When Ridgeline Construction Group outgrew its former office space, their leadership team didn’t just look for somewhere bigger. They found a building most people would have walked away from, and they got to work.
The result is a modernized, light-filled commercial space in downtown Greenville that doubles as a showcase for what Ridgeline’s commercial division does best — and a new home base built for the company’s next chapter of growth.
Why It Was Time to Move
The decision to relocate had been years in the making. Ridgeline had simply grown beyond what its old space could support — in headcount, in parking, and in what the team needed to do their best work.
“We were looking for a space to allow for future growth,” said President and Co-Founder Terry Lawler. “From an interior design center to a material showcase and home base to effectively manage our commercial and residential projects.”
Wearing Two Hats: Owner and Contractor
Taking on a construction project as both the client and the builder is a unique position, and Terry is candid about what made it work.
“It was a good experience in the fact that we had a lot of control over the decisions and were able to navigate any technical problems internally without having to go back to somebody else,” he said. “It gave us the flexibility to make decisions and do things on the fly that we normally would have to stop and wait for.”
That flexibility proved critical when challenges surfaced — as they always do in older structures.
The Challenge No One Sees Coming
The building’s most significant obstacle wasn’t visible from the outside. The structure was 3.5 inches out of level, which created a cascading set of problems that had to be addressed from the ground up — literally.
The team had to go in and level the entire front of the structure before any finish work could begin. What might seem like a single fix quickly revealed how interconnected every decision in an older building really is.
“With any old structure, every detail matters because it affects everything down to the last finished detail,” Terry said. “We had to understand what leveling 3.5 inches was going to do to the ceiling, to the brick tile, to the steel doors. Making sure you know how each decision will affect the final outcome — that’s everything. It’s what we strive to do every day at Ridgeline Construction Group.”
The custom steel and glass doors that now anchor the conference rooms are a perfect example. They’re one of the most striking features in the finished space, but getting them right required knowing the exact tolerances and exact levelness of the floor. “If you don’t know that,” Lawler said, “it will show up to every client that comes through your front door.” He worked personally on the jamb tile detailing to ensure the finished result aligned with what he had envisioned.
Design Decisions That Elevated the Space
One of the biggest takeaways from the old office was straightforward: employees thrived with natural light. The new space was designed around that.
Large storefront windows and doors bring the outside in, and the open, glass-forward interior keeps the space feeling expansive and connected. The steel and glass conference room doors, fabricated by one of Ridgeline’s longtime steel partners, add an industrial sophistication that feels right at home in a downtown setting. The foyer features brick tile sourced and repurposed through a vendor relationship, giving the space a warmth and texture that new materials rarely replicate.
“A lot of our vendors were able to step up and help us,” Terry said. “And one of the biggest things we found from our last office was how much our employees loved natural light. This new space gives us that, plus a lot more private offices for our senior team.”
What It Says About Ridgeline’s Commercial Division
Not everyone would have seen potential in this building; rather, they would have seen a property and structure that couldn’t be salvaged.
“It shows how Ridgeline can take a dilapidated structure and modernize it. Really make it something special,” Terry said. “We’ve had multiple people comment on that. This is something that our commercial construction division really excels in.”
Advice for Business Owners Considering a Commercial Project
If there’s a lesson Terry wants other business owners to take from this project, it’s not to let the numbers scare them off an old building with real potential.
“Don’t be afraid to take a risk on an old property,” he said. “For my partner and me, the cost of the property and construction was a big financial decision. That would scare most business owners away,” he said. “But anything in this region is not going to depreciate. Don’t be afraid to invest in a property knowing there will be significant growth in its value down the road.”
For Ridgeline, the long-term vision won out. And the result speaks for itself.
Most rewarding of all, for now, is something simpler. “One of the most fulfilling things is seeing the joy our employees have working in their new space,” Terry said. “We implemented some of the cool things we do for other clients — for ourselves. And we’re set up for continued growth and success for years to come.”
Work with Ridgeline Construction Group Today
Whether you’re considering renovating an existing structure or building a new commercial space, Ridgeline Construction Group brings the experience and hands-on oversight needed to guide the project from concept through completion. Contact Ridgeline to discuss your commercial construction project and explore what’s possible for your space.
