McMillan Pazdan Smith

A new kind of storefront is open at 14 S. Main in Greenville. Veritas Catholic Information Center (VCIC) entrusted McMillan Pazdan Smith to design a remodel to a building with a 125-year-old history in downtown.

“Christ on Main” will feature retail books, reading nooks, art work, a lounge area, a snack bar and space for socializing and special events. “This will be a place of prayer, formation of activities and a place to experience beauty,” said Robert Poppleton, vice chair of the board of directors of VCIC.

We’re excited to announce that this location also features the “Joseph M. Pazdan, II Community Engagement Center” in loving memory of our founder.

🌟 Welcome, Summer Interns! 🌟

We're thrilled to welcome our talented summer interns who are joining us from 8 different schools: Clemson University, Converse University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Greenville Technical College, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, University of Notre Dame, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and University of Utah.

Last week, these young professionals dove right into collaborating on an exciting project in the Augusta, GA studio - the Bridge Builders Communities project. This creative and thoughtful living solution will serve young adults who have aged out of foster care in an effort to provide safe, affordable housing solutions and life skills training to this underserved population. The interns have expressed their joy in immersing themselves in the heart of this impactful community project and we can't wait to share more about their summer at MPS in the coming weeks!

To learn more about the Bridge Builder Communities project, watch the WRDW news feature here: https://hubs.li/Q02Brrjp0

Thank you to WRDW News 12 WAGT NBC 26 and anchor Zayna Haliburton for reporting on this creative and thoughtful living solution that will serve young adults who have aged out of foster care. Our Augusta studio leaders, along with our summer interns, are grateful to collaborate with Dr. Jackson Drumgoole and everyone who is part of Bridge Builder Communities, a Drumgoole Family Initiative, to provide safe, affordable housing solutions and life skills training to this underserved population. Please watch this news feature to learn more and follow us for future updates on this project! Get the full story here:

Ground could break soon for Augusta’s first tiny home community The community of tiny homes is continuing to push forward. Leaders approved the project months ago, and we could soon see shovels in the ground this year.

From rendering to reality! The Dorchester County Library on the Ashley River held a ribbon cutting this week to officially open the county's largest public library. This project brought together a great team and we couldn't be more excited for the community who get to enjoy this "library in the woods."

HITT Contracting

Community input was 🔑 to Clover School District's bond success!

How did they engage stakeholders, listen to community concerns, and build support for their vision of educational excellence? Check out our blog for 6 ways to get support for your school's funding!
https://hubs.li/Q02zrhGD0

The integration of art is often an important element of completing a building’s interior. We loved collaborating with Flavia Harton to select interior colors and finishes that would complement the bank’s excellent collection of artworks--featuring many pieces by prominent Southern artists. You can learn more about this gallery in the Greenville Journal.

United Community's new HQ brings art gallery to East Camperdown Way Quietly residing within the new United Community headquarters at 200 E. Camperdown Way is a remarkable art gallery.

Many healthcare providers are seeking unique opportunities to support future growth and development strategies.

In our latest Advisors blog, “Can Commercial and Retail Conversions Give Your Health System a Competitive Edge?” we share current real estate data and the strategic advantages of repurposing commercial spaces for clinics and urgent care facilities, including location, access, expediency, and cost savings.

Read here: https://hubs.li/Q02xY6Jm0

Commercial and retail conversions, perfect for healthcare facilities. Commercial and retail conversions make financial and logistical sense for expanding healthcare facilities because

Exciting news for the Lowcountry! Construction has begun on the Technical College of The Lowcountry's new $26 million Arthur E. Brown Regional Workforce Training Center. This state-of-the-art facility, funded in part by a $10 million appropriation from the State of South Carolina, will accommodate 850 more students. Named after retired U.S. Army General Arthur E. Brown Jr., the center will offer new programs in manufacturing, automated systems, logistics, business, and entrepreneurship. These programs align with the needs of key workforce groups in the region, including military veterans and small business owners. Stay tuned for updates on this important project! https://hubs.li/Q02xrJWN0

Construction begins on $26M workforce training center near Bluffton - Charleston Business The center will offer new and expanded programs in manufacturing, automated systems, logistics, business and entrepreneurship, computer technology and more.

