Wofford crosses the street as part of sustainability initiative

Heavy machinery beeped across from 501 Howard Street at the Northside Development Group’s (NDG) headquarters as Michael Williamson, SC native and CEO of NDG explained the enormity of the Northside Project, its effects on its residents and its effect on Wofford students.  

He said, “Wofford has continued to be engaged with NDG even now. Now having a  physical presence in the Northside. There has always been the barrier of Church St., but now crossing that and having physical presence here is even better.”  

Born in 2012, the NDG’s goal has been to transform Spartanburg’s Northside Community in an ethical way. By involving residents and community leaders, the NDG’s initial goals have come to fruition through health, education, community engagement and economic resources for the Northside’s diverse population.  

The NDG board consists of 14 members, 6 of which are residents, each partnering in leadership to bring opportunity to the Northside. 

Williamson said, “Our governing board is also very heavily community driven, and I think that is important, that has been kind of a guiding principle from the beginning. One, making sure that the community was involved in our work and have a say in how the redevelopment occurred and then the second part of that is doing a redevelopment without gentrification.” 

The NDG’s newest addition to the project at 50 Howard Street not only houses their team, but also includes suites for AccessHealth Spartanburg, BirthMatters, the VCOM clinic and both classroom and housing space for Wofford College’s Community Sustainability Program.  

Williamson added, “I think in the past there may not have been the best relationship between the Northside and Wofford. I think breaking down those barriers creates access for Wofford students to get to know folks on the Northside and Northside residents to get to know Wofford students, faculty, and staff.” 

Timothy Schmitz Ph.D., professor of history and Associate Provost for Administration at Wofford is on the board of the NDG and has played a role in the college’s partnership from early on.  

He said, “The housing will be for students engaged in community sustainability efforts, although the details haven’t yet been worked out. Before the pandemic, we had planned to use the apartments to house visiting faculty this school year and then to use it for students in 2021-2022.” 

Because Wofford’s space in the new Northside structure was funded through the Milliken Sustainability Initiative, students studying environmental and community sustainability will be housed and educated there. Those involved will be led by Mrs. Jessalyn Wynn Story, Director for Community-Based Learning, Amy Telligman, Ph.D., assistant professor of environmental studies and Alysa Handelsman, PhD., assistant professor of sociology and anthropology.  

Currently the space is being used for overflow housing and isolation/quarantine space for students that have tested positive, or been exposed to, COVID-19.  

While the intended occupation of the space has been stalled due to the pandemic, faculty efforts and preparations continue towards its mixed-use and the expansion of Wofford’s sustainability efforts.  

Schmitz said, “Lots of good work is being done, and it’s inspiring actually to see the transformation taking place. I am so impressed by the dedication of both the Northside residents and the NDG staff.” 

For more information on the Northside Development Group, visit Spartanburgndg.com