GREENVILLE, SC (WSPA) – The Peace Center today announced a $36 million renovation project to create multiple music performance spaces expected to be completed in 2024, including a transformation of the popular Wyche Pavilion, the two-story open-air envelope of a historic building in downtown Greenville.
Used as an outdoor venue, the Wyche building is being redesigned with ceiling fans, renovated floors, upgraded lighting and wood accents. However, the building remains an open space.
According to a press release from the center, the Wyche outdoor event space will be revamped with a distinctive urban design. Using natural foliage and detour paths leading to and from the open-air structure, the Wyche will take root in a garden-like setting. Patio gardens will be created at either end of the building with a river walkway overlooking the banks of the Reedy River. ADA compliant semi-circular walkways provide easy access to both sides of the building.
The overall development, dubbed AMP (A Music Project), is part of a major renovation project aimed at diversifying Greenville’s live music scene. According to a press release, the Peace Center plans to repurpose three buildings on its campus for a low-rise music club, an intimate listening room, a podcast and recording studio, and an artist dorm for visiting musicians.
“AMP is the Peace Center’s answer to the state’s hunger for more live music. By converting existing properties on our campus into mission-centric music venues, we will expand the spectrum of the Peace Center’s live entertainment offerings and allow more people than ever to experience the arts,” said Megan Riegel, President and CEO of the Peace Center, in a press release.
Other renovations under the project include:
Coach Musikfabrik
The historic Roe Coach Factory flanking the east side of the Peace Amphitheater will be repurposed into a flat floor music club. Featuring a wide variety of music genres such as rock, jazz, techno, country, pop, R&B and electronic dance, Coach Music Factory will have a club atmosphere to satisfy those who want to experience music while dancing in a fun, casual atmosphere Vicinity. Similar comparisons include The Orange Peel in Asheville, the Fillmore in Charlotte and the 9:30 Club in Washington, DC, according to a press release from the center.
The three-story club will feature a terrace, an outdoor balcony on the second floor, and bars on each level. A visually stunning glass-walled entrance will be accessible from Graham Plaza between the Coach Music Factory and the Gunter Theatre. According to a press release from the center, the maximum capacity is estimated at 1300.
The Mockingbird
Named after Nashville’s famous Bluebird Café, The Mockingbird will be a listening space located in the historic Gullick and Markley buildings on Main Street adjacent to the Gunter Theatre. With an estimated capacity of 250 people, the casual, intimate setting will create a space where artists and their audience can engage closely. The venue will feature a beautiful bar with hardwood and tile floors, tin ceilings and an elegant lounge. A glass wall behind the stage where artists perform will be particularly unique. According to a press release from the center, this will provide a visually interesting “window” for the public and passers-by walking down Main Street.
artist dorm
The space directly above The Mockingbird becomes a contemporary three-bedroom suite for use by artists performing at any Peace Center venue. The Artist Residence accommodates artists who want a little privacy from their public life while on the go, or just a comfortable place to stay before or after their performance. This fully furnished 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath suite features comfortable beds, modern baths, a shared living area and kitchen overlooking Main Street and the Reedy River. According to a press release from the center, it will surely be a unique amenity among live music venues.
The studio
The space next to the artists’ dormitories will be converted into a professional podcast and recording studio. Managed and operated by the Peace Center, the studio is available for booking by artists who require high quality, professional recording, mixing, editing and related audio services. It also offers the Peace Center an opportunity to produce original content, according to a press release from the center.