News Summary
Downtown Columbia is set to undergo a significant transformation as Core Spaces reveals plans for two high-rise apartment towers. The project will bring approximately 700 to 750 new apartments, an extensive parking facility, and a revitalization of Main Street. The towers aim to enhance living options for both residents and students, alongside contributing to the cultural landscape with features like outdoor seating and green spaces. The venture awaits zoning approval in May, making it a pivotal moment for the city’s future.
Exciting Plans Unfold in Downtown Columbia!
Columbia is buzzing with anticipation as Core Spaces, a well-known student housing developer based in Chicago, has unveiled grand plans to create a stunning new development right in the heart of downtown. This ambitious project will see the construction of not just one, but two high-rise apartment towers that promise to change the skyline of this vibrant city.
What’s in Store?
The proposed high-rises will stand proud on a block bordered by Main, Assembly, and Hampton streets. One of the towers will soar to an impressive 27 stories and 270 feet high, catering to those looking for market-rate apartments and facing Main Street. The second tower, which is aimed at students, will feature 22 stories and will reach 230 feet, prominently located along Assembly Street. Collectively, these buildings will add an estimated 700 to 750 new apartments to downtown Columbia, along with a remarkable total of over 2,000 beds, making it a bustling new hub for residents.
To top it all off, developers are also planning to include an 11-level parking garage with more than 1,500 parking spaces. Great news for night owls and weekend wanderers: 450 public parking spaces will be available free during evenings and weekends! This consideration is bound to make life a little easier for those visiting the area.
What’s the Buzz on Zoning?
However, before the shovels hit the ground, Core Spaces needs to secure a special exception from Columbia’s Board of Zoning Appeals. This request comes as part of the effort to exceed the city’s regulations on bedroom numbers per acre in private dormitories. The Board will be considering this proposal at an upcoming meeting scheduled for May 1, 2025. It’s a big moment for the project, as the decision could shape the future of high-rise living in Columbia.
As part of the city’s ongoing efforts to maintain a balance in residential designs, the residential units will contain a maximum of four bedrooms per apartment, adhering to the current ban on larger units. This thoughtful planning aims to foster a community feel among residents while meeting the demand for housing in this dynamic area.
A New Era for Columbia’s Skyline
Located at 1415 Main St., the plot covers a significant 2.6 acres and is valued at over $2.7 million. Previously owned by Wells Fargo, this site is primed for transformation and will replace an underutilized parking lot situated between the Columbia office building and the Wells Fargo building. With these high-rises, Columbia will be welcoming one of the tallest new buildings it has seen in a generation!
Core Spaces does have a track record; they are the folks behind The Hub, a private student housing complex that repurposed the former SCANA headquarters back in 2014. The new development will not only enhance housing options but also aims to be a cultural touchstone for the area: plans include keeping a beloved mural from the existing office building, along with the possibility of adding outdoor seating areas and green spaces for the community to enjoy.
Bringing Life to Main Street
And there’s more! The city is also set to enhance the existing office building at 1401 Main St., introducing shiny new glass features, ground-floor retail, and a striking 50-foot illuminated pyramid roof. This will help promote a more engaging environment for pedestrians and locals alike. This new high-rise adventure fits perfectly with Columbia’s plans to revitalize Main Street, evolving it from a traditional office area into a vibrant mix of residential, student, and commercial spaces. It looks like the future is bright for downtown Columbia!
With recent investments in the area, including renovations at Finlay Park and a new bank headquarters on Sumter Street, plus another apartment complex popping up on Elmwood Avenue, the excitement around Columbia’s future continues to grow.
Stay tuned as this story develops! Downtown Columbia is about to get a major facelift, and it could be just the beginning of a new era for the city.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Student Housing Apartment Tower
- Wikipedia: Columbia, South Carolina
- The State: Local News
- Google Search: Student Housing Columbia SC
- Columbia Business Report: Student Housing Acquisition
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Apartment Towers
- BusinessDen: Aurora Complex
- Google News: Columbia Real Estate
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