News Summary
The city of Columbia welcomed a new event space, The Laundry, which combines historical significance with modern amenities. Located in the Bull Street District, this venue, previously a mental asylum, offers over 15,000 square feet for events, including weddings and corporate gatherings. The project is part of a broader revitalization plan for the area, promising future retail and community developments. With The Laundry set to open in December, it aims to enhance the local atmosphere and serve as a hub for unforgettable experiences.
Columbia Welcomes a New Gem: The Laundry Event Venue
This past Wednesday, the city of Columbia, South Carolina witnessed a delightful transformation as city leaders gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of The Laundry. Nestled in the bustling Bull Street District, this venue is poised to become the go-to destination for weddings, corporate events, and special gatherings.
A Historic Transformation
Remarkably, The Laundry isn’t just another pretty space—it’s steeped in history. Originally built in 1821, the building previously served as a mental asylum before being lovingly repurposed as an event venue. With renovations focused on highlighting historical features while integrating modern amenities, The Laundry will stand as a stunning example of preservation in action.
As part of a larger initiative to revitalize the Bull Street area, this project makes the most of a site that has a diverse past. Specifically, The Laundry was once a functioning laundry facility that dates back to the 1880s. Notably, it is the oldest surviving service building on the former State Mental Hospital campus.
What to Expect
Spanning over 15,000 square feet, The Laundry will offer a delightful mix of event, retail, restaurant, and office spaces. The main event area will encompass more than 7,000 square feet, promising a beautiful backdrop for everything from wedding receptions to corporate retreats. Additional event space is available on the upper level, boasting approximately 2,700 square feet, and it features gorgeous, original architectural details such as exposed brick and heart pine wood beams.
The Laundry isn’t just about the indoors, either! It includes a captivating outdoor greenspace named The Grove, which provides a lush area for events and is shaded by majestic, mature trees. Interestingly, this spot once served as a prison camp for Union soldiers during the Civil War, adding another layer of significance to the venue.
Future Plans for Bull Street
The opening of The Laundry is just one milestone in the ambitious 20-year plan to transform the 181-acre site of the former State Mental Hospital. Plans include a burgeoning community featuring residences, restaurants, retail spaces, office units, a baseball stadium, a public park, and even a new medical school from the University of South Carolina.
While there are no tenants announced yet for the retail and office spaces, the signs are promising. Conversations are already in motion with potential businesses, and the managing partner of Avant Holdings believes these spaces could be fully leased within just four months.
Join the Celebration
With the completion of The Laundry set for December, the excitement is palpable. Emphasizing community spirit and growth, city leaders view The Laundry as a significant enhancement to the Bull Street atmosphere. The project’s thoughtful renovation not only preserves the rich history of the building but ushers in modern amenities and opportunities for events that foster community connections.
Located at 2046 Talley St., just behind the former Babcock building—now luxury apartments—and south of the lively Segra Park baseball stadium, the venue is positioned perfectly for both locals and visitors alike. As interest in this unique area grows, it seems that The Laundry will soon be bustling with activity, serving as a stylish backdrop for unforgettable memories!
In all, The Laundry is more than just an event venue; it’s a testament to the city’s commitment to reviving historic spaces while fostering modern community experiences. Columbia is ready to embrace The Laundry and all the excitement that comes with it!
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Additional Resources
- ABC Columbia: City Leaders Hold Ribbon Cutting
- Wikipedia: Columbia, South Carolina
- The State: Local News Article
- Google Search: Columbia South Carolina Event Venues
- Cola Today: New Event Space Opening
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina
- Columbia Business Report: Mixed-Use Project
- Google News: Columbia Event Venue
- MSN: Publix Grocery Store Opening
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
