SC Biz News Top Projects 2025 – Southern Tide HQ @ Historic Borden Building

Southern Tide completed its new headquarters renovation at Greenville’s historic Borden Building in October 2024, transforming 24,500 square feet of the registered historic structure into a modern workplace that honors the past while embracing contemporary design.

The $5.8 million renovation encompassed a comprehensive redesign featuring 64 workstations, 16 private offices, six conference rooms, and specialized spaces including a design area and server room. Harper General Contractors led the complex project, working closely with McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture and navigating stringent preservation requirements from the South Carolina State Historic Preservation Office and National Park Service.

The project’s most distinctive achievement lies in its innovative approach to preserving historic character while introducing modern functionality. The team recreated an authentic aged paint effect on exposed brick through a meticulous process involving multiple layers of paint, water and sandblasting, making new work appear original to the building’s inception.

Southern Tide’s commitment to local sourcing shaped every design decision, from countertops selected at regional stone yards to artwork curated from area artists. The iconic scissor chairs were manufactured in North Carolina, reinforcing the brand’s community connections.

Advanced construction technology, including a 360-degree laser scan, enabled precise field coordination within the existing structure’s constraints. The renovation incorporated sustainable elements such as eco-friendly ceiling materials, low-VOC paints and strategically placed skylights to maximize natural light.

The project represents Southern Tide’s deliberate choice to remain in Greenville, demonstrating how adaptive reuse can revitalize historic architecture while supporting urban development and community preservation.