Wilkins Davis Opens; Fluor Field, Anderson Lake, Project Hope Shine – In The Know 7-20

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5 days ago

Former Solicitor Starts Law Firm
Weeks after announcing he was stepping down as the top prosecutor for Greenville and Pickens counties, Walt Wilkins has joined two Upstate attorneys to launch a new law firm.
Wilkins Davis will concentrate on complex litigation and use strategic alliances to permit nationwide representation in civil, criminal and constitutional cases.
The firm is led by William W. 'Billy' Wilkins, former Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, former United States District Judge, and former Chair of the U.S. Sentencing Commission; Walt Wilkins, former Assistant United States Attorney, former United States Attorney for the District of South Carolina, and longtime 13th Circuit Solicitor; and Lane Davis, a litigator with decades of experience in high-stakes commercial and appellate cases.
'This team brings a very rare combination of judicial insight, prosecutorial leadership and trial excellence,' Walt Wilkins said.
The firm will focus on high-stakes business disputes, class actions and catastrophic injury cases; defense against serious criminal state and federal charges, including drug offenses, cybercrime, tax evasion and white-collar crimes; corporate compliance and internal investigations; representation for victims harmed by violence, abuse, negligence, DUI injury, and trafficking; federal government investigations, including public corruption, whistleblower, regulatory enforcement, and title IX matters; and forfeiture defense to protect money and property seized during criminal investigations and government enforcement actions.
'We are grounded in integrity, driven by legacy, and defined by results,' Davis said. 'It's not just who we are. It's what we deliver.'
Walt Wilkins and Davis both worked at the same firm (Leatherwood, Walker, Todd & Mann) for five years in the early 2000s. They had discussed practicing law together and joined forces when then-Solicitor Wilkins took on Platinum Plus – an adult club – using a complex nuisance action. The establishment ultimately closed.
After his long career in the judiciary, Billy Wilkins worked for Maynard Nexsen before starting his own firm in 2024.
Now, the three have come together as one firm.
'This is an exciting new venture for the three of us,' Billy Wilkins said. 'We are ready for everything.'
Fluor Field Named A Top Ballpark
Fluor Field, home of The Greenville Drive, has been ranked as one of the top Single-A ballparks in the country by Newsweek magazine. The Drive is the High-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox.
Nominated by Newsweek's panelists and contributors, Fluor Field was chosen for its 'charm and perfect mix of vintage vibes with modern flair.' An online vote by the public ranked the nominees.
Currently celebrating its 20th season in Downtown Greenville, Fluor Field ranked No. 3 among all Single-A ballparks in the country.
'This ranking proves that Fluor Field can stand the test of time as a treasured institution,' said Craig Brown, owner and Chairman of The Greenville Drive.
With "constant" upgrades and improvements, Fluor Field has also become a year-round venue for meetings, parties and other activities, he said.
The stadium is reminiscent of Boston's iconic Fenway Park, complete with the old-time scoreboard on a wall known as the 'Green Monster' in left field, 'Pesky's Pole' in right field, and an entertainment district known as District 356.
The field in Greenville precisely replicates the dimensions and idiosyncrasies of the Red Sox home turf in Boston.
Newsweek also commended the ballpark's 'massive video screen for instant replays, classic ballpark snacks, zany between-inning games and a dazzling post-game fireworks show.'
Sometimes called the 'front porch' of the Upstate community, Fluor Field has been a catalyst for growth and economic development in Greenville's West End historic district.
This year, VisitGreenvilleSC commissioned a study showing that Fluor Field and the Greenville Drive have had a $288 million economic impact on the community for the past 10 years.
Privately built and owned by Brown, Fluor Field (originally called West End Field) opened in downtown Greenville in 2006.
On July 8, Fluor Field celebrated its Honorary 6 Millionth Fan to enter the gates of the ballpark. Also this year, Brown was awarded the Order of the Palmetto – South Carolina's highest civilian honor. In May, The Drive and Fluor Field were featured on CBS Evening News in a story about how a baseball team can transform a community.
