ECU Research Division Makes its Way Uptown
East Carolina University’s Division of Research, Economic Development and Engagement has found a new home in Uptown Greenville.
REDE will move into 209 East 5th Street in the fall of 2019, just off the edge of main campus near the ECU Registrar’s office and the popular Sup Dogs restaurant. The move is part of an enhanced effort by ECU to connect with the Greenville community and grow innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities for its students, faculty and industry partners.
“We are committed to partnering with city and business leaders to grow Greenville into a model college town,” ECU Chancellor Cecil P. Staton said. “That includes partnering with city and business leaders to grow Greenville into a model college town.
“Moving ECU’s research division to Uptown is just the beginning,” he said. “We’re developing ECU’s millennial campus in the warehouse district, as well as constructing our new $90 million Life Sciences and Biotechnology Building on 10th Street as part of our commitment to strengthen the region.”
The division, led by vice chancellor Jay Golden, includes more than 70 staff members and researchers. REDE supports major research initiatives led by the university, its faculty and community partners, while also providing research compliance support.
“I’m very excited to move our division to Uptown and be part of the momentum that’s making Greenville an even more dynamic place to live, work and play,” Golden said. “We expect the division to grow and have a positive economic impact for numerous businesses. With all of the other projects ECU has in the works for the area, including the development of our millennial campus, Uptown will only continue to grow and prosper.”
Over the next five years, ECU will construct nearly 210,000 square feet of new office and institutional space in the Uptown district. With increased financial participation for organizational support and the movement of jobs to the district, ECU officials believe the decision to partner with the area will boost the local economy.
Additionally, ECU’s millennial campus will stimulate economic development through partnerships. The millennial campus allows the university to collaborate with private companies to commercialize research discoveries and offer training that benefits Greenville’s high-tech industries.
“The millennial campus is a wildly important step for ECU and the Uptown district,” said Bianca Shoneman, president and CEO of Uptown Greenville. “Public-private partnerships are the new wave of economic development. The concept of linking the business sector with universities and arts and culture venues is growing. It will have a significant impact on our community.”
Over the last five years, Uptown has seen more than $600,000 of public and private investment, adding 600 new full or part-time jobs in the area. The city has also partnered with ECU to enhance safety initiatives in Uptown, providing a healthier living and learning environment for students.
“With an enhanced Uptown, we can provide ECU students and staff with improved options for dining, entertainment, living, arts and culture that are within walking distance of campus,” said Don Edwards, president of the University Book Exchange in Uptown. “Clearly, we would like to see an expanded ECU presence in the Uptown area and REDE is setting an example. Future teamwork on ventures including the performing arts center and an uptown hotel would be beneficial for the continued improvement of our campus edge.”
Learn more about REDE and ECU research programs and initiatives online at rede.ecu.edu. Explore Uptown Greenville online at uptowngreenville.com.