Columbia, SC, September 25, 2025
News Summary
Columbia, South Carolina is grappling with an affordable housing crisis affecting up to 25,000 people. City officials are addressing the crisis through renovations and new constructions, including the Harbor Cove project, which will upgrade 200 units and is expected to complete by 2027. Additional projects like Park Avenue aim to replace outdated units, while the Kinney Point project has over 800 households on its waiting list. Funding comes from tax credits and the American Rescue Plan Act, highlighting the urgent need for affordable housing solutions in the area.
Columbia, South Carolina is facing a growing crisis in affordable housing, with city officials actively addressing the increasing demand in the Midlands. The Columbia Housing Authority estimates that between 16,000 and 25,000 people in South Carolina are currently facing housing challenges.
Over the past three years, the Columbia Housing Authority has made strides by completing the construction of three new housing properties and is engaged in several renovation projects. One of the most significant is the renovation of Harbor Cove, formerly known as Capitol Heights and Bayberry Mews, which aims to alleviate the pressures of the affordable housing crisis.
The urgency of this situation has been emphasized by the Columbia Housing Authority’s interim Chief Executive Officer, who noted that the organization is working swiftly but struggles to keep pace with the escalating demand for affordable units. In addition to Harbor Cove, two new developments have been announced: Haven At Palmer Point and the Oaks at St. Anna Park, which will focus on senior living.
A recent job fair at Harbor Cove aimed to recruit skilled workers such as electricians, carpenters, and roofers for ongoing renovation efforts. Efforts toward diversity in recruitment were highlighted, with 10% of job fair attendees consisting of women from diverse backgrounds. The renovations at Harbor Cove will see the conversion of some garages into fifth bedrooms, with a total of 200 units undergoing upgrades. Improvements will include the installation of new drywall, fresh paint, HVAC systems, plumbing, electrical work, cabinets, and flooring. The project is expected to be completed by 2027.
Alongside Harbor Cove, the Columbia Housing Authority is progressing on the Park Avenue project, which involves the demolition of old public housing units. This $27 million endeavor will replace 70 outdated units from 1964 with 79 new energy-efficient units. City administrators has successfully relocated residents from the old Park Avenue apartments into other available public housing.
The need for affordable housing is underscored by the situation at Kinney Point, which currently has more than 800 households on its waiting list. This project consists of 34 units that offer various bedroom configurations. The city expects the remaining Kinney Point units to be fully occupied by the end of November 2025. Notably, approximately 80% of individuals on the waiting lists for affordable housing projects are reported to be homeless.
Funding for these significant housing projects primarily comes from tax credits, state funding, and the American Rescue Plan Act.
FAQ
What is the current affordable housing crisis situation in Columbia, SC?
The Columbia Housing Authority estimates that between 16,000 and 25,000 people in South Carolina are facing a housing crisis.
What projects has the Columbia Housing Authority completed recently?
Over the past three years, the Columbia Housing Authority has completed the construction of three new housing properties and is working on renovations for additional ones.
What is the purpose of the Harbor Cove renovation?
The renovation project is aimed at combating the affordable housing crisis, involving the renovation of a total of 200 units.
What will the renovations at Harbor Cove include?
Renovations will include new drywall, fresh paint, HVAC, ductwork, plumbing, electrical work, cabinets, and flooring.
What is the expected completion date for the Harbor Cove renovation project?
The expected completion date for the Harbor Cove renovation project is 2027.
How will the Park Avenue project impact housing?
The Park Avenue project, costing $27 million, will replace 70 old units built in 1964 with 79 new energy-efficient ones.
What funding sources are supporting these housing initiatives?
Funding for these projects comes from tax credits, state funding, and the American Rescue Plan Act.
How many individuals are on the waiting list for the Kinney Point project?
The Kinney Point affordable housing project has a waiting list of more than 800 households.
Key Features of Affordable Housing Initiatives in Columbia, SC
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Current Housing Crisis | 16,000 to 25,000 people in South Carolina affected by housing problems. |
| Recent Projects | Three new housing properties completed in the past three years. |
| Harbor Cove Renovation | 200 units renovating for affordable housing; completion by 2027. |
| Park Avenue Project | $27 million to replace 70 old units with 79 energy-efficient ones. |
| Kinney Point | 34 units with over 800 households on waiting list. |
| Funding Sources | Tax credits, state funding, and American Rescue Plan Act. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Lexington Police Search for Missing Teen Rajaa El Bey
Lexington County Considers New Housing Developments
Columbia to Revitalize Marion Street High Rise
The Unumb Place Opens Specialized Facility for Autism in Lexington, SC
Columbia Partners with DreamKey to Boost Affordable Housing
Columbia Partners with DreamKey for Affordable Housing
South Carolina Launches ‘Make It Home!’ Affordable Housing Program
Concerns Rise Over Proposed Housing Development in Gaston, S.C.
Columbia Gears Up for Upcoming Elections
Lexington Caps New Subdivisions to Regulate Growth
Additional Resources
- KRCG TV: Columbia Housing Authority Progress
- Wikipedia: Affordable Housing
- WACH: Columbia Renovates Harbor Cove
- Google Search: Columbia Housing Crisis
- Baltimore Sun: Columbia’s Gateway Redevelopment
- Google Scholar: Affordable Housing Columbia
- Gothamist: Transforming Red Hook Columbia Street
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Affordable Housing
- WIS TV: Columbia Expands Affordable Housing Options
- Google News: Columbia Affordable Housing Projects
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.
