Group acquires historic Chick Springs property in Taylors

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Taylors TownSquare has acquired the historic Chick Springs property in Taylors, marking a significant milestone in the preservation of one of Greenville County’s most storied sites, according to a news release.

Chick Springs, a place of historical importance, was recognized by the Cherokee long before European settlers arrived, the release stated. In 1840, Dr. Burwell Chick established a resort at the site, with a hotel and cottages that drew summer guests seeking the spring’s famed “healing powers.”

With the coming of the railways in the late 19th century, visitors from Richmond, New Orleans and beyond flocked to the resort, the release stated. Over the years, the site hosted summer resorts, a military academy, and a sanitarium until the early 20th century. Through the 1960s and 70s, the site hosted a swimming pool that a whole generation of Taylors residents grew up visiting.

Despite its historical prominence, the property has remained under private control with limited public access for decades, the release stated. However, Taylors TownSquare has now taken the lead in transforming Chick Springs into a public park.

In collaboration with the founding members of the former Chick Springs Historical Society, the group is committed to preserving this historic location and making it accessible for all to enjoy, the release stated.

The acquisition process, a significant community effort, culminated when Alex Reynolds, president of Taylors TownSquare, along with Curt and Lily Niemela, the property owners, attended the signing ceremony to transfer the title of the property to Taylors TownSquare, the release stated.

Pending the final filing of the plat and deeds, Taylors TownSquare will officially own the property.

“Our vision is to restore and protect this cherished site while creating a space where the community can connect with our shared history,” said Reynolds. “This acquisition is the first step towards making Chick Springs a public treasure once again.”

The next step in the process will be to develop a master plan for the property’s use and safety.

The Chick Springs Historical Society was formed in 2008 with the goal of acquiring the property, according to the release. The 2008 recession halted those plans, but in 2014, Taylors TownSquare was formed and began keeping track of the acquisition of this property. In late 2017, Curt Niemela, owner of the For 8 Corporation, acquired the property and quickly began discussions with Taylors TownSquare about transferring the property into Taylors TownSquare’s hands.

In early 2021, Bill Wilson, one of the final remaining board members of the Historical Society, transferred their collected assets to Taylors TownSquare and in the summer of 2021, Curt Niemela, For 8 Corporation Project Manager Lily Niemela, Greenville County Council District 18 Member Mike Barnes, former Taylors TownSquare Board Member Mike Iatesta, and Taylors TownSquare President Alex Reynolds began working in earnest to bring this project to fruition, the release stated.

Barnes worked with County staff to help the project clear the necessary requirements for the transition, which led to the May 29 title transfer.

“We’re thrilled to complete this transfer to Taylors TownSquare and excited to see this decades-long effort to protect this property take a significant step forward,” said Lily Niemela in the release.