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TRYON–If you’ve driven down Pacolet or Depot Streets in recent weeks, you’ve no doubt caught a glimpse of the latest project by Tryon real estate developer Ian Griggs. He has been overseeing the renovation of several spaces in downtown Tryon. 

Working with Tryon architect John Walters and Mill Spring general contractor Greg Junge, the units at 70 Pacolet Street and 31 and 39 Depot Street have been entirely reshaped. With new plumbing and drainage pipes going under the street, and completely new wiring, it’s now basically a new building except for the foundation and the exterior, which is now covered with stucco. 

The renovation is highlighted by an exterior wall beautifully decorated with a colorful mural by Asheville artist Wyatt Grant.

Griggs, who received a Master’s degree from the University of Miami in Real Estate Development and Urban Planning, shares that his goal is to develop the local community through real estate.

“After really enjoying living and working for a developer in Miami, we decided after the pandemic and after talking to family it was time to come back home to Tryon,” Griggs says, “(This is a) place where I feel I really can make an impact in the community while also being closer to family.”  

He points out that he’s not a real estate agent. As a developer, he looks to help investors, landowners, and real estate agents with proper planning, while overseeing all the people involved in building or renovating homes, offices, or old buildings. 

Presently, the two units on Depot St. are available for lease, with one currently housing a pop-up shop, A-Soul Edit. The pop-up shop is operated by Ian’s partner, Jainiz Sanchez, selling vintage clothing, local art, and handcrafted items. The second unit is a condo with a spectacular view of downtown Tryon. In the two suites on Pacolet St., John Walters has his office, and the other has been recently occupied by Foothills Movement, a pilates studio opening in the new year. 

“I want our building and any project I’m involved in to benefit the community,” Ian adds. “It would have been easy to make these places a bunch of offices, but that wouldn’t have helped the community as much as the pilates studio. We want to work with business owners that are offering something the town might need or be missing.” 

If someone is interested in contracting Ian’s services, he can be contacted at ian@placemakergroup.com.