July 18, 2025

Columbia, S.C. Sees Surge in Mixed-Use Developments

News Summary

Columbia, S.C. is witnessing a boom in mixed-use developments, with new apartment projects reshaping the urban landscape. Plans include a five- to six-story complex with 174 residential units and retail space near Huger, Blossom, and Pulaski streets, along with a notable eight-story project on Elmwood Avenue. Community engagement and traffic management are key concerns as these projects progress, aiming to enhance urban living and local business opportunities.

Columbia, S.C. is experiencing a significant surge in mixed-use developments, with several apartment projects currently under review that are set to reshape the urban landscape. A new proposal being evaluated by Columbia’s Design and Development Review Commission includes a mixed-use complex near Huger, Blossom, and Pulaski streets, which aims to bring both residential and retail options to a rapidly evolving region of the city.

The proposed development envisions a five- to six-story apartment building that would offer 174 residential units. In addition to housing, plans include ground-floor spaces dedicated to businesses and a parking garage accommodating more than 260 vehicles. This area, which is currently vacant, is located in Columbia’s Innovista Design District, an area known for its focus on growth and redevelopment in adherence to specific guidelines.

Local community members have reported a visible increase in foot traffic and demographic changes in the area as new developments commence. The construction of this new apartment complex is expected to further enhance this trend, providing fresh opportunities for both residents and local businesses.

In tandem with this development, another noteworthy project proposes an eight-story apartment building on Elmwood Avenue. This plan could potentially replace the historic No Name Deli, which has stood since 1960. The latest submission to the city’s Planning Commission details a vision for 288 apartment units along with 25,000 square feet of retail space. The developer, Astral Development, is keen on incorporating amenities such as a pool, a dog park, and additional parking facilities to enhance the living experience.

The No Name Deli, a long-standing eatery in the community, is central to the proposed development, though developers hope to revive it post-construction. This expansion, along with community engagement initiatives planned by developer Andy Golubitsky, aims to maintain neighborhood spirit during the development phase.

Additionally, Core Spaces has revealed plans for two high-rise towers on Main Street. The project includes a 27-story residential building and a 22-story student housing tower, collectively expected to add approximately 725 residential units and a substantial parking garage with the capacity for up to 1,600 vehicles. This increase in residential density is anticipated to have a direct impact on vehicular traffic, particularly during peak hours.

The traffic implications of the high-rise project are currently under scrutiny by the South Carolina Department of Transportation, which is reviewing plans to manage increased traffic flow. Developers assert that multiple driveways will be strategically positioned to facilitate smoother traffic movement and alleviate potential congestion issues. In conjunction, city engineers will evaluate the need for modifications to lanes or traffic signals, given the expected rise in traffic volume.

As these mixed-use developments progress, downtown Columbia’s skyline is set to transform dramatically. The ongoing expansion coupled with the development of new parking facilities signifies a major push towards modernizing the urban fabric of the city. With increased housing options and commercial spaces being introduced, these initiatives aim to foster growth while promoting an engaged community that thrives on diversity and accessibility.

Overall, Columbia’s ongoing urban developments are indicative of a city in transition, poised to offer new living arrangements and amenities that meet the demands of a changing population.

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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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