The Thomas and Vivian A. Wong Honor Tower at Unity Park

Greenville, SC

Client
City of Greenville
Delivery Method
CM At-Risk

Project Description

The Thomas and Vivian A. Wong Honor Tower (“the Tower”) is a 12-story, 125-foot observation tower that anchors Unity Park as a new civic landmark. The tower is situated on one of the few elevated areas south of the Reedy River, next to historic Mayberry Park and Meadowbrook Green. This location holds both physical and cultural significance, as it once served as a dividing line between segregated parks.

The tower pays tribute to first responders, including police officers, firefighters, and military personnel. Harper General Contractors’ Safety Manager and Project Manager are military veterans, bringing a disciplined, mission-driven approach to planning, communication, and jobsite safety. Their leadership emphasized accountability, proactive risk management, and team coordination.

Designed by Endrestudio, the structure draws inspiration from Greenville’s textile heritage, referencing the smokestacks and wooden towers that once defined the city’s skyline. Layers of wood screens arranged in a twisting form create a dynamic exterior that changes in appearance as visitors move around the structure.

Visitors can ascend the tower via stairs or a glass-walled elevator to the Prisma Health observation deck, which offers panoramic views of Unity Park, the downtown skyline to the east, and the Blue Ridge Mountains to the west. From the upper levels, visitors also have unobstructed views of the adjacent baseball field, the Swamp Rabbit Trail, and the surrounding park land.