Four longtime commercial real estate agents have formed a new brokerage firm focused on the fast-growing upstate market.
Charleston’s Jeff Grote Jr. is partnered with Spartanburg’s Andrew Babb, John Borknight and Ralph Settle.
The company is called Roadstead Real Estate Advisors of the Upstate and is located at 314 S. Pine St., Building 100, in Spartanburg, according to a statement.
“Many factors are now converging to make Spartanburg one of the most attractive places to live, work and play in the entire Southeast,” Babb said. “Our new team is well-positioned to support the growing number of people flocking to the area.”
Lordstead’s team will work throughout the region, but will focus on Spartanburg County, which was recently named the 12th fastest growing metropolitan area in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
Mr. Babb, a Spartanburg native, has been a real estate professional and developer for many years and has partnered with Bauknight on several projects in downtown Spartanburg, including Palmetto Lofts. 226 and 252 W. Main St. 142 Social; and Magnolia Loft.
Baunight, president and co-founder of a Spartanburg-based investment and commercial real estate development company, has been involved with Rocker’s Brewing Company and Streaking Birdies Golf in downtown Spartanburg. He has over 30 years of experience in commercial real estate.
Settle has worked in commercial real estate at the Oro Hotel in Greenville and OTO Development in Spartanburg. Most recently, Settle recently completed her 190-unit affordable housing development on the north side of Spartanburg, where Robert He Smalls is a partner and he serves as project manager.
Groat, a Charleston resident, worked for CBRE Commercial Real Estate for 13 years and co-founded Roadstead in Charleston 15 years ago.
“Upstate South Carolina has become one of the most dynamic markets in the country, and the opportunity to partner with Andrew, John and Ralph is extremely exciting,” said Groat. “Their combined experience and understanding of the upstate market is unparalleled.”
Bob Montgomery covers politics and growth and development in Spartanburg County. Email bob.montgomery@shj.com.