SPARTANBURG, S.C. — A commercial development built from repurposed shipping containers is taking shape along the Mary Black Rail Trail, part of a push by local economic development officials to convert one of the city’s barriers to small-business growth — a lack of affordable commercial space — into a new retail and dining destination.
Power Up Spartanburg, an initiative of OneSpartanburg, Inc. and Spartanburg County, broke ground in June on the project at 351 E. Henry St., near the Thomas E. Hannah Family YMCA. Site preparation is underway now, with the finished center expected to open in late fall.
The development will feature nine commercial units built from repurposed shipping containers — four retail spaces and four food-related units, including two full restaurants with kitchens and walk-up and drive-up windows, plus two concession-style food stalls. A ninth unit, built from two joined containers, will operate as a bodega selling fresh produce and groceries.
“Access to commercial space is one of the greatest barriers facing many small business owners,” said Jay Jenkins, OneSpartanburg’s vice president of small and minority business development. “The incubator will create a dedicated space where entrepreneurs, start-ups, and emerging business owners can build a customer base, strengthen their operations and business practices, and grow in a supportive, community-driven environment.”
For commercial real estate professionals, the project is a case study in low-cost adaptive reuse aimed at activating an underused corridor. The development is being led by private-sector partners Joseph McMillin, who is heading the build-out, and Clay McDonough, who will serve as general manager during construction and after opening. Businesses selected for the program will receive below-market rents for up to two years, while the developer handles marketing, maintenance and security for the site and Power Up Spartanburg provides accounting, human resources and coaching support to tenants.
“We’re not only filling retail space, we’re investing in people and showcasing how entrepreneurship, economic development, and public-private partnerships can create opportunities for small businesses,” said Spartanburg County Councilor Jessica Coker. “We know that when small businesses win, our entire community wins.”
The broader development at the site will also include additional restaurants and services, indoor and outdoor event space, outdoor seating and a children’s play area — positioning the property as a gathering point along one of the city’s most heavily used recreational corridors.
“The Power Up Small Business Incubator is an investment in the entrepreneurs and small business owners who help shape Spartanburg’s future,” said Spartanburg Mayor Jerome Rice. “I’m proud to see our community come together to support new pathways for economic growth, and I’m excited to welcome this new addition to the City of Spartanburg.”
Applications for the nine incubator spaces remain open through July 10, with prospective tenants evaluated on business viability, growth potential and fit before a committee selects final occupants. Power Up Spartanburg held informational sessions for interested business owners in late June and on July 7.
“This new incubator is another way for small business-owners and entrepreneurs to receive operational support, as well as community support,” said Spartanburg County Councilor Monier Abusaft. “Both go a very long way.”
The project adds to a wave of commercial activity along Spartanburg’s rail trail corridor, as the city continues to court private investment in mixed-use and adaptive-reuse projects near its downtown core.
Upstate Commercial Real Estate News 
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