Congratulations to Prisma Health. They recently celebrated the groundbreaking of a new Northeast Columbia Medical Park. We worked with Prisma to design a center that will expand access to outpatient services and enable the delivery of high-quality care in a more convenient and cost-effective manner.

Read more about this multi-specialty ambulatory care facility that will serve the communities of Northeast Columbia, Blythewood, Winnsboro, Elgin, and the surrounding areas.

Prisma Health MACC in Northeast Richland County Prisma Health multi-specialty ambulatory care center will bring comprehensive outpatient care closer to patients

Wonderful to see!

Working on the Community Center designs late ⏰ in the day. Big shout 📣out to Joy Morgan Newberry and Joe Gambill from Mcmillan Pazden Smith architecture in downtown Augusta for their creativity, attention to detail, and professionalism.
⭐️Top Notch

Community input was key to Clover School District's bond success!
How did they engage stakeholders, listen to community concerns, and build support for their vision of educational excellence? Check out our conversation with Dr. Sheila Quinn and learn how community collaboration shapes the future of our schools.

School Bond Referendum Strategy: A Close Look at the Clover School District Bond Success Story by The Future of K-12 Education, brought to you by McMillan Pazdan Smith (MPS) In this episode, we learn about Clover School District's journey to a successful school bond referendum. Join us as Dr. Sheila Quinn, Superintendent of Schools, shares insights into the district's response to rapid growth, culminating in a successful voter-approved bond in 2022. Discover how Clover....

Upstate FOODIES get ready! We’re thrilled to be working again with two popular restauranteurs who are bringing their sought-after brand of culinary fare to Bridgeway Station.

From husband and wife team, Julia and Jason Scholz of Stella’s Southern Brasserie comes Rôtie by Stella’s, a modern take on classic French rotisserie meets the American South. MPS’ Neal Kanipe, who designed the restaurant, told UBJ that a goal for this project was to create different viewpoints in each section of the space. By doing so, each dining area would give guests a different experience within its smaller footprint. Read more about this new restaurant concept here https://hubs.li/Q02vSrn40

Also, coming to Bridgeway is Table 301’s first restaurant outside of downtwon Greenville. Carl Sobocinski’s popular restaurant group collaborated with MPS to create a space that conjured the colors and rustic ambiance of Italy. The space features textures of natural stone and brick in a muted terracotta color palette, “where we’re striking interest and intrigue is layering texture and scale within that,” said MPS’ designer Missy Games. Read more details about Tavola, an Italian-inspired eatery here https://hubs.li/Q02vSsRG0

Today’s Mission: 🐾💛

To celebrate National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, we're highlighting some special animals in need of loving homes across the Carolinas. We're proud to have designed the caring shelters that provide these furry friends with a safe haven while in transition. Make sure to check out the individual pages for more details and contact info!

1. Meet sweet Rosie, Greenville Humane Society's longest resident who, after blooming into the perfect dog with time and trust, is now ready for her forever home where she can thrive with the love, patience, and companionship she deserves.

2. Meet Pete, the perfect gentleman who's great with cats, dogs, and kids, knows basic commands, wags his tail when prompted with a walk, loves car rides, and is currently at Darlington County Humane Society looking for his forever home!

3. Meet Buck, the adorable Labrador Retriever puppy who loves to smile and is at Lancaster County Animal Shelter SC ready to find his forever family!

4. Meet Smoosh, a petite two-year-old Tortoiseshell cat, weighing just over six pounds, who loves cuddles and is eagerly waiting to be adopted from the Aiken County Animal Shelter's front lobby, preferring to be an indoor-only kitty. Friends of the Animal Shelter - FOTAS Aiken

5. Meet Sofia, the perfect lady looking for her forever home! This sweet and smart 3-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier loves to snuggle and learn new tricks. She's not high energy and prefers people who share her vibe. Sofia is ready to fill your heart with love, comfort and companionship. York County Animal Services SC

6. Here's H***h! This 1 year 3 months old, friendly, and affectionate boy loves to play and knows how to sit on command. H***h has been at Friends of Jackson County Animal Shelter- Jackson County NC for over 215 days and can't wait to find his forever home. ***hNeedsAHome ***hAHomeToStay

What an incredible celebration of life at the Cancer Survivors Park! Pazdan's Peloton honored the memory of Joe Pazdan, spreading awareness and support for those affected by cancer. Joe was an inspiration to us all and his legacy has left a lasting impression on the Greenville community. Let's continue to pedal forward with hope, love, and strength. Together, we can make a difference!

