised questions about how its location would visually and environmentally impact the Reedy River and Falls Park below.
Once bisected by a highway and neglected, the centerpiece of downtown Greenville has long-since been transformed into a landmark of the Upstate, capturing the attention of travelers and locals alike.
Source: Post and Courier
Historic ice cream plant in Greenville could be redeveloped for a first near Unity Park
August 5, 2021
Nearly 100 years after it was built to produce ice cream, the old Borden Foods building located at 711 West Washington Street is planned for redevelopment into a mixed-use project.
The Furman Co. development vice president Robert Poppleton said the building will focus on "new approaches to commercial space in a post-COVID environment."
Developers plan for Borden to be the first significant office-focused commercial development in the Unity Park district in Southernside, Poppleton said in a press release.
Source: Greenville News
Parts of Poe West development in West Greenville to open in first quarter of 2020
January 2, 2020
After nearly four years, Poe West is coming to life.
The 65,000-square-foot creative use development on Perry Avenue is nearing semi-completion, with plans for some tenants to open by the end of the year and others to open by the first quarter of 2020.
The space, including a yet-to-be-named restaurant, should be filled by spring 2020.
Source: Greenville News
The 2019 Greenville Business Magazine 50 Most Influential and the Hall of Fame
January 2, 2020
Stephen P. Navarro is president and CEO of The Furman Co., Inc. based in Greenville, South Carolina. He oversees Furman's three operating companies that specialize in development, investment advisory services and risk management.
Navarro represents and advises corporate, institutional, and high net-worth individuals. His advisory services has extended to over 23 states and four countries. Until 2014 Steve Navarro was also owner, president and broker-in-charge of CBRE | The Furman Co., the leading brokerage and management firm in the state of South Carolina. In 2014 CBRE, Inc. acquired CBRE | The Furman Co.
Source: Greenville Business Magazine
ACL Airshop: Grand Opening of Innovative Air Cargo Products Factory May 17 in Greenville SC
May 16, 2019
ACL Airshop, a steadily growing leader in products and services for the global air cargo and airlines industry, will hold the Grand Opening ceremony for its ultramodern new manufacturing center in Greenville SC on Friday May 17, 2019 at 4pm. Called "A Celebration of Aerospace Growth in South Carolina," this ribbon-cutting event highlights the global growth of ACL Airshop. The company has doubled in the past three years. Its fleet of Unit Load Devices such as air cargo pallets and containers ("ULD's") has doubled through aggressive internal investment from under 25,000 units to over 50,000 and steadily increasing. Its supply chain for manufacturing resources stretches from Germany to China and Taiwan, and is now anchored by the large South Carolina production center. The company has doubled its service footprint to more than half of the world's Top 100 air cargo hub airports.
Source: PR Newswire