May 23, 2025

Brookland Commons to Open in West Columbia, SC

News Summary

West Columbia, SC is set to welcome a new senior living community, Brookland Commons, by 2027. Developed by Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community, the project aims to meet the increasing demand for senior housing, featuring 182 units with on-site healthcare, culinary services, and a fitness center. As West Columbia has a significant elderly population, this development is crucial to provide affordable living options. Construction is projected to begin in spring 2026, with extensive plans for surrounding affordable homes.

Brookland Commons to Open in West Columbia, SC by 2027

West Columbia, SC is set to welcome a new senior living community, Brookland Commons, by the year 2027. Developed by Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community, this new project aims to address the increasing demand for senior housing in South Carolina.

Project Details

Brookland Commons will be developed on the site of the former Lexington School District Two building, with plans to include 182 units of various sizes and price points to cater to older residents. The complex is part of a broader initiative to provide accessible and affordable living options for the state’s aging population, particularly in West Columbia.

Amenities and Services

The community will offer a range of amenities designed to enhance the quality of life for its residents. These include on-site healthcare services, professional chefs, scheduled transportation, and a fitness center. This variety of services aims to provide residents with the support they need while promoting an active and engaged lifestyle.

Community Significance and Demographics

Joseph Dickey, the West Columbia District Four City Councilmember, has indicated that Brookland Commons is crucial for addressing the community’s senior housing needs. The area has an estimated population of over 2,000, with approximately 738 residents aged 55 and older, constituting about 29% of the local population. Furthermore, West Columbia has more than 6,000 residents in this age group, highlighting the necessity for such a development.

According to CEO Danny Sanford, demographic studies have confirmed a significant demand for senior housing in the West Columbia area. The $55 million project is expected to accommodate between 258 to 276 residents, aiming to provide a “middle market” community that balances affordability with various amenities.

Financial and Construction Aspects

To ensure financial viability, it is essential for about 70% of the units to be sold before further financing through tax-exempt bonds can be secured. As of now, 19 units have already been sold. The project, which was initially approved in April 2020, faced delays primarily due to the land acquisition process. The land was purchased from the Lexington School District Two for $3.7 million.

Construction for Brookland Commons is projected to begin in spring 2026 and reach completion by November 2027. The entrance fee for potential residents will be determined at approximately 70% of the median home price in West Columbia, ensuring it remains an affordable option for seniors in the locality.

Adjacent Development Plans

In addition to Brookland Commons, a related development plan has been approved, which includes nearly 200 affordable homes to be built adjacent to Still Hopes. This surrounding neighborhood expansion is set to feature 12 cottages and 172 senior residential homes, further addressing the housing needs within the community. The West Columbia Planning Commission granted final approval for this expansion on April 28.

Conclusion

Brookland Commons is poised to be a significant addition to the senior living options in West Columbia, SC. With its comprehensive range of amenities and a focus on affordability, the community is designed to meet the evolving housing needs of the area’s aging population while promoting an active and fulfilling lifestyle.

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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.

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