Copyright Greenville News
Judson Mill District Hosts Holiday Market The Judson Mill District in Greenville is debuting a new tradition with a holiday market inspired by The Polar Express. The event will take place every week, Thursdays through Saturdays, Nov. 6 to Dec. 20, inside the Annex Building, 701 Easley Bridge Road. The market will showcase festive, train-inspired décor and experiences, local makers, seasonal vendors, and family-friendly activities that turn the campus into a holiday destination for shopping, community and celebration. A rotating roster of regional artisans and small businesses will sell handmade goods, home décor, jewelry, candles, specialty foods and other items. Food and drinks will be available for purchase next door at Mill City Kitchen. The train-inspired displays and a train-car booth will provide photo opportunities for families. Hot cocoa, served in a commemorative cup with a bell and ticket, will be available for a donation to support students at Hollis Academy. Guests are also invited to donate a toy for the classroom or cash for supplies. “Judson Mill’s holiday market reflects what this campus is designed to be – a place where people come together around shared experiences,” said Ken Reiter, co-developer of Judson Mill District and President of Belmont Sayre. “It offers an opportunity to support local businesses, connect with the community, and celebrate the season in one of Greenville’s most historic spaces.” An exhibit will show the history of Judson Mill with archival photography and displays highlighting the site’s evolution from a textile mill to a mixed-use community. Market hours are 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday; and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free and open to the public. On-site parking is available. Judson Mill District’s restaurants and entertainment venues include Mill City Kitchen, Judson Mill Play Café and BlocHaven Climbing. Kenny’s Golf Club is scheduled to open soon. Judson Mill Play Café will offer a drop-off option for children so that parents can shop or dine. Vendors interested in participating can email events@judson-mill.com. For the latest updates, follow @judsonmilldistrict on Instagram or go to judsonmilldistrict.com. Judson Mill District, once the largest textile mill in Greenville County, is now a mixed-use community of residences, retail, offices, services, recreation, restaurants and event spaces. In 2015, the mill closed. Taft Family Ventures, a real estate investment and development firm based in North Carolina, and Belmont Sayre, a privately held real estate investment and development company also based in North Carolina, joined in 2019 to transform the 800,000-square-foot textile mill and surrounding 38-acre campus. Indoor Golf Planned At Judson Mill District Kenny’s Golf Club, an indoor golf facility founded and owned by Greenville resident Beau Blackshear, will open this year at Judson Mill District. The venue will provide advanced simulator technology, professional instruction, and year-round play. At more than 6,800 square feet, the space will include six simulator bays with plans to expand to nine. Each bay will have monitors and high-speed cameras to capture the flight of the ball and the swing of the club. Players and coaches now use the technology. “Kenny’s Golf Club is designed to be more than a practice facility. It’s a place where the game and its community come together,” Blackshear said. “When my wife and I relocated to Greenville, we were drawn to the history and energy of Judson Mill. It’s the perfect backdrop for bringing a modern golf experience to a city with such a strong passion for the game. My goal is to create a welcoming environment where players of all levels can improve, connect, and enjoy the sport year-round.” In addition to the simulators, Kenny’s Golf Club will provide lessons with local PGA professional Zach Bumgarner and host private events and corporate outings. Judson Mill District has also opened The Jenny and The Westervelt, the community's newest residential loft apartments. “Kenny’s Golf Club represents the kind of forward-thinking concept we want to foster at Judson Mill District,” said Ken Reiter, co-developer of Judson Mill District and President of Belmont Sayre. “It blends innovation with community.” Simulator bays will rent for $30 to $60 per hour, with memberships and packages available. Judson Mill District is a mixed-use community on the site of what was once the largest textile mill in Greenville County. Cliffs At Mountain Park Opens Sports Complex The new Sports Pavilion at The Cliffs at Mountain Park is designed to complement nature by Summerour Architects of Atlanta and built by Greenville-based general contractor Trehel, according to a press release from the community. The pavilion is set in the Carolina mountains and offers experiences for residents and their guests – regardless of their age and interest, the statement says. Summerour Architects has helped to create and update luxury properties, including Sea Island in Georgia. The rustic style of the complex is intended to soften the boundaries between the natural environment and the built one. The sports pavilion is centered on a 7,000-square-foot resort-style pool with