Columbia, SC, September 4, 2025
News Summary
Columbia, SC is set to experience significant changes with new restaurants, medical facilities, and entertainment venues. Key projects include the USC School of Medicine and Research building, scheduled for completion in 2027, and the revitalization of Richland Mall. In addition, Scout Motors will build a facility in Blythewood. The culinary scene will expand with restaurants like Drake’s Duck-In and Molto Vino, while entertainment options such as The Flip Factory will emerge. Fitness and retail also see notable growth, projecting a vibrant future for the city.
Columbia, SC is gearing up for a host of exciting developments in the coming years, ranging from new restaurants to medical facilities and entertainment venues. Significant construction projects are expected to start soon, indicating a growing, vibrant future for the city’s residents and visitors alike.
The USC School of Medicine and Research building, a significant addition to the BullStreet District, is set to break ground in 2025 and aims for completion by 2027. This 300,000-square-foot facility will contribute to the educational and healthcare landscape in Columbia, marking a substantial investment in local medical education.
Another major undertaking is the redevelopment of Richland Mall, which is undergoing a revitalization with phase one slated for completion around 2028 and phase two around 2033. A budget of $3 million has been allocated for the project, which promises to enhance shopping and entertainment options.
Scout Motors, a subsidiary of Volkswagen, is making waves in the electric off-road vehicle market and is planning to build a new facility in Blythewood, expected to open by 2026. This venture is anticipated to spur economic growth and job creation in the region.
On the dining front, a variety of new eateries are set to make their debut. Drake’s Duck-In will soon return to its renovated location on Main Street, while Molto Vino, a boutique wine bar, is preparing to open in 2024 at 514 E Main St., Lexington, specializing in a selection of 32 wines on tap. Mission BBQ also plans to open a location at 275 Harbison Blvd., although a specific opening date has yet to be confirmed.
In Elgin, Scoop of Heaven Homemade Ice Cream is anticipated to roll out its new concept in spring 2024 at 565 Spears Creek Church Rd. Furthermore, Slim Chickens will open in spring 2024 at 2089 N Beltline Blvd, showcasing a menu focused on chicken tenders and wings. The well-loved taco spot, Tacos Nayarit, will open a new location at 1100 Knox Abbott Dr., with the opening date still to be announced.
TakoSushi will launch new locations at 4711 Forest Dr. and 514 E Main St. in Lexington in 2024, and Tupelo Honey plans to expand to the BullStreet District in winter 2024, highlighting Southern cuisine made with responsibly sourced ingredients. Plans are also in the works for new in-town venues such as Vicious Biscuit, which will take over the former Pizza Joint on Forest Drive.
A significant medical facility is also planned at Lexington Medical Center, covering 20,000 square feet, with its opening date to be determined. Additionally, the USC College of Nursing and Lexington Medical Center are collaborating on a nursing simulation center expected to open in 2024.
In terms of entertainment, The Flip Factory is set to offer various options like trampolines and arcade games, opening in late 2024. The revitalization of Finlay Park includes an improved event stage and a splash pad, expected to be completed by fall 2025.
Fitness enthusiasts can look forward to the opening of Pvolve, a new fitness studio, at Bennett at BullStreet in May 2024, while Lowes Foods will establish a location at South Lake Dr. and Platt Springs Rd. in Lexington, with a date to be determined. Furthermore, Queer Haven Books, South Carolina’s only independent queer bookstore, plans to open in spring 2024 at Arcade Mall.
Other notable openings include Midtown at BullStreet, featuring 90 new apartment units, Benton Crossing, with 56 multi-family units in a community-focused environment, and various new local eateries, including Biscuitville and Chicken Salad Chick, which both recently opened.
Summary Chart of Notable Developments in Columbia, SC
| Development | Status/Opening Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| USC School of Medicine and Research | 2025-2027 | BullStreet District |
| Richland Mall Redevelopment | Phase 1 2028, Phase 2 2033 | Richland Mall |
| Scout Motors Facility | By 2026 | Blythewood |
| Drake’s Duck-In | Opening Soon | Main Street |
| Molto Vino | 2024 | Lexington |
| New Medical Facility at LMC | TBD | Forest Drive |
| The Flip Factory | Late 2024 | TBD |
| Pvolve Fitness Franchise | May 2024 | Bennett at BullStreet |
FAQ
What new medical facilities are planned for Columbia, SC?
The USC School of Medicine and Research building and a 20,000-sqft medical facility at Lexington Medical Center are among the notable upcoming medical facilities in the area.
What new restaurants are opening soon?
Several new restaurants are set to open, including Drake’s Duck-In, Molto Vino, Slim Chickens, and Tupelo Honey, among others.
When is the Richland Mall redevelopment expected to be completed?
The Richland Mall redevelopment is expected to be completed in phases: phase one around 2028 and phase two by 2033.
What entertainment options are coming to Columbia?
The Flip Factory, offering trampolines and arcade games, and the revitalization of Finlay Park are two of the entertainment projects in progress.
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Additional Resources
- Cola Today: New and Coming Soon Businesses to Columbia, SC
- Wikipedia: Columbia, South Carolina
- Cola Today: Healthcare and Medical Facilities in Columbia, SC
- Google Search: Columbia SC development
- Cola Today: Local Dining and Restaurants in Columbia, SC
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Columbia
- Cola Today: Entertainment Options in Columbia, SC
- Google News: Columbia SC news
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