Link below to see the success of this year's fundraiser!

https://hubs.li/Q02vqfvR0

CONGRATULATIONS to our newest Principals! "These leaders have made significant contributions to our firm’s growth and success,” said MPS CEO, Chad Cousins, “They represent the leadership qualities and commitment to our purpose and values which enables our growing team to excel in supporting our clients and communities.”

Learn more about our firm's new Principals here:
https://hubs.li/Q02vk-_r0

Join us in celebrating our wonderful administrative professionals today! These committed and talented individuals do so much for us. Thank you, Admin team!

👟 Marathon Monday was a blast across all 7 MPS Studios! 🌟

Our goal last Monday: each Studio walk 26.2 miles collectively in a day. From morning walks with coworkers to afternoon ice cream "runs" to evening strolls with our furry friends, we stepped it up. Together, we logged over 700 miles! 🎉

Who said office culture can't be fun AND healthy?

Thanks to the students from Clemson University School of Architecture for visiting our Charleston studio! The students spent time with our architects and designers learning about our current projects. They asked great questions about different project types, different design techniques and what it is like to work at MPS.

Congratulations to United Community on a wonderful grand opening for their Headquarters and Banking Center in downtown Greenville last week! It was inspiring to work with a client who wanted a building designed to fit their strong culture and purpose of bringing everyone from the community together.

This challenging project would not have been possible without incredible, visionary partners, developer Stephen Navarro from The Furman Co. The City of Greenville, South Carolina, Harper General Contractors and all the talented engineers, subs, and artists and skilled craftspeople who worked through COVID to make this building a reality.

Up to 300 people will be working inside this International WELL Building Institute (IWBI)-certified, 118,000-square-foot, seven-story glass box rising among the trees by river; we are so excited for them and to see what comes next! https://hubs.li/Q02tCtyJ0

United Community Grand Opening - Greenville, SC 2024 Scenes from the United Community Grand Opening ceremony in downtown Greenville on Thursday, April 18, 2024.

Career and Technical Education programs are closing the skills gap by offering today's students viable future career pathways. We're honored to be presenting at the A4LE Southeast Region /A4LE North Carolina Chapter 2024 Annual Conference on the innovative programming at Anderson Institute of Technology. Together with Kyle Newton of Anderson County School District 5 and Bob Couch, the retired Director of AIT, we'll share insight into funding, programming, designing, and running a facility that has become a model for Career and Technical Education.

If you aren't able to attend this conference, but would like more information on this topic, contact us today!

https://hubs.li/Q02t33js0 Working with the city of Greenville, we were able to renovate a 120,000-square-foot building and combine police agencies that had been working separately across the city. Along with providing a new headquarters for the Greenville Police Department, this modernized facility also includes The City Municipal Court, a business center, Fire Department administration and a Traffic Management Center.

Take a tour with the WYFF news crew to learn more about the benefits of this important civic project!
GC – Hogan Construction Group, LLC

(structural)


(door and camera security)
(Traffic Management Center)

An exclusive, first look inside of Greenville Police's new headquarters The 120,000 square foot facility will house the Greenville Police Department and several vital city departments

leaders! Did you know that strategic color choices in settings can boost:
🔎 focus
🎨 creativity
🌟 emotional well-being
From calming classrooms to energizing play areas, learn how color enhances every aspect of your ECE program. Plus, practical tips for budget-friendly design solutions and overcoming common challenges. Check out our blog and let's paint a brighter future for our youngest learners!

The Role of Color in Early Childhood Education programs Elevate early childhood education programs with play-based curriculum, enriched by color psychology, shapes a vibrant learning environment.

🚑 NEW HEALTHCARE PODCAST! We’re excited to share an enlightening episode from the Ideas Shaping Healthcare Podcast that delves into WakeMed’s nearly two-decade journey of operating freestanding emergency departments (FSEDs) in North Carolina.

