Here’s a look back on some community, nonprofit and health highlights from 2024.
Bon Secours Wellness Arena plans extensive renovation
The Greenville Arena District announced an estimated $170 million renovation and expansion project for the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. LS3P, in partnership with Gensler and LMN Architects, are currently creating a 25-year master plan that provides a comprehensive roadmap for the revitalization project. Some of the plan’s recommendations will focus on improving the area’s client and guest experience and better connecting the site to downtown Greenville. The master planning effort is expected to take six to nine months to complete.
Prisma Health expands operations
Large investments were made by Prisma Health to expand its services in the Upstate. The health care system unveiled plans to build a $138 million inpatient behavioral health hospital in Pickens County. The Prisma Health-Upstate Foundation launched a new campaign called OneDay to raise funding for the project. Prisma Health also opened a $32 million outpatient surgery center in Greenville and a $2.3 million adaptive sports and wellness center in Unity Park. The health care system also provided a $1.5 million gift for Greenville Technical College’s new Prisma Health Center for Health & Life Sciences.
Artisphere celebrates 20th year
Artisphere turned 20 years old in 2024. Over 100,000 people attended the annual arts festival held May 10-12 along Main Street in downtown Greenville. The festival featured 140 artists from 28 states, various culinary offerings, hands-on art exhibits and several live performances. Overall, this year’s event had an estimated $14.1 million economic impact. A new sculpture called “Tandem Lovers” was also unveiled to commemorate the festival’s 20th anniversary. The sculpture is located on the northeast corner of the Main Street bridge.
Salvation Army unveils revitalization project
The Salvation Army of Greenville, Pickens and Oconee Counties, SC plans to complete a $16 million renovation of its Social Services campus on Rutherford Street. The renovation will expand the capacity of the homeless shelter and enhance the security of the 45,000-square-foot campus. A capital campaign was launched in May for the revitalization project, which received a $500,000 state grant. With the grant, the nonprofit has raised about $10 million for the project.
Meyer Center marks 70 years of service
The Meyer Center for Special Children in Greenville celebrated its 70th year in 2024. The nonprofit provides speech, occupational and physical therapy in a preschool environment to children with disabilities. The Meyer Center launched an annual giving goal of $700,000 to prepare for the next 70 years. In December, the center held its 25th annual holiday luncheon, raising $473,023.
