09/05/2026
Do you remember when N. Main Street in Downtown Greenville looked like this? 😲
It’s hard to imagine now, but the ground where the Hyatt Regency currently stands was once a very different place. This photo captures a moment of transition—the end of a gritty era and the dawn of a new one.
Before the revitalization efforts took hold in the late 70s and 80s, this section of Main Street had a distinctly different atmosphere. This isn't the family-friendly, tree-lined downtown we know today.
Just look closely at the signs in this incredible historical photo (image_0.png):
🎬 "PARIS" – An old marquee for the Paris Theatre.
📰 "MAIN ST. NEWS - ADULTS ONLY MINI-MOVIES" – A very specific kind of adult entertainment venue that once marked this central location.
This image, with the heavy dump truck parked directly in front, shows the very beginning of the demolition that made way for the Hyatt project. This single development is often credited with kickstarting the massive revitalization of our downtown.
How times have changed! A huge transformation in a relatively short period.
Who remembers walking past this exact spot in the 60s or 70s? What was it like? What memories (or surprises!) do you have of the old Downtown Greenville? Share your stories below! 👇