The Thomas and Vivian A. Wong Honor Tower

BEAUTIFUL VIEWS COMING SOON!

The future expansion of Unity Park includes an iconic observation tower, built on one of the few pieces of "high ground," south of the Reedy River, adjacent to historic Mayberry Field and Meadowbrook Green. Designed by Endrestudio, the Thomas and Vivian A. Wong Honor Tower includes layers of wood screens arranged in a twisting form. The name “Honor Tower” pays homage to first responders, including police officers, firefighters and military personnel.

The tower will become an accessible, unique vantage point for Unity Park, offering visitors an elevated, panoramic view of the downtown skyline to the east and the Blue Ridge Mountains to the west. Emerging onto the observation deck, visitors will have unobstructed views of the baseball field, the confluence of the Swamp Rabbit Trail as well as the expanse of Unity Park and beyond.

HONOR TOWER GOAL MET WITH MILLION DOLLAR DONATION

Funding goals were met in December 2022, when Vivian Wong and her late husband committed $1 million to the project. The Wongs were longtime community philanthropists and entrepreneurs. Other contributors include Sharon and Heather Carlton, Erik Weir and AT&T.

In June 2022, Greenville City Council voted to build the tower, committing both public and private funds to the project.

The $11 million tower will be funded by:

Private donations: $5.5 million
Local Accommodations Tax: $3.5 million
Hospitality Tax: $1 million
Unity Park construction savings: $1 million

CARLTON FAMILY DONATES $500K FOR Philip J. Carlton PLAZA TO HONOR FIRST RESPONDERS AND VETERANS

In March 2023, Greenville Mayor Knox White announced a $500,000 donation by Sharon Carlton and Heather Carlton-McInnis for the Unity Park Honor Tower in honor of late community businessman and philanthropist Philip J. Carlton. The Philip J. Carlton Memorial Plaza will serve as a memorial for first responders and military veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice, and as a place of honor for all who serve.

“Phil was a larger-than-life figure in our family and in our community with a passion for supporting law enforcement,” said Heather’s husband, Dr. David McInnis, who spoke on behalf of the Carlton family during the event. “The Carlton family is honored that a lasting part of our community will keep that legacy and memory alive.”

With a generous gift from Thomas and Vivian Wong, the Honor Tower at Unity Park is fully funded.
An aerial rendering of Honor Tower shows Auro Bridge in the background.
A rendering shows the Philip J. Carlton Memorial Plaza, honoring first responders and veterans.
The tower will include an observation deck, providing visitors with a panoramic view of the city.
Circular stairs will provide gradual access to the top.
The Philip J. Carlton Memorial Plaza will provide a gathering place around the tower entrance.
The tower will be located between Mayberry Field and Meadowbrook Green.