Big Box Initiative

     "Big box" is a phrase used to describe large (over 20,000 square feet) retail buildings. In part because of their size ("supercenters" generally cover 200,000 square feet), big boxes can negatively impact the communities and environments around them. They often result in traffic congestion; disruption of neighborhoods; loss of trees, open space and farmland; dying downtowns with vacant buildings; abandoned shopping centers; air and water pollution; and sprawl.

Upstate Forever Spartanburg is working with County and City officials, businesses, developers, builders and interested citizens to limit the negative effects of big boxes upon the environment and communities of the City of Spartanburg and Spartanburg County.

Upstate Forever Spartanburg has completed an inventory of abandoned big box stores and is currently promoting the redevelopment of one of these sites into a pedestrian-friendly mixed-use district.

In addition, Upstate Forever Spartanburg will assess local regulations and ordinances that apply to the development of big box retail establishments, in order to encourage better regulation of large retail development practices.

To learn more about our big box efforts, please e-mail us.