In the Upstate of South Carolina, the communities of Fountain Inn, Simpsonville, and Mauldin share more than just proximity along Interstate 385—we share a spirit of collaboration, growth, and innovation, earning us the nickname the “Golden Strip.” Over the past few years, this spirit has been recognized on a statewide stage, with all three cities receiving prestigious honors from the Municipal Association of South Carolina (MASC).

This year, Fountain Inn proudly earned the 2025 Excellence on Main Street Award for the restoration and preservation of the historic Ellison Flour Mill, now home to Fountain Inn Brewing, the Clubhouse, and a new food hall. What was once a long-abandoned mill complex has been transformed into a vibrant hub for dining, entertainment, and community gatherings, seamlessly blending our City’s past with its bright future. This revitalization is more than just a beautiful redevelopment—it has sparked new life downtown, attracted visitors, and strengthened the identity of Fountain Inn as a destination in the Upstate.

In 2023, Simpsonville received the Joseph P. Riley Jr. Award for transforming the historic Simpsonville Elementary School into the thriving Simpsonville Arts Center. Twenty-six cities and towns submitted their projects and initiatives for consideration in the annual awards, making this recognition particularly meaningful. The Arts Center has brought crowds of downtown visitors, sparked new commercial activity, and catalyzed ongoing revitalization. It has also become a crucial step in Simpsonville’s broader efforts to enhance its downtown, which includes a new municipal complex, streetscaping, traffic improvements, trail extensions, and beautification projects.

Meanwhile, Mauldin earned recognition in the Achievement Awards Economic Development Category for its ambitious BridgeWay Station project. This mixed-use, pedestrian-focused development is redefining Mauldin’s identity by creating a true downtown destination where none existed before. Featuring Italian-inspired architecture, shops, restaurants, apartments, and offices, BridgeWay also boasts a striking pedestrian bridge across I-385, with plans to connect directly to the Swamp Rabbit Trail. Plans even include a 10,000-seat stadium for the Greenville Triumph soccer team, positioning Mauldin as a hub for sports, entertainment, and community gatherings.

These awards, spanning several years, not only celebrate individual accomplishments but also highlight what makes the Golden Strip so special: our collective commitment to progress while honoring our roots.

“As City Administrator, I am incredibly thankful to be part of this region,” said Shawn Bell. “The success of Fountain Inn, Simpsonville, and Mauldin is proof of what can happen when local leaders, business owners, and residents work together with vision and determination. We are not just three neighboring cities - we are partners in building an area where people want to live, work, and visit. To see each of our communities receive statewide recognition is both humbling and inspiring.”

From historic preservation in Fountain Inn to cultural investment in Simpsonville and transformational development in Mauldin, the Golden Strip is a testament to what collaboration can achieve. These successes highlight our shared future—and together, we will keep building a place where our residents, businesses, and visitors can truly thrive.

Shawn Bell is the City Administrator of Fountain Inn and an ICMA-Credentialed Manager. For more information, go to www.fountaininn.org, call 864-531-0644, or email shawn.bell@fountaininn.org.●