At Affordable Upstate, we’re passionate about creating not just homes but vibrant, thriving communities. Our recent beautification initiative at Trailside on Main in Spartanburg, SC exemplifies this mission by combining the power of collaboration with impactful improvements to enhance quality of life.
This 138-unit community, located alongside the historic Daniel Morgan Trail’s River Birch section, is uniquely positioned to offer residents something extraordinary: direct access to one of the region’s most exciting trail systems.
The Daniel Morgan Trail is more than just a scenic trail; it’s a gateway to healthier lifestyles and stronger connections. Currently undergoing exciting extensions, the trail will soon connect key areas like West Blue Ridge Drive and Poinsett Highway, adding infrastructure such as new bridges and an e-bike charging station. These improvements aim to make the trail safer, more accessible, and better integrated into daily life.
For Trailside on Main residents, having such a remarkable resource right at their doorstep is a game-changer. Whether it’s walking, jogging, cycling, or simply enjoying the green spaces, the trail offers countless opportunities to embrace an active, healthy lifestyle. Projects like this align perfectly with our vision of creating spaces where residents can thrive, connect, and enjoy the natural beauty of their surroundings.
Two weeks ago, we joined forces with local partners to kick off our beautification project. Volunteers from Spartanburg Community College, PAL Spartanburg, and the Noble Tree Foundation teamed up to plant 19 trees along the River Birch Trail. Under the guidance of horticulture expert Dr. Kevin Parris, these trees were carefully selected to enhance the area’s ecosystem and create a lush, green canopy for everyone to enjoy.
This effort isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about fostering a sense of connection and community. Improved green spaces contribute to mental well-being, promote healthier lifestyles, and encourage shared purpose among residents and neighbors.
Creating affordable housing is only part of the mission at Affordable Upstate. The real magic happens when we work to enhance the spaces in which our residents live and grow. Projects like the one at Trailside on Main aren’t just about aesthetics (though the improved views are undeniably enjoyable). These efforts directly contribute to the quality of life for residents and the neighborhood.
Here’s what improved green spaces mean for our community:
At Trailside on Main, we’re taking these benefits a step further by incorporating more tie-ins to the trail system and introducing a new mural on-site in the coming months.
None of this would have been possible without the collective efforts of our partners and supporters. A heartfelt thank you goes to Pamela Adams-Singleton of Dream Designs & Innovations for implementing the visionary design of this project. Her expertise brought our dreams of a greener, more welcoming Trailside on Main to life.
We are also deeply grateful for the support of the Noble Tree Foundation, whose generous grant funded this mission. Their commitment to Spartanburg’s ecological well-being is making a tangible difference.
To the students at Spartanburg Community College and every volunteer who lent their time and energy, thank you for being part of this transformation. Your hands-on involvement has not only beautified this space but also strengthened our bonds as a community.
The work at Trailside on Main is just the beginning. As the Daniel Morgan Trail continues to grow and expand, it will play an even greater role in shaping the Spartanburg community—connecting neighborhoods, promoting sustainability, and improving quality of life.
For us at Affordable Upstate, this project represents more than just affordable housing. It’s about creating spaces that empower lives, foster connections, and strengthen neighborhoods. Trailside on Main is a testament to what’s possible when we combine vision, collaboration, and a commitment to community.
Our mission is to modernize and preserve naturally occurring affordable housing in the Upstate of South Carolina by investing in communities that are as equally fulfilling for our residents as they are strategic for our investors.