Join Carolyn Knaup, SVP of Strategic Ventures & Ambulatory Operations, as she shares invaluable insights on the pivotal role of community engagement and the strategic placement of FSEDs. Listeners will learn how WakeMed's commitment to healthcare accessibility and community well-being guided their latest 2024 opening.

🎧 You’ll discover the strategies and lessons learned from WakeMed's innovative approach to emergency care.

Available on...
Apple: https://hubs.li/Q02sswsl0

Spotify: https://hubs.li/Q02sszzz0

Audible: https://hubs.li/Q02sswTs0

YouTube: https://hubs.li/Q02ssCWw0

is here and this year's theme is Ready, Set, Library!

As libraries constantly evolve to meet the needs of their communities, MPS strives to keep our library clients at the forefront of the latest design trends. We were honored to be ranked #2 in the nation in BD+C's GIANTS Top 50 Public Library Architecture Firms for 2023. Whether it's designing flexible spaces that are adaptable to the user's needs, integrating maker spaces and innovation labs, or incorporating outdoor areas, we hope every design provides library users with a valuable experience.

Here are some photos from the recently completed Keith Summey North Charleston Library!

Link below to see how you can celebrate your local library!
https://hubs.li/Q02s8C-10

COMING SOON to Greenville! We're excited to share that we're working with Founder Zak Melang to bring The Matador, a Mexican-inspired restaurant and tequila bar, to Greenville's Main St. later this year (in the former Husk location).

This diverse and inviting restaurant concept can already be found in nine locations across the US and opened in Charleston in 2023.

Patrons of this West End location will experience authentic details throughout, as we designed two-floors of intriguing interiors that feature many treasures brought back from Melang's many trips to Mexico--along with an exciting new second-floor rooftop patio that will be ideal for casual dining and gatherings. Read more in UBJ https://hubs.li/Q02rGVjH0

The Matador to open in Greenville's West End - UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL Renovations for Matador West End will include reconfiguring the ground and second-floor dining and bar areas.

Learn why colleges and universities are reimagining education beyond traditional classrooms. Jana Hartenstine delves into how institutions are leveraging outdoor teaching spaces to foster experiential learning and community connection.
Universities like UNC Charlotte are pioneering the shift toward performative landscapes, creating vibrant hubs for creativity and collaboration. From revitalizing underutilized spaces to integrating sustainable design elements, these projects offer more than just aesthetic appeal — they embody a forward-thinking approach to education.
Read more in The Great Outdoors | American School & University https://hubs.li/Q02rjf1z0

RIBBON CUTTING: The North Charleston Sports Complex is almost ready for the community! It was an honor to work with the city and our partners to design a new sports complex that includes:
- a 25-yard competitive pool
- a multi-use gymnasium for basketball, volleyball and badminton.
- 5 outdoor tennis courts and indoor pickleball courts
- multi-use roller rink and playing field

This complex will enrich lives by providing excellent recreation and wellness opportunities.
Watch the news segment from WCSC-TV Live 5
https://hubs.li/Q02r9W1W0
Trident Construction, Forsberg Engineering & Surveying Inc., Citadel Contractors Inc., Meca, Inc., GWA Electrical, Aquatics H20.

North Charleston officials open new sports complex in ribbon cutting North Charleston cuts the ribbon to a new sports facility Thursday and community members have a modern sports amenity in their neighborhood.

Our K-12 Team, and all of MPS, is full of lifelong learners. The A4LE South Carolina Chapter Annual Conference is always a great opportunity to learn about and share innovation in our industry. This was perfectly captured in this year's theme: Transforming South Carolina Educational Environments – Learning From Each Other

MPS Practice Area leaders Ben Thompson and Michael Chewning were joined by Kyle Newton at Anderson County School District 5 and Dr. Bob Couch of Education Innovation Group to talk about Career & Technical Education and the success story of Anderson Institute of Technology. Thanks to everyone who came to watch and make the session more engaging!

NAIOP's Development magazine made Judson Mill its Spring 2024 Cover Story! Belmont-Sayre President, Ken Reiter and MPS architect Anthony Tiberia were interviewed by journalist Anthony Paletta for this in-depth, behind-the-scenes reveal of how Judson Mill transformed from a past textile mill to today's vibrant mixed-use development. Digital version: https://hubs.li/Q02qY6RD0