Property sale sets stage for City Center Village in downtown Mauldin

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A long-anticipated multi-use development in downtown Mauldin is closer to becoming a reality after a recent land sale.

The city of Mauldin recently sold a slice of downtown property for $1.15 million that will be used for the project.

The city-owned property totaling 6.5 acres was sold to the Parker Group and Longbranch Development, marking the start of the long-anticipated Maverick Yards project that will kick off City Center Village, according to a news release from the city.

The mixed-use development will be comprised of residential townhomes and an entertainment and dining complex with eventual access to the Swamp Rabbit Trail. Located at the corner of Jenkins Street and Jenkins Court, the development will complement the recently completed Maverick Station redevelopment by the Parker Group.

“I’m thrilled to see Maverick Yards moving forward and to know we’re one step closer to creating a true downtown area for the Mauldin community,” said Mauldin Mayor Terry Merritt. “This is an exciting development for the city that marks a key step in our transformation from a crossroad community to a destination.”

As the focal point of the project, the Parker Group will redevelop a 20,000 square-foot industrial warehouse into “The Pickle Yard,” which will feature pickleball courts as its primary attraction. The redevelopment will also include three or four food concepts, outdoor seating, a stage for live performances, fire pits and a beer garden, the release said.

Adjacent to that complex, Longbranch Development will redevelop 2.4 acres of the property into more than 40 townhomes that will be available for rent. That property is the former site of the City of Mauldin’s Public Works facility and a light industrial building.

Demolition of the existing structures will begin in the summer, and both projects are slated to open in at the end of 2024.

"To finally be at this point is beyond exciting for us and represents a major step toward fulfilling the vision that will be Mauldin's City Center,” said Drew Parker, founder and broker-in-charge of the Parker Group. “After months of planning and permitting, it is going to be fun seeing Maverick Yards take shape."

Proceeds from the sale of the property will fund public improvements throughout the development area, including new sidewalks, road improvements, installation of a pedestrian/bike trail, landscaping, public parking and more, the release said.

City Center Village is a City of Mauldin effort and local property owners to create a “walkable and livable” downtown. The City Center master plan was created in 2012.

“Our residents are thrilled about seeing this project go from paper to pavement,” said Councilman Taft Matney, who chairs city council’s economic planning and development committee. “It’s been in the works for a couple of years, but now everything is ready to move forward to start making City Center Village a reality. We want to continue providing new and exciting places to live, work and play in the city, and this is a big step toward that goal.”