In addition to a capacity for 5,700 fans, Fluor Field has a playground for children, a covered bar and lounge called the 500 Club, and spaces that cater to large and small events. In 2025, Fluor Field expects to welcome more than 500,000 people to ballgames, weddings, business meetings and festivals.
Ten of the winning teams in the last 12 World Series championships have had at least one former Drive player on their rosters.
Lima One Chief Legal Officer Honored
Abigail Williams, Chief Legal Officer for Lima One Capital, has been named one of HousingWire's Women of Influence for 2025.
Since joining the Greenville-based private lender in 2021, Williams has played a role in guiding the company's legal and compliance strategy. A year ago, she was promoted to Chief Legal Officer and assumed responsibility for overseeing Legal, Compliance, and Human Resources.
Williams oversaw the legal and regulatory work for Lima One's first sale of credit-rated transitional residential loans to investors, which required collaboration across legal, investor and regulatory channels, according to a press release.
The transaction marked a milestone for the company in the institutional capital markets space.
Internally, Williams has focused on streamlining document compliance for better risk evaluation and faster decision-making. Williams also led contract negotiations for Lima One's new headquarters at 300 E. McBee Ave. in Downtown Greenville.
She is on the boards of the YMCA of Greenville and The Children's Museum of the Upstate.
Each year, HousingWire recognizes 100 women whose achievements are driving the housing industry forward nationwide. Now in its 16th year, the award honors leaders across mortgage, real estate and fintech based on professional accomplishments, industry contributions, community involvement and overall influence.
Since its inception in 2010, Lima One Capital has funded over $10 billion in business-purpose real estate loans. With a reach across 46 states, Lima One operates as a capital partner for real estate investors and brokers by financing residential investment strategies, including fix and flips, rental, and new construction.
In 2021, Lima One was acquired by real estate investment trust MFA Financial Inc.
Community Planned In Anderson County
Anderson Lake, a 1,200-acre mixed-use community in Anderson County, has moved forward after approval by the County Planning Commission earlier this month.
The project aims to bring energy and opportunity to the region while respecting the land where it will be built, according to a press release.
'This will be one of the most important projects in Anderson County in decades,' said Gaston Albergotti, CEO of Dunean Capital Management, developer of the community.
'This rare and incredibly special piece of land deserves more than just progress; it deserves purpose. Anderson Lake will reflect the soul of Anderson County while creating a vibrant new future.'
Anderson Lake will be near I-85 and Hwy. 81, between Hampton and Welcome roads. The property surrounds the Anderson Reservoir.
The project will have approximately 1,000 homes, two-thirds of which are intended for ages 55 and over, creating a focus on active adult living.
'This project is not just about homes or roads,' Albergotti said. 'It's about community, legacy and growth. Anderson Lake is being designed to enhance the county, not overwhelm it. This is about creating something that belongs to Anderson County and builds upon everything that makes it so special.'
The project proposes 26 new roads to provide connectivity within the community and enhance accessibility and traffic flow in surrounding areas, according to the press release. The project will also include commercial, industrial and institutional properties, as well as walking trails and green spaces.
Mark Massachi and Mark Ratchford at KDS Caine will represent the current owners/sellers of the property. The land is currently under contract and is expected to close in late fall.
Dunean Capital Management is a real estate investment firm operating throughout the Southeast and based in Greenville.
Project Hope: State's 1st Accredited ABA
The Autism Commission on Quality has awarded a two-year accreditation to Project Hope Foundation for its applied behavior analysis programs.
ABA therapy is used to help individuals with autism. The nonprofit organization, Project Host, is the first in South Carolina to attain the accreditation.
'This accreditation reinforces our position as a leader in our industry. It sets us apart through a commitment to best practices and continuous improvement, as well as a focus on customer satisfaction,' said Scott Braud, Chief Clinical Officer of Project Hope Foundation.
Founded in 1997 by two mothers of autistic sons, Project Hope Foundation provides a lifespan of autism services, across ages and across the spectrum, at eight campuses and clinics. All of Project Hope's programs are grounded in ABA principles and include therapy, education and adult services.
