Family entertainment venue coming to Judson Mill District in Greenville

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An indoor play concept exclusively for children is coming to Judson Mill.

Friends and businessmen Austin Motes and Daniel Kingsbury are bringing Play Café to the Upstate after realizing the market needed something better, according to a news release

Occupying 17,000 square feet of The Warehouse at Judson Mill District, Play Café at Judson Mill features two large play structures, one for children ages 2 to 6 and the other for children up to 12 years old, the release stated. Parents can rent one of eight party rooms for birthdays or other celebrations and relax in the café while their children play.

Play Café is expected to open this summer.

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Motes’s idea emerged while attending a birthday party for one of his children’s friends, the release stated. A chaotic scene of uninspiring toys and concerned parents prompted him to send a text message to Kingsbury, saying “We could do this better.”

“We’re so excited to bring Play Café at Judson Mill to Greenville,” Motes said in the release. “Like any other parent, my number one concern for my children is safety. But there are so many things you can do structurally to create a safe and exciting environment for kids to just be kids, and to give parents the opportunity to relax and enjoy the peace of mind that their kids are safely having fun.”

Financial details of the project were not disclosed.

Ken Reiter, president of Belmont Sayre and co-developer of the Judson Mill District, describes Play Café at Judson Mill as a strong addition to the community, the release stated. “Experiential and family entertainment are key market drivers across the Southeast,” Reiter said in the release. “We were looking for a strong concept to round out the community offerings at Judson Mill, and Play Café at Judson Mill is the perfect fit.”

Play Café at Judson Mill’s lease completes The Warehouse at Judson Mill District, the release stated. Senior Avison Young associates James McKay and Rakan Draz, along with associate Macy Scoggins, represented Judson Mill and are the exclusive listing agents for the mixed-use development. Anthony Gallo of The Gallo Co. represented the Play Café team throughout the leasing process.

“We were strategically looking to build out a tenant mix that serves the community and couldn’t be more excited that The Warehouse is now fully leased,” McKay said in the release. “Austin and Daniel were looking for the best combination of location and flexibility, and their unique business concept made the partnership a win-win.”

All construction at Judson Mill is done by Triangle Construction, and design is done by McMillan Pazdan Smith.

Project management and property management teams from Avison Young are also an integral part of the project, the release stated. Led by senior project manager Lee Shain, the 107,000-square-foot warehouse received full renovation and rehabilitation of the existing building, including HVAC and electrical infrastructure, ATT fiber service. New landscaped parking lots with direct access to retail, climbing gym, and live music venue were also completed.