A vacant unit inside Haywood Mall is being transformed into a claw machine game room after a $170,000 commercial alteration permit was issued on September 11. The project at 700 Haywood Rd in Greenville adds another entertainment tenant to the mall, reflecting a broader shift in how traditional retail spaces are being repurposed.
What the Permits Show
Permit 2600003083, filed as a commercial alteration, covers the renovation of an existing unit inside the mall into a dedicated claw machine game room. The scope of work includes paint work, shelf installations, and sub-permits for additional mechanical and buildout tasks. The permit carries a valuation of $170,000 and was issued with a status of "Issued" as of September 11, 2026.
The property at 700 Haywood Rd is owned by Simon Haywood LLC, the entity associated with the mall. Z C Paul Construction Company is listed as the contractor handling the renovation. The permit description indicates the space was previously vacant and is being fully converted for the new use.
Why It Matters
Haywood Mall, one of the Greenville area's largest enclosed shopping centers, has seen a gradual evolution in its tenant mix as traditional retail anchors give way to experience-based concepts. A claw machine game room fits squarely into the entertainment category that mall operators across the country have turned to in order to fill vacancies and draw foot traffic. At $170,000, the project represents a moderate investment in tenant improvement — enough to signal a committed buildout rather than a temporary pop-up. For observers tracking commercial activity along the Haywood Road corridor, the permit is one more data point suggesting that experiential uses continue to gain ground in large-format retail environments in the greater Greenville market.