Three buildings in Greenville’s West End will be revitalized for a 62,000-square-foot mixed-use project, known as Markley Terrace. (Image/Provided)

Staff Report
Published June 18, 2012

Oobe Inc. plans to move its headquarters into a new mixed-use project in Greenville’s West End.

Three buildings built in the mid-1900s will be revitalized for a 62,000-square-foot mixed-use project, known as Markley Terrace.

Oobe Inc., a Greenville-based corporate uniforms designer, is the first confirmed tenant and plans to occupy approximately 15,000 square feet of the center building.

Jenks Inc. Realty of Greenville is revitalizing the property and expects to begin construction this fall. Oobe plans to move in during summer 2013.

Markley Terrace sits on more than 2.5 acres in the 100 block of Markley Street between Academy and Rhett streets. The project aims to be a bridge between Main Street, the Salvation Army Kroc Center and A.J. Whittenberg Elementary School.

Related coverage Firm plans for West End apartments Park could spur Westside development Breakwater Restaurant & Bar opens in Greenville’s West End Art district renamed ‘Far West End’ Westside Story

The three, free-standing buildings on the property were originally used as a train loading depot for textile goods and machinery. They will be completely renovated into office, light industrial and event/retail space, with the possibility of a restaurant with outdoor and rooftop accommodations.

Oobe Founder and co-CEO Tom Merritt said he and his business partners were attracted to Markley Terrace because of its location and its potential to be part of the continued improvements of Greenville’s West End community.

“The fact that Markley Terrace has its roots grounded in the textile industry, like Oobe, and is within easy walking distance to incredible restaurants, shops, art and entertainment options, makes it ideally suited to our corporate culture,” Merritt said.

Markley Terrace’s design will mix old with new, retaining much of the original buildings’ architectural aesthetics, such as 15-foot ceilings and interior walls with exposed brick.

Balconies and patios will be added to the rear of the building, which has a panoramic view of Greenville’s downtown and the Blue Ridge Mountains. The design will also feature an outdoor plaza area with a stage for special events.

The site will receive all upfits, modern amenities, lighting, parking, landscaping and building facades. The space will be able to be upfitted for individual corporate needs. Streetscape improvements to Markley and Rhett streets are also planned, such as new sidewalks, reducing the number of telephone poles, planting trees and making other natural landscape improvements.

Plans include making it a pedestrian-friendly corridor from Academy Street to Fluor Field.

Jenks Inc. Realty, founded by Clyde D. Jenkins in 1958, is a land brokerage with three main divisions: JIR Land & Timber, JIR Residential and JIR Commercial. Jenks Patrick, grandson of Clyde Jenkins, became president in 2006 and grew the company as a niche land brokerage.