Verdae Development breaks ground on Bolden Street District

Verdae Development, Inc. broke ground on Bolden Street District, the long-planned, 92-acre district along Laurens Road and the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail.

Verdae Development leaders, officials from the City of Greenville and Greenville County, project partners and community stakeholders gathered Wednesday morning at the northern end of Bolden Street District, between Market Place Drive and Verdae Commons Drive off of Laurens Road, for the occasion.

The groundbreaking site is situated near what will be the Bolden Square neighborhood, which will be a central public gathering space surrounded by dining, shopping, offices and residences within the larger Bolden Street District. The program included remarks from Dan Klausner, CEO of Verdae Development, Inc., and Wil Brasington, Greenville City Council representative for District 4, followed by a ceremonial groundbreaking.

Bolden Street District is being developed by Verdae Development on land owned by its parent organization, Hollingsworth Funds. The project represents part of Hollingsworth Funds’ long-term stewardship of its real estate assets, with Verdae Development leading development of the property and execution of the vision to create value that ultimately supports Hollingsworth Funds’ charitable mission.

Initial site and infrastructure work is now underway in preparation for future development.

This work represents the first tangible step in implementing the broader Bolden Street District vision. Development of the full 92-acre district will occur in multiple phases as individual projects and uses advance.

“Projects of this scale demand an extraordinary level of coordination, creativity and trust, and I couldn’t be prouder of the team that has brought us to this point,” said Klausner. “We’re grateful for the City of Greenville’s partnership along the way, and we’re excited to create a place Greenville can make its own, built to serve the community for generations to come.”

Bolden Street District is envisioned as a thoughtfully designed destination where people can live, work, gather and spend time. Residential, commercial and community spaces will come together as part of a cohesive district, connected by streets, pedestrian and bicycle routes, green spaces and public gathering places.

The Swamp Rabbit Trail is central to that vision. A network of trails, open spaces, plazas, parks and paseos is planned throughout Bolden Street, extending the trail experience through the district and creating stronger connections between Laurens Road, surrounding areas and the broader Greenville community. From its earliest plans, the project has emphasized green infrastructure and pedestrian and bicycle access as central to creating a connected, people-focused destination.

Reaching this milestone follows years of planning, community input and collaboration. That work has shaped a district designed to do more than add development along Laurens Road; it is intended to create a vibrant place within Greenville where people and neighborhoods can connect.

“I appreciate the manner in which Verdae is approaching Bolden Street District, particularly its alignment with the goals of GVL2040,” said Brasington. “They are working with great intent to ensure the district fits thoughtfully within this part of the city and contributes meaningfully to the surrounding community. That intentional approach will help create value within Bolden Street District while also contributing to the continued vitality of the Laurens Road corridor.”

Bolden Street will unfold over a number of years, with additional activity and milestones expected across the district as plans advance. Wednesday’s groundbreaking marks a beginning, with much more progress to come as the 92-acre vision takes shape.