Spartanburg's Downtown Boom: A $1.77 Billion Wave of Growth and Jobs

A tidal wave of development is reshaping the heart of our city, fueling unprecedented Spartanburg growth and jobs.

New data reveals a staggering story of success, with construction projects initiated since 2017 injecting a massive $1.77 billion into the countywide economy.

This is not just about new buildings; it's about building a future.

The downtown growth now supports an incredible 13,706 jobs in total.

To put that in perspective, this figure surpasses the entire workforce at BMW Manufacturing Co., Spartanburg County's largest single employer.

This renaissance is powered by a slate of transformative projects, including the new Fifth Third Park, the ambitious Grain District Office Building, and the complete redevelopment of the former Spartanburg Herald-Journal site.

Even the former City Hall location is part of this boom, slated for a multi-family development that will bring new residents directly into our urban core.

Local leaders are calling this a direct result of powerful partnerships.

Mayor Jerome Rice emphasized that this growth translates directly into tangible benefits for citizens, from better roads and schools to more support for first-responders.

It’s a vision for long-term success, built on what the mayor calls a “historic commitment” from the private sector.

The tourism sector is also a major indicator of this upward trend.

Hotel occupancy in Spartanburg has climbed to over 71%, with revenue per available room jumping a remarkable 18.5% year-over-year.

These numbers don't just look good on paper; they outperform peer cities like Chattanooga and Birmingham, signaling a robust and growing visitor economy.

According to OneSpartanburg, Inc., the data sends a clear message: the market can and will support even more hotel development.

This isn't just a momentary surge; it's a sustainable foundation for the future.

As leaders at OneSpartanburg, Inc. noted, communities are either creating jobs or losing them, and Spartanburg has firmly chosen the path of creation.

These thousands of new jobs represent stronger families, thriving local businesses, and a promising horizon for all residents.

FAQ: Spartanburg's Economic Boom

What is driving the economic growth in Spartanburg?

A combination of public-private partnerships and over $1.24 billion in new private development in the downtown area, including new stadiums, hotels, office buildings, and residential projects, is driving significant economic and job growth.

How many jobs has recent development in Spartanburg created?

Development projects in Downtown Spartanburg since 2017 now support a total of 13,706 jobs throughout the county, a number that exceeds the workforce of the area's largest employer.

Is the Spartanburg tourism market growing?

Yes, Spartanburg's hotel occupancy rate and revenue per available room have seen significant year-over-year increases, outperforming several regional competitor cities and indicating a strong, growing demand for tourism and hospitality services.