Funds to Ignite Downtown Revitalization with New AC Hotel

Greenville New Markets Opportunity II (GNMO II), a Community Development Entity (CDE) managed by taxadvantagegroup and Greenville Local Development Corporation in Greenville, S.C., has deployed $10 million of New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) allocation to OTO Development for the construction of a 114-room AC Hotel by Marriott in downtown Spartanburg, S.C. The full-service hotel will include a signature AC Kitchen restaurant, fitness center, business center, approximately 2,500 sq. ft. of meeting space, and typical back-of-house services and facilities.

The project is being developed by OTO Development as a way to energize revitalization of downtown Spartanburg. While economic growth in the area is gaining momentum, the project is located in an Appalachian Regional Commission Distressed Area, and some buildings still remain vacant and other obsolete structures have been demolished or await redevelopment. The AC Hotel will serve as a catalyst for the community and as a visual beacon and gateway anchor to the west end of downtown.

The economic impact of this project is meaningful, with GNMO II funds supporting 130 direct quality jobs and permanent jobs paying a wage significantly higher than the area’s per capita income of $3.32 per hour. To encourage accessibility of jobs to local residents and to cultivate a highly-skilled workforce, OTO Development will establish an apprenticeship program with Apprenticeship Carolina and Spartanburg Community College. Apprenticeships are an “earn while you learn” training model that combines structured on the job training, job related education, and a scalable wage progression. Companies sponsoring registered apprenticeship programs enjoy a cluster of skilled workers who represent potential leaders for the organization.

“This project is a wonderful example of the benefits New Markets Tax Credits can have on a local economy,” said taxadvantagegroup President Tammy Propst, who administers the GNMO II fund. “We are indebted to U.S. Senators Tim Scott and Lindsey Graham and U.S. Congressman Trey Gowdy for helping to secure the GNMO II allocation, and to our local partners for their support of targeting these funds for thousands of deserving citizens in Spartanburg County.”