MetroConnects, a metropolitan sewer subdistrict serving Greenville County, has officially opened its new $32 million campus in Mauldin.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held April 20 to celebrate the 23-acre campus at 1151 W. Butler Road. Caleb Freeman, board chair for MetroConnects, said the new facility marks an exciting chapter for MetroConnects, which has provided wastewater collection services in Greenville County since 1969.
The new campus was created to expand MetroConnects’ operations to meet current and future infrastructure needs. Carol Elliott, general manager of MetroConnects, said the special-purpose district has expanded by more than 500% over the past 25 years.
Today, MetroConnects operates as one of the largest wastewater collection providers in South Carolina, serving more than 106,000 customer accounts and maintaining 1,500 miles of wastewater collection infrastructure.
“Our work is essential to protecting public health, safeguarding the environment and preserving our region’s water resources,” Elliott said. “Greenville County’s population is projected to increase significantly over the next 40 years, and this facility ensures we are ready to meet the demand with reliability, efficiency and excellence.”
Facility features
Photo by Megan FitzgeraldJoshua Hawkins, chief technical officer at MetroConnects, said the new campus on West Butler Road almost doubles the special-purpose district’s operations area. MetroConnects previously operated out of facilities located on a 3.8-acre site at the South Carolina Technical Aviation Center in Greenville.
The new campus features expanded operations and maintenance facilities, centralized administrative and customer service offices, employee training and meeting spaces, enhanced equipment storage and fleet management areas, etc.
“We also recognize the importance of creating a workspace, workplace that attracts and retains talent in today’s evolving environment,” Hawkins said. “Features like an on-site gym, a walking trail, meeting spaces and ample parking were intentionally incorporated to support our employees and enhance the workplace experience.”
Design and construction of the new campus were completed in approximately two years. MetroConnects broke ground on the project in November 2024. The project team consisted of JLL, Vannoy Construction, DP3 Architects and Thomas & Hutton.
Quotes
“I’m proud to welcome MetroConnects to the city of Mauldin, a vibrant and fast-growing community.” – Mauldin Mayor Terry Merritt
“As our service area continues to grow, so must our capacity, not just in infrastructure but in planning, design and execution. This facility ensures we are prepared, not only for today’s demands but future opportunities.” – Joshua Hawkins, chief technical officer for MetroConnects
Did you know?
Approximately 16 acres of the MetroConnects’ 23-acre campus on West Butler Road were once owned by Lawrence Ashmore, the first general manager of the special-purpose district who retired in 1995.
By the numbers
Property: 23.2 acres
Admin building: 30,875 square feet
Operations and maintenance building: 32,700 square feet
Equipment bays: 23
Laydown area: 2.5 acres
Parking spots: 250
Project cost: $32 million
