Downtown Anderson: Thunder Motor Lodge update. Former Post Office site to have restaurant.

Travis Jacque Rose, Anderson Independent Mail
·3 min read
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Newcomers to the downtown Anderson area include a bank branch, an apartment complex, a restaurant and an expanded post office.

In order to create their downtown master plan, the city ran a marketing campaign called "Shock This Block."

In developing the downtown master plan, city officials consulted 1,000 residents on their plan to transform seven blocks of the community. The city of Anderson says "The overall goal is to bring the arts to life and make Anderson a place you want to be."

Cindy Suttles, vice president of sales and marketing for the Paragon Hotel company that runs Home Two in Downtown Anderson, said "It's exciting to see all the activity downtown and how revitalized it has become. Parking lots are full, people are walking downtown with all the new shops, restaurants and breweries along with our new hotel. As Anderson continues to grow, it is definitely headed in the right direction."

Thunderbird Motor Lodge in Anderson, S.C. sold in 2021.
Thunderbird Motor Lodge in Anderson, S.C. sold in 2021.

New J.P. Morgan Chase Branch Bank near Anderson Mall

J.P. Chase Bank is adding a branch across North Main Street adjacent to Tanglewood Drive, on a vacant outparcel lot near Anderson Mall, between IHOP and Once Upon a Child.

Owner and founder of Anderson County Business Development's Facebook page Brayden Sherman said "Documents state construction of the location is scheduled to start in November 2023, with completion expected in May 2024."

“We will continue to invest in the region, hiring top talent to join our banking, technology, lending, client service and onboarding teams,” Dan Wilkening, commercial banking chief administrative officer, said in a press release.

This property is one of the last undeveloped properties along Clemson Blvd between Anderson Mall and Walmart.

The Clemson branch is the first Chase Bank to open in South Carolina. J.P. Morgan Chase said it plans to add up to seven more retail branches in the Upstate over the next three years.
The Clemson branch is the first Chase Bank to open in South Carolina. J.P. Morgan Chase said it plans to add up to seven more retail branches in the Upstate over the next three years.

Apartments coming to site of former Thunder Motor Lodge

The former Thunder Lodge Motor Inn located at 110 E Sharpe Street in downtown Anderson is being transformed into a 39-unit apartment complex in January 2024.

Anderson County Business Development enthusiast Brayden Tim Sherman spoke with Project Manager TJ . "He said there will be options for studio, 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom, ADA studio, or ADA 1 bedroom apartments."

Enclave Holdings owner Greg Adams said he became interested in acquiring the Thunderbird after purchasing the Calhoun Lofts next door.

The tentative design plan presented by Billy Zion for the Thunderbird Motor Lodge renovation in downtown Anderson.
The tentative design plan presented by Billy Zion for the Thunderbird Motor Lodge renovation in downtown Anderson.

Adams bought the site for $1,635,000 in the summer of 2021 through Calhoun Lofts LLC.

Anderson County Business Development enthusiast Brayden Tim Sherman spoke with Project Manager TJ and he said, "Thunderbird Motor Lodge Apartments plan to maintain their retro style, which dates back to when the building was built in the early 20th century."

According to Adams, "We love the project and we like where it's going," he said.

Terry Gamble of Positive Outlook Painting works around construction at the Historic Post Office at 401 North Main Street in Anderson, S.C. Friday, October 13, 2023.
Terry Gamble of Positive Outlook Painting works around construction at the Historic Post Office at 401 North Main Street in Anderson, S.C. Friday, October 13, 2023.

Former Post Office now Coldwell Banker Caine Real Estate

The old Anderson Post Office at 401 N. Main St. is now going to be the new Anderson office for Coldwell Banker Caine Real Estate.

Owner and founder of Anderson County Business Development Facebook page Brayden Sherman said, "An underground restaurant will be located in the basement area. The restaurant space is still available for lease."

Sherman said. "There will also be a public meeting space in the front of the building. Renovations are currently scheduled for completion in November 2023."

Current property owners Coldwell Banker and Caine said, "The building underwent a large amount of unorganized expansions and additions over the years but they plan to bring the building back to its former glory."

Sherman added, "The space is being renovated to conform to the original blueprints from the early 1900s."

Rick and Ann Kummrow walk their dog with daughter Alexa near The Calhoun Lofts Apartments, across the street from the building they bought at 401 North Main Street in downtown Anderson. The couple pitched their plan to create The Historic Postmark Anderson, a mix of housing upstairs, retail on the main floor, and possibly a restaurant downstairs. The structure built in 1909 was previously a funeral home, and before that a United States Post Office.

Main Street Anderson getting 160-unit apartment complex

According to the City of Anderson, a brand-new 160-unit apartment complex is coming a block from Main Street along Murray Avenue. Construction crews began the project this spring and it is expected to take 12 to 18 months to complete.

Assistant City Manager Andrew Strickland said, "It is part of the city's master plan for the downtown area," in a press release.

"The old warehouse building will be renovated into loft-style apartments and a clubhouse. There will be new apartment buildings, green space, a swimming pool, restaurants and retail space," Strickland said.

Travis Rose covers Anderson County for the Independent Mail. Reach him via email at trose@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Anderson Independent Mail: Downtown Anderson development: Thunder Motor Lodge update, more