Organizations seeing accreditation 'must meet rigorous standards for patient care, administration and transparency,' said Erick Dubuque, director of the Autism Commission on Quality.
The process includes a review of business, clinical, and quality improvement activities to promote best practices and evidence-based pathways. The assessment considers clinical observations, satisfaction surveys from patients and staff, and leadership interviews when evaluating programs against ACQ's Applied Behavior Analysis Accreditation Program Standards and Guide.
Project Hope Foundation provides a variety of programs that include therapy, classroom options, adult employment, social groups, life skills, community outreach and professional training. Project Hope provides resources to help the whole family.
Mast Stores Support Land Trusts
Mast General Store has donated $70,000 to land trusts in South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
All 11 of the company's family- and employee-owned stores donated 20% of their sales on Land Trust Day in June to conservancy partners. Customers also made contributions.
Funds went to nine land trust organizations in the Upstate and Midlands, the Mountains and Piedmont of North Carolina, East Tennessee, and Southwest Virginia. The total was $70,426.
Mast stores support land trusts, also known as conservancies, every year. The trusts help preserve natural landscapes, wildlife habitats, wetlands and sites with cultural significance. Some land also provides recreational opportunities to the public.
Preserving natural landscapes was a priority for John and Faye Cooper when they purchased the Original Mast General Store in 1979. The land around that store remains relatively undisturbed because of the couple's work with the Blue Ridge Conservancy.
Their daughter, Lisa Cooper, is now President of Mast Stores and continues their legacy.
'Supporting organizations that help preserve our open spaces and land traditions for future generations is a top priority in each of our Mast Store communities,' Cooper said.
B93.7 Scores With Prime Demo
B93.7 (WFBC-FM), part of the Audacy media group, has been ranked the No. 1 station among people ages 25 to 54 in the Greenville-Spartanburg metro survey area by Nielsen (May 2025).
'We're proud to see B93.7 perform so strongly across key demos,' said Steve Sinicropi, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Audacy Greenville-Spartanburg. 'These results reflect the strength of our brands, our local talent and the loyalty of our listeners.'
The rating is 'proof that great radio still cuts through the noise,' said Dave Jackson, Brand Manager, Audacy South Carolina.
B93.7 was specifically ranked No. 1 among listeners from 6 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week. B93.7 is available on-air, streaming on the free Audacy app, and through X, Facebook and Instagram.
Audacy also operates 98.9 WORD and Classic Rock 101.1 in the Upstate.
Hampton Station Entertains With Pets, Axes, Art
The Hampton Station food, retail and entertainment development has upcoming events that include everything from a pet market to axe throwing to art classes. Hampton Station is located at 1320 Hampton Ave. in Greenville.
Noble Dog's Royal Pet Market will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. July 20.
Noble Dog Hotel at Hampton Station will host the family- and pet-friendly event, which includes a birthday party for Queen Nessie, adoptable dogs from local rescues, food trucks, vendors and other activities. For information, email [e-mail] or go to thenobledoghotel.com.
Craft Axe Throwing: Gilded Games Tournament will take place from 2 to 9 p.m. Aug. 2 at Craft Axe Throwing. The inaugural Gilded Games is a fantasy-themed axe-throwing tournament. Entry is $18. Vendors with fantasy and historical items will attend. Handcrafted prizes will be offered.
For information, email [e-mail] or go to craftaxethrowing.com/greenville-sc.
Yellowbobbypins Art Camps will take place throughout the summer at various times. The hands-on summer camps are intended for all ages. Activities will include drawing and painting, mixed-media and workshops with themes.
For information, email [e-mail]. For more information or registration, go to yellowbobbypins.com.ss the Southeast. NHE represents more than 18,000 homes, apartments and condominiums in 15 states.1 p.m. Each loop around the concourse is a quarter-mile. Well Walkers is free; no registration is required. Free parking for Well Walkers participants is available in the VIP lot at the arena, off Church Street.
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Wilkins Davis Opens; Fluor Field, Anderson Lake, Project Hope Shine – In The Know 7-20
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