GREENSBORO -- After more than a decade of planning, some of the big projects in downtown Greensboro are nearing completion.
In the early 2000s the downtown area’s revitalization had really gathered momentum.
"We had people lined up to buy condos," said Roy Carroll of The Carroll Companies.
However, when the economy began crashing in 2007, it left an impression on the projects.
"A lot of those folks did not close and decided to stay where they were at," said Carroll.
The district is once again bustling with construction projects, more than it's seen in a long time.
“Fortunately the economy has been cooperating for everybody and there’s a lot better financial situation than there has been since about six or seven years ago,” said Barry Siegal of BSC Holdings Inc.
Siegal is renovating the old Southeastern Building, the Gate City's first skyscraper. He bought the building nearly 10 years ago.
“A gentleman walked into our office and said, ‘Guys, you need to buy this building,’ and we said, ‘What are you nuts?’ At which point he rolled out this old photograph and we were astonished,” said Siegal.
He immediately saw the potential, and by this time next month the building will once again be open for business. It will offer mixed use space for retail, office - and apartments.
"I think these projects are kind of building on each other," said Carroll.
Carroll said the latest phase of revitalization has gained a lot of momentum with projects in several states of construction.
Carroll’s most recent project is luxury apartments and a hotel right across the street from the ballpark, and the contractors are just breaking ground on the project.
"[The project is called] Bellemeade Village and that consists of 300 luxury apartments along with 110 room hotel."
Carroll said it could take up to two years to complete.
Other big projects underway include LeBauer Park, the Union Square Campus and the Tanger Performing Arts Center.
