News Summary
A proposal for two high-rise residential buildings has been unveiled in downtown Columbia, with an investment of $225 million. The development will include market-rate housing and a private student dormitory, alongside an 11-story parking garage. Set to be constructed on a vacant lot between Main and Assembly Streets, the project aims to enhance urban living while addressing parking needs. Public meetings are scheduled for review as community stakeholders monitor its potential impacts on the city’s skyline and infrastructure.
Columbia, SC – A new development proposal reveals plans for two high-rise living spaces in downtown Columbia, with an estimated investment of $225 million. The project aims to provide a combination of market-rate housing and a private student dormitory, significantly contributing to the city’s urban landscape.
The proposed development will occupy a currently vacant parking lot located on a block between Main and Assembly Streets. The Columbia Design and Development Review Commission (DDRC) is scheduled to review the proposal on May 15, 2025, while the Zoning Board has given preliminary approval on May 1, 2025. However, further votes are necessary to finalize the project.
The centerpiece of this initiative is a towering 26-story building, ascending to a height of 290 feet, which will be situated on the 1400 block of Main Street. In addition, a second structure designed as a private student dormitory will reach 22 stories and measure 240 feet tall. An 11-story parking garage, standing at 116 feet, will also be constructed as part of the project.
In total, the development is expected to yield approximately 725 living units and more than 1,400 parking spaces, addressing both residential and parking needs in a bustling urban setting. The Dean Street tower will feature a café on its ground floor, enhancing the street-level experience for pedestrians.
Although the proposed towers will not exceed the height of Columbia’s tallest building, The Capitol Center, which stands at 350 feet, they will certainly reshape the downtown skyline and community dynamics. To engage the public, the project aims to enhance the visual appeal for pedestrians with lightboxes displaying artwork from the Columbia Museum of Art on the dormitory side, fostering a connection between residents and the local art scene.
Potential rooftop amenities may include options like a pool and hot tub, appealing to both residents and visitors. The development site is nestled in proximity to the Wells Fargo building and a vibrant mural by local artist Ija Charles, adding to the area’s visual charm.
The project is being spearheaded by Core Spaces, a developer recognized for its previous creation of The Hub, a nearby student apartment complex. Local business owners have expressed optimism about the anticipated increase in foot traffic and the potential for greater economic growth in downtown Columbia as a result of the development.
However, some concerns have been raised regarding potential parking challenges and the adequacy of existing infrastructure to support the new high-rise living spaces. With the entire site bordered by Main Street to the east, Hampton Street to the north, Assembly Street to the west, and Washington Street to the south, the location is poised to become a focal point in the city.
As the development awaits further approvals, community members and stakeholders are keenly observing its progress, recognizing the significant impact this project could have on the future of downtown Columbia. The upcoming meetings will be crucial in determining the ultimate fate of these high-rise ambitions in the city.
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Additional Resources
- WLTX: Core Spaces High Rise Proposal
- The State: New Development in Columbia
- WLTX: Developers Propose High-Rise Buildings
- Post and Courier: Columbia Skyline Development
- Columbia Business Report: New Student Housing Complex
- Wikipedia: Columbia, South Carolina
- Google Search: Columbia High-Rise Development
- Google Scholar: Columbia SC Urban Development
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Columbia, South Carolina
- Google News: Columbia SC High-Rise Building
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