Known for its revitalized downtown area, which in 2011 was ranked among “America’s Best Downtowns” by Forbes magazine, Greenville, S.C., offers meeting attendees an assortment of options when it comes to off-site venues.
Among the possibilities are several fabulous repurposed historic buildings that feature exposed brick, original hardwood floors and great views, and an exciting facility where attendees can race cars before a meeting or networking event.
The Upper Room
The Upper Room, which resides in a circa-1925 building that was used as a Cadillac dealership in the 1950s, opened in June 2016.
“We wanted to keep the integrity of the history in the space so we kept the original floors and windows, but also added a few touches of our own, such as elegant modern-style bathrooms and an elevator,” said Erin Hines, director of events, who runs the family business with her mother-in-law. “Our space is charmingly historic, unique, versatile and in a prime location near hotels and restaurants.“
The venue accommodates meetings, receptions and other events for up to 150 people.
The Upper Room’s main space is a 2,000-square-foot area with exposed brick and 11 large windows, and there is also the recently opened rooftop garden.
“This addition is a unique setting for any occasion, complete with a wide-open view and perfect for sunsets in the city,” Hines said.
Peace Center
Greenville’s Peace Center features three performance venues and a full calendar of entertainment, plus several event spaces, including Genevieve’s, an elegant space with a two-story glass wall and views of the river walk, and the Huguenot Mill, a converted circa-1882 mill with various spaces.
Among them is an executive conference room on the lower floor and a versatile loft space on the second floor that hosts everything from meetings to cocktail parties.
“The Huguenot Loft features original wood flooring, a soaring beam ceiling, exposed brick and vintage architectural hardware,” said Tara McNamara, the Peace Center’s director of public relations. “The mill’s windows are also original, providing for natural light and excellent views of the Reedy River.”
Wyche Pavilion
The Wyche Pavilion, formerly known as the Gower Coach Factory, has been a pillar in the Greenville community since 1847, according to Corie Savage, event specialist for Larkin’s on the River, which manages Wyche Pavilion.
“Today the space is used for receptions and private corporate dinners, and can accommodate large and small groups with ease,” she said.
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Larkin’s Catering and Events has assisted with many gatherings at Wyche Pavilion, from small private dinners and product launches to charity events.
“Plated dinners, buffet dinners and even strolling receptions are all easily accommodated in this beautiful open-air venue,” Savage said. “Larkin’s Catering and Events also facilitates teambuilding activities like salsa competitions, kitchen battles and cooking lessons.”
Old Cigar Warehouse
The Old Cigar Warehouse is another historic venue in Greenville that welcomes group gatherings.
“Built in 1882, the brick and wooden structure of the building can transform any event,” said Courtney Hamilton, the venue’s corporate and social sales manager. “Most clients comment on the charm and natural beauty of the venue, which requires little additional decoration.”
The Old Cigar Warehouse can accommodate a variety of events, from intimate gatherings of 50 to concerts for up to 500 guests.
“We’ve even hosted Anderson Cooper and CNN in our space for election coverage,” Hamilton said.
Spaces here include the main hall, which features a spacious floor plan, high vaulted ceilings and hanging chandelier lights; the cellar, which is well-suited for seated dinners, with low ceilings and hanging string lights; and the deck.
“The vintage combination of brick, wood, metal and twinkling lights come together in the venue’s deck area, which can be enjoyed during warm weather for events outside,” Hamilton said.
Artisan Traders
Artisan Traders, a restored 1920s restaurant located in the Village, Greenville’s arts district, accommodates intimate parties and gatherings for up to 100 guests.
“We have taken special care to keep the venue’s 90-year-old charm, and in addition, because the Village is home to over 50 artist studios, we have the privilege of hanging original works on our walls,” said owner/operator Terri Lingsch.
Planners can consider holding an event here on a first Friday of the month, a fun time when local artists open their studios to the public.
Lingsch added that Artisan Traders has held everything from breakfast meetings to corporate receptions.
BMW Performance Center
The BMW Performance Center, which offers on-site catering capabilities and various opportunities to create a fun teambuilding experience, can customize group events for 25 to 600 attendees.
In addition to the adrenaline-pumping option of driving an M series vehicle as fast as they can on the site’s performance tracks, attendees can also have a meeting in an on-site conference room with Wi-Fi/AV capabilities and/or a reception in the M Cafe.
According to David Montgomery, vice president of sales for Visit Greenville SC, a typical group experience includes a classroom session to learn performance-driving concepts followed by track time.
“Those not comfortable getting behind the wheel can still experience the thrill by joining one of the professional instructors for a ‘Hot Lap’ as a passenger,” he said.
