Verdae Development breaks ground on Bolden Street District as 92-acre Laurens Road vision takes shape

Long-term district will create a connected mix of places to live, work and gather alongside the Swamp Rabbit Trail.

Verdae Development, Inc. celebrated the groundbreaking of Bolden Street District, marking a major milestone and laying the groundwork for the long-planned, 92-acre district along Laurens Road and the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail.

Verdae Development leaders, officials from the City of Greenville and Greenville County, project partners and community stakeholders gathered Wednesday morning at the northern end of Bolden Street District, between Market Place Drive and Verdae Commons Drive off of Laurens Road, for the occasion. The groundbreaking site is situated near what will be the Bolden Square neighborhood, which will be a central public gathering space surrounded by dining, shopping, offices and residences within the larger Bolden Street District. The program included remarks from Dan Klausner, CEO of Verdae Development, Inc., and Wil Brasington, Greenville City Council representative for District 4, followed by a ceremonial groundbreaking.

Bolden Street District is being developed by Verdae Development on land owned by its parent organization, Hollingsworth Funds. The project represents part of Hollingsworth Funds’ long-term stewardship of its real estate assets, with Verdae Development leading development of the property and execution of the vision to create value that ultimately supports Hollingsworth Funds’ charitable mission.

Initial site and infrastructure work is now underway in preparation for future development. This work represents the first tangible step in implementing the broader Bolden Street District vision. Development of the full 92-acre district will occur in multiple phases as individual projects and uses advance.

“Projects of this scale demand an extraordinary level of coordination, creativity and trust, and I couldn’t be prouder of the team that has brought us to this point,” said Klausner. “We’re grateful for the City of Greenville’s partnership along the way, and we’re excited to create a place Greenville can make its own, built to serve the community for generations to come.”

Bolden Street District is envisioned as a thoughtfully designed destination where people can live, work, gather and spend time. Residential, commercial and community spaces will come together as part of a cohesive district, connected by streets, pedestrian and bicycle routes, green spaces and public gathering places.

The Swamp Rabbit Trail is central to that vision. A network of trails, open spaces, plazas, parks and paseos is planned throughout Bolden Street, extending the trail experience through the district and creating stronger connections between Laurens Road, surrounding areas and the broader Greenville community. From its earliest plans, the project has emphasized green infrastructure and pedestrian and bicycle access as central to creating a connected, people-focused destination.

Reaching this milestone follows years of planning, community input and collaboration. That work has shaped a district designed to do more than add development along Laurens Road; it is intended to create a vibrant place within Greenville where people and neighborhoods can connect.

“I appreciate the manner in which Verdae is approaching Bolden Street District, particularly its alignment with the goals of GVL2040,” said Brasington. “They are working with great intent to ensure the district fits thoughtfully within this part of the city and contributes meaningfully to the surrounding community. That intentional approach will help create value within Bolden Street District while also contributing to the continued vitality of the Laurens Road corridor.”

Bolden Street will unfold over a number of years, with additional activity and milestones expected across the district as plans advance. Wednesday’s groundbreaking marks a beginning, with much more progress to come as the 92-acre vision takes shape.

For more information about Bolden Street District, please visit www.boldenstreetdistrict.com.

About Bolden Street District

Bolden Street District is a bold new vision for Greenville—a dynamic destination inspired by the city’s spirit of courage and community. The name “Bolden” reflects this daring approach to placemaking and inclusive growth. The concept originated when Hollingsworth Funds partnered with an advisory panel of experts with the Urban Land Institute to explore a transformative redevelopment of Laurens Road, aligned with the city’s comprehensive plan, GVL2040. What emerged was a vibrant, people-first street experience, seamlessly connected to the Swamp Rabbit Trail and designed to serve as a welcoming hub for all. Born from a deep love for Greenville and a commitment to community betterment, Bolden Street District is being built as a place for everyone.

About Verdae Development

Verdae Development is a privately held real estate development company based in Greenville, South Carolina, and a subsidiary of Hollingsworth Funds. As the developer for the Verdae master-planned community, Verdae Development is committed to creating vibrant, sustainable, and connected places that enhance quality of life and support long-term community well-being. Guided by the philanthropic mission of Hollingsworth Funds, the company focuses on projects that promote economic mobility, community development, and strategic growth for the Greenville region. For more information, visit www.verdae.com.