private cabanas, locker rooms, and a splash pad with a playground. Racquet sports include two tennis courts, four pickleball courts, and two courts for padel, which is a sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. Intended to be versatile and family-friendly, the amenity features a covered dining area with upscale/casual food and beverage service, an outdoor amphitheater for cultural and community events, a dog park and a children’s playground. “With the arrival of the Sports Pavilion, The Cliffs at Mountain Park has a new destination for neighbors to gather outside as a community and enjoy the scenic surroundings,” said Chris Calloway, Vice President of Homebuilding & Operations at South Street Partners. The complex will complement the community’s Gary Player links-style course. Trehel has also begun building a wellness center for The Cliffs’ members. Cherokee Rose, a recent release of 12 homesites in the heart of the Mountain Park community and 25 miles from Greenville and Hendersonville, offers buyers the opportunity to custom-build a mountain retreat with the option to select a builder from the Cliffs Preferred Builders Program. Sites range from 1.19 to 4.25 acres with prices beginning at about $300,000. In September, a home on Cherokee Rose Trail in Marietta sold for $4.27 million – the largest residential sale recorded at The Cliffs at Mountain Park. JoAnn Roser of Cliffs Realty represented the buyer. The Cliffs is made up of seven private, luxury residential mountain and lake club communities in the Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains, near Greenville, Asheville and Clemson. The communities have a total of seven clubhouses, seven golf courses, seven wellness centers, tennis and pickleball complexes, the first padel courts at a private community in South Carolina, a marina, beach club, equestrian center, more than a dozen restaurants and event venues, and over 2,000 year-round programs and social activities. Homes at The Cliffs range from $800,000 to $6 million, with homesites starting at $125,000. BMW Charity Pro-Am Celebrates Volunteers The BMW Charity Pro-Am presented by TD SYNNEX recently hosted the Nancy Smith Golf Invitational to celebrate the volunteers who make the tournament possible. Presented by Spartanburg Regional at Thornblade Club, the invitational brought together 100 volunteers for a day of golf, camaraderie and appreciation. The event also celebrated Volunteer Director Nancy Smith and her 25 years of service – since the start of the tournament. Though she announced her retirement from the role, she plans to stay involved in the event. “This event and the people behind it mean so much to me,” Smith said. “The friendships, memories and impact we’ve created will always hold a special place in my heart. I’m grateful to continue supporting the tournament in new ways.” Smith is “the heart” of the volunteer program, said Michael McGovern, Tournament Director of the BMW Charity Pro-Am presented by TD SYNNEX. “Her tireless commitment and genuine care for every volunteer have helped shape this event into what it is today.” The day concluded with a reception celebrating all volunteers who make the BMW Charity Pro-Am a success. The tournament was founded to highlight the beauty of the Upstate; create an entertaining week centered around professional athletes and celebrities; and raise money and awareness for South Carolina charities. Since 2001, the tournament has awarded more than $17 million to Upstate nonprofit organizations. The tournament draws an estimated 45,000 spectators. A 2024 study by Visit Greenville SC estimated that the tournament has an economic impact of $8.5 million for the region. Hartness Welcomes Director of Development Joseph Barnes has been appointed Director of Development at the Hartness community in Greenville. Barnes has more than three decades of international experience in architecture, master planning, and large-scale real estate projects. In his new role, Barnes will provide strategic leadership, design stewardship, and operational discipline across all facets of Hartness. He will focus on advancing operational excellence, strengthening builder and product delivery systems, and positioning Hartness for long-term, design-led growth beyond its current master-planned community. “Joe’s expertise bridges the creative and the operational,” said Sean Hartness, CEO of Hartness Development. “His experience leading some of the world’s most ambitious projects, paired with his deep appreciation for timeless community design, will help us continue to elevate the Hartness experience while preparing for the years ahead.” A licensed architect, Barnes has worked across the globe – including NEOM’s Trojena in Saudi Arabia and communities in the United U.S., such as Disney’s Celebration, I’On in Mount Pleasant, and East Beach in Norfolk. Barnes is known for integrating visionary design with business strategies to create sustainable and quality projects that generate lasting social and economic value. Hartness is an evolving 482-acre traditional neighborhood development and home to Hotel Hartness, Spa H, Patterson Kitchen + Bar, and an expanding number of residences and retail offerings. “Hartness has already established itself as a