Historic Greenville Church to Transform into Affordable Housing Complex

Emmanuel Baptist Church, a cherished landmark in Greenville's historic Mills Mill Village, is set to undergo a significant transformation.

Built in 1933, this 92-year-old structure will be repurposed into an affordable multi-family housing complex by The Gallo Company, a local real estate firm.

At a recent city project preview meeting, Anna Gallo, managing partner at The Gallo Company, emphasized the project's dual focus: preserving the church's historic essence while adapting it to meet contemporary housing demands.

"Our vision is to revitalize the neighborhood by repurposing existing structures rich in history and character," Gallo stated.

Preliminary plans propose approximately 31 studio and one-bedroom units, ranging from 420 to 800 square feet.

Ground-floor units will feature private entrances, and four loft units are planned within the existing roof structure.

Anthony Gallo, principal broker with The Gallo Company, highlighted the project's commitment to affordability.

The units are designed for households earning 80% of the area's median income, addressing a pressing need in Greenville's housing market.

To enhance accessibility, the main entrance will be relocated from Deering Street to Guess Street, with plans for 32 parking spaces, new sidewalks, landscaping, and bike storage facilities.

The company has applied to annex the 1.3-acre property into the city, receiving initial approval for rezoning to RC-2, Community 2 District.

Additionally, efforts are underway to designate the church as a local landmark, with the city's Historic Review Board set to review the application.

Closing on the property is anticipated in the first quarter of 2026, with renovations expected to commence shortly thereafter, spanning 12 to 18 months.

"We aim to create a unique living space that residents will be excited about and proud of," Anthony Gallo remarked.

This initiative aligns with Greenville's broader efforts to address affordable housing challenges.

In recent years, the city has approved multiple projects, including the development of 100 affordable units along Laurens Road and the purchase of land near Unity Park for workforce housing.

These endeavors reflect a concerted effort to provide diverse housing options for residents across income levels.