In 2017, the City of Greenwood hired Benchmark Planning to provide a market feasibility study for the redevelopment of a City Center area including the site of the former Kitson Mill. The former textile mill closed in 2008 after being in operation for 118 years. In 2011, the City acquired the property and awarded assessment funds in 2012. After observing concentrations of contaminants above the Environmental Protection Agency Standards, the City worked with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control to clean up the site. The City then contracted with Benchmark Planning in 2017 to provide a market feasibility study to assist in the redevelopment of the site.
The Kitson Mill site encompasses a total of 24 acres near the heart of Greenwood. The site is located one block from the Uptown Arts and Dining District and the nearby farmers' market. The City-owned portion of the larger acreage is 6.8 acres and is envisioned as industrial flex space available for a wide variety of logistics, creative production, and indoor entertainment venue space. Additionally, the site has access to nearby railroads and all public facilities.
