Commercial Construction Investment Reflects SC’s Economic Confidence

Investment in commercial construction projects across South Carolina reflects a level of consumer confidence in the state’s future economic stability. Developers are moving forward with industrial, mixed-use, retail, and entertainment projects, signaling optimism in the long-term economic outlook despite higher construction costs and labor constraints.

Among the most significant projects underway is Boeing South Carolina’s expansion of its North Charleston 787 Dreamliner campus. The more than $1 billion manufacturing expansion is designed to increase production capacity and is expected to generate approximately 1,000 new jobs over the coming years, reinforcing the Lowcountry’s role as a global aerospace manufacturing hub.

Mixed-use development remains a key theme statewide, particularly in growing suburban markets and downtown cores. New projects in Chapin, Columbia, Greenville, and Summerville point to sustained demand for developments that combine office, retail, residential, and civic uses. At the same time, industrial development continues to dominate total square footage delivered, with logistics and advanced manufacturing facilities leading construction activity.

Several high-profile projects also reached completion in 2025, adding new capacity for manufacturing, sports and entertainment, and retail redevelopment across the Upstate and coastal regions.

Recently Announced or Under Construction Commercial Projects

• Boeing South Carolina 787 Expansion — North Charleston
  Aerospace manufacturing expansion supporting increased aircraft production; more than $1 billion investment and approximately 1,000 new jobs planned.
• Lake Murray Business Park — Chapin
  14-acre mixed-use business park featuring medical offices, professional services, retail, and restaurants.
• ōLiv Columbia and Columbia Municipal Complex — Downtown Columbia
  Major mixed-use redevelopment paired with a new municipal complex, representing one of the largest recent downtown investments in the capital city.
• Gateway Tower — Greenville
  Planned 29-story mixed-use tower with residential units and ground-floor commercial space, projected to become the tallest building in South Carolina.
• Construction Resources Design Center — Mount Pleasant
  A 45,000-plus-square-foot retail and design center planned for The Shoppes at Seaside Farms.
• Publix-Anchored Mixed-Use Development — Nexton, Summerville
  Retail and residential project featuring a Publix anchor, additional shop space, and apartment units.

Recently Completed Commercial Construction Projects

• Cherokee Commerce Center 85 — Gaffney
  Speculative industrial development delivered in 2025, with a major building leased to First Solar as part of a large manufacturing initiative.
• Fifth Third Park — Spartanburg
  $75 million baseball stadium completed in 2025, adding a new sports and entertainment anchor to downtown Spartanburg.
• Inlet Square Mall Redevelopment — North Myrtle Beach
  Retail redevelopment with new tenants opening as part of the repositioning of the former enclosed mall site.

Industry analysts note that while development timelines remain sensitive to interest rates and workforce availability, South Carolina continues to attract commercial construction investment tied to population growth, reshoring of manufacturing, and infrastructure-driven economic expansion. The mix of newly announced projects and recent completions suggests continued confidence in the state’s long-term growth trajectory across multiple commercial sectors.