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United Community Bank breaks ground on Greenville headquarters

Molly Hulsey //March 31, 2022//

United Community Bank breaks ground on Greenville headquarters

Molly Hulsey //March 31, 2022//

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Bank executives and government officials break ground on the 200 E. Camperdown Way headquarters. (Photo/Provided)United Community Bank has had a presence in South Carolina for 15 years but made its plans for a lasting Greenville headquarters a little more final Tuesday.

With a groundbreaking ceremony attended by 200 visitors and Gov. Henry McMaster on March 29, United Community Bank commenced construction on its new corporate headquarters at 200 E. Camperdown Way in downtown Greenville.

The bank, which was formerly headquartered in Blairsville, Ga., with a Greenville corporate office, moved all executive operations to three offices in downtown Greenville in 2021. It has Midlands locations in Columbia and Lexington.

The new office is expected to house more than 300 of the banks’ 650 South Carolina employees and a retail branch after its completion in spring 2024.

During the ceremony, McMaster presented United Community Bank CEO and Chairman Lynn Harton with the state’s highest civilian honor, the Order of the Palmetto.

“United Community Bank establishing their new headquarters in South Carolina will not only create new jobs in the short term but will pave the way for a stronger economy for years to come,” McMaster said in a news release. “This announcement would not have been possible without the efforts of Mr. Lynn Harton and his recognition of South Carolina as the ideal place to do business. This project is just one more example of his continued commitment to his community and South Carolina as a whole, which is why I’m proud to present him with the Order of the Palmetto.”

Harton joined United Community Bank in 2012, but first arrived in South Carolina in 2007 while working with The South Financial Group, parent company of Carolina First Bank. He became CEO of United in 2017 and was elected chairman the board of United Community Banks Inc. in 2019.

Over the past 15 years, Harton grew United’s presence in South Carolina from just one employee to more than 600, and spearheaded its relocation to South Carolina, making it the largest bank headquartered in the state, according to the release.

“Today, we are taking a big step forward by celebrating the move of our headquarters to Greenville and a new building overlooking Falls Park — the heart of the city — where we can continue to grow for years to come,” Harton said in the release. “We are excited for what’s ahead for this state, this community and our company. We look forward to growing together.”

The building is being designed as one of the first buildings in the state to meet WELL Building standards, which are described as “a vehicle for buildings and organizations to deliver more thoughtful and intentional spaces that enhance human health and well-being.”

The project is being developed by Steve Navarro with The Furman Co. The McMillan Pazdan Smith firm will serve as architect and Harper General Contractors will lead construction.

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