Columbia, September 11, 2025
News Summary
Columbia has announced plans to redevelop the vacant Marion Street High Rise, which has been closed since 2021 due to safety concerns. The building, home to many seniors before its closure, will undergo renovations estimated at $5 million, revitalizing 146 units. The project aims to improve housing availability and safety for essential workers and students in downtown Columbia, with completion expected by mid-2026.
Columbia has unveiled redevelopment plans for the vacant Marion Street High Rise, a public housing complex that has been unoccupied since its closure in 2021 due to safety concerns related to its aging infrastructure. The Columbia Housing Authority deemed the building, which is over 50 years old, too costly to repair, with estimates around $16 million for repairs compared to $20 million for a complete replacement.
Prior to its closure, the high rise primarily housed seniors aged 62 and older, with more than 50 units reported as uninhabitable due to significant water and sewage issues. The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) classified the building as “obsolete,” rendering it ineligible for federal repair funds.
In January 2023, LMG DT Columbia Inc. acquired the property for approximately $4.8 million, and later sold it in April 2025 to New York-based GoodHomes Communities for $5.8 million. GoodHomes is recognized for their expertise in transforming underperforming hotels and senior housing into workforce housing in areas with high demand.
Construction permits were issued in August 2025 for a renovation project estimated at $5 million. Planned improvements include new floor coverings, paint, cabinets, and electrical devices, addressing deferred maintenance concerns. The Marion Street High Rise, consisting of 146 units across 16 stories, stands as the tallest structure in that segment of downtown Columbia.
The redevelopment is set to be completed by the second quarter of 2026, with construction activity observable on site since September 3, 2025. The former high-rise is conveniently situated near Main Street and the BullStreet redevelopment area, which is undergoing substantial changes. A new mixed-use development at the intersection of Bull Street and Elmwood Avenue is anticipated to include 288 residential units and 25,000 square feet of retail space, potentially affecting the original location of No Name Deli.
The Marion Street High Rise redevelopment aligns with Columbia’s broader city initiative to enhance housing availability and safety, particularly for essential workers and students. This project signifies a commitment to addressing the housing challenges in the area while revitalizing a once-vacant space.
FAQ
Why was the Marion Street High Rise closed?
The building was closed due to safety concerns regarding its aging infrastructure and serious water and sewage issues, leading to over 50 units being deemed uninhabitable.
What are the planned renovations for the Marion Street High Rise?
The planned renovations include new floor coverings, paint, cabinets, and electrical devices, as well as addressing deferred maintenance issues.
When is the redevelopment expected to be completed?
The redevelopment project is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2026.
Who is managing the redevelopment project?
The project is managed by GoodHomes Communities, a company known for redeveloping underperforming properties into workforce housing.
What is the significance of the project for the community?
The project aims to enhance housing availability and safety, especially for essential workers and students, contributing to the revitalization of downtown Columbia.
Key Features of the Marion Street High Rise Redevelopment
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Main Street and BullStreet redevelopment |
| Original Purchase Price | $4.8 million (by LMG DT Columbia Inc.) |
| Subsequent Sale Price | $5.8 million (to GoodHomes Communities) |
| Number of Units | 146 |
| Height | 16 stories, tallest in segment |
| Estimated Renovation Cost | $5 million |
| Estimated Completion Date | Second quarter of 2026 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Columbia’s Marion vs. Senior Housing Redevelopment
- Wikipedia: Columbia, South Carolina
- WISTV: Residents of Aging Marion Street High Rise
- Google Search: Marion Street High Rise
- WLTX: Marion Street High Rise Move
- Google Scholar: Marion Street High Rise Redevelopment
- Post and Courier: City Skyline Pyramid Columbia SC
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Columbia, South Carolina
- The State: Local News Article
- Google News: Marion Street High Rise
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