Philanthropy center gains approval for $4M home

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The Spartanburg Design Review Board has approved revised designs for the Robert Hett Chapman III Center for Philanthropy, a $4 million headquarters building and meeting space planned for Kennedy Street.

According to a news release, the initial designs were updated to create a wider setback to the street, which addresses the review board’s first reaction to the plans. The revised plan also adds a driveway to the right side of the building.

The Robert Hett Chapman III Center for Philanthropy will be the first center for philanthropy in the state, according to the news release. The Spartanburg County Foundation announced plans for the center in November at its 75^th anniversary celebration.

The center will be a 15,000 square foot facility to fulfill the foundation’s immediate space needs, the release said. By combining flexible convening facilities, technology and data-driven decision making, the center is intended to be a hub for individuals and organizations working to address some of Spartanburg’s challenges.

It will also be a collaboration space for donors, nonprofits and the community and will house a partner in residence. Donated to the foundation in 2017 by Susu and George Dean Johnson, the property is located adjacent to the foundation’s headquarters, the release said.