benchmark for traditional neighborhood design and community living,” Barnes said. “I’m honored to join a team that values both vision and execution.” Countybank Names Senior VP Peggy Chamblee has been appointed Senior Vice President by the Board of Directors of Countybank. Chamblee joined Countybank in 2018 as Vice President and Financial Center Manager at the Anderson Highway 81 office. Last year, she was promoted to her current role of Retail Banking Manager, leading all retail financial centers and their teams across the Upstate. In her new role, Chamblee’s responsibilities will include setting the direction for the retail banking team to carry out the bank’s priorities and deliver a positive customer experience. Chamblee said it is important that associates have opportunities for personal and career development. “We're serving neighbors, friends, and local businesses that shape our communities. That's why our team leads with heart, listens closely, and stays deeply connected to the people we serve,” she said. Wells Dunlap, President of Countybank, said Chamblee’s promotion is well-earned. “She leads by example and has been instrumental in building a culture of client-focused service across our retail network,” he said. “Her commitment to developing her team and deepening relationships beyond a transaction has created meaningful impact for both clients and the organization.” Chamblee has 32 years of experience in banking. She has held roles in management, consumer and small business lending, and business development. Countybank Adds Mortgage Officer Countybank Mortgage has promoted Brandy Poore to the position of Mortgage Loan Officer in Greenwood. Poore began her banking career with Countybank in 1994 as a teller and has held several management roles before transitioning into the mortgage industry in 2012. As a mortgage loan officer, she will guide clients through the mortgage process when they buy, refinance, renovate or build a home. She focuses on educating clients so that they can choose loan programs that best fit their needs. “We’re excited to have Brandy Poore join the mortgage team at Countybank. Brandy is one of the most productive and professional mortgage loan officers in the Greenwood market,” said JD Nelson, Senior Vice President. “Brandy is diligent in being an advocate for her clients and satisfying their goals and objectives.” Poore said she describes herself as a “local lender with the heart of a teacher,” driven to help people achieve homeownership. A Greenwood resident since 1992, she is a member of Emerald City Rotary and is co-owner of Greenwood All Star Chem-Dry. First Presbyterian Hosts Community Prayer First Presbyterian Church of Greenville will host a community prayer and worship service, called ONE Prayer 2025, at 5 p.m. Nov. 16. Local pastors, worship leaders and people from a range of congregations are expected to gather for the seventh annual event. The public is invited to attend. About 20 local pastors will lead the service and guide prayers. First Presbyterian Church of Greenville Worship & Arts Center is at 200 W. Washington St. Admission is free, but registration is required. For information, go to firstpresgreenville.ticketspice.com/one-prayer-2025. ONE Prayer exists to encourage collaboration across congregations in the Upstate. Chamber Focus On Credit Union, Nonprofit The Simpsonville Area Chamber of Commerce Women's Impact Network will meet from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Nov. 4 at the Simpsonville Chamber Conference Room, 105A W. Curtis St. The event will include a presentation from MTC Federal Credit Union. Center for Community Services is the nonprofit guest. The organization provides access to resources in Greenville County as well as direct services, including case management, emergency aid, education, and health care. Those who attend the meeting are asked to bring donations for the organization’s holiday food drive. WIN offers a way to start the day with coffee, networking with fellow women in business, and giving back to the community. For information, go to simpsonvillechamber.com and click on the Calendar. Gather For Environment, Brews The South Carolina Conservation Coalition will present a casual evening of brews, connections, and conservation from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 6 at The Community Tap, 217 Wade Hampton Blvd. in Greenville. Participants can learn about new organizations, network, meet new people, and learn about conservation organizations working to protect land, water, and communities in the Upstate and across South Carolina. The S.C. Conservation Coalition is a collection of organizations working with residents of the Upstate to ensure that future generations can enjoy a prosperous future where natural resources are recognized as an irreplaceable part of the economy, history and culture — an alignment of economic development and conservation goals. The goal is to ensure that water resources are used efficiently, sporting traditions coexist with wildlife, conservation is honored, local food is accessible, transportation dollars are invested wisely, and energy needs are met affordably, reliably and cleanly. For information, go to conservationcoalitionsc.org. Upstate Forever Workday
