Greenville’s Daniel building reopens after $4M renovation

An iconic downtown Greenville building has reopened with a refreshed name after a $4 million overhaul of the building’s lobby, façade and streetscape.

The newly renovated The Daniel officially reopened its doors on Sept. 2 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Originally conceived by U.S. Senator Charles E. Daniel, whose passion for construction shaped much of Greenville’s landscape, The Landmark Building first opened in 1967, according to a news release. Its new name, The Daniel, honors Charlie Daniel and the lasting impact of his contributions to the community, the release stated.

Renovations began with the vision of elevating the building’s presence while honoring its history, according to the release. The space showcases many of the original architectural features from when the building was first constructed, preserving Charlie Daniel’s design while integrating modern upgrades.

The interior has been transformed into a state-of-the-art space designed to attract new tenants, while enhancements to the exterior maintain the architectural character that has defined the building for nearly 60 years, the release stated. As part of a continued effort to enhance Greenville’s already booming downtown, these improvements ensure The Daniel remains not only a hub for business but also a place of opportunity for future generations.

“From the start of this project, we knew that we wanted to preserve the legacy of Charlie Daniel,” said Gaston Albergotti, CEO of Dunean Capital Management and a managing member of The Daniel ownership group, in the release. “His contributions to this city are lasting, and it’s an honor to carry that legacy forward. These renovations not only celebrate his vision but also elevate this landmark into a modern, vibrant space that will continue serving Greenville for decades to come.”

The building was renamed The Landmark Building in the late 1990s, though many residents continue to refer to it by its original name, according to a news release from the city of Greenville. The formal change marks an acknowledgment of Greenville’s legacy of growth.

“I don’t know any place that has more history of Greenville’s ambition than this building,” said Mayor Knox White in the release.

The Daniel was once the tallest building in South Carolina, standing at 205 feet and 25 floors.  The building was the vision of Charles E. Daniel, founder of the Daniel Construction Co., which would go on to become one of the largest construction companies in the world. Daniel’s vision was to have the building serve as the company’s headquarters, which it eventually did, according to the release. However, Daniel died before the building was completed.

Minor Mickel Shaw and Charles Mickel attended the original opening of The Daniel in 1967 ago, and helped cut the ribbon at the rededication 58 years later. Their father, Buck Mickel, worked at Daniel Construction and served as president and general manager following the death of Charles Daniel. Under Mickel’s leadership, the company became Daniel International Corp., expanding significantly into domestic and international markets.

“It’s really nice to see a building of such importance in use,” said Charles Mickel. “The Daniel Building is a legacy.”