Capitol Center in Columbia Set for Major Renovations and New Educational Hub

Exciting Developments in Columbia: A New Era for the Capitol Center

Hey there, Columbia! Big news is coming out of downtown, and it revolves around the iconic Capitol Center office building, which is about to undergo some major renovations that could reshape the way we view the city’s skyline. So grab your coffee, settle in, and let’s dive into what’s happening!

New Horizons for Education

Get ready to welcome a bold new project as The Charter Institute at Erskine is officially expanding its operations to the 25th floor of the Capitol Center, located at 1201 Main St. This is no small change; the institute is investing a whopping $280,000 into transforming the former space of the Capital City Club into a buzzing hub of activity. But what does this mean for the city? Let’s break it down!

Currently, the institute operates on the third floor of the Capitol Center, but as the number of schools and students it serves continues to grow, the need for more room has become critical. Ashley Epperson, a spokesperson for the institute, emphasized just how essential this expansion is, stating, “As one of the largest school districts in South Carolina, the institute had needed to expand its office space for some time to accommodate the growing demands.”

What to Expect

The transformative renovation plan includes the creation of 23 new offices, two conference rooms, two break rooms, and even a board room. Clearly, they’re getting ready to ramp up their operations! Plus, let’s not forget about a fantastic new event and conference space that will be available for various gatherings. Sounds like a great spot for community events, doesn’t it?

The existing office space on the third floor will not go to waste either, as it will be subleased once the institute moves up to the 25th floor.

Saying Goodbye to the Capital City Club

For those who didn’t know, the 25th floor has a history of its own, having been home to the Capital City Club. Since opening its doors in 1988, the private club served as a go-to spot for Columbia’s elite until it closed in February 2024. Operators cited that running the club was “no longer sustainable in this post-COVID environment.” So, this new venture by the institute will breathe new life into a space that many remember fondly.

A Bright Future Ahead

What’s particularly interesting is that none of the $280,000 earmarked for renovations will come from the taxpayer funds that the institute receives each year. This means that the project is entirely backed by other resources, highlighting the institute’s commitment to using resources wisely and responsibly.

As the renovation begins and the operations move to to the top of the Capitol Center, the new office space will offer fantastic views overlooking the State House and the bustling downtown area, nestled right on the corner of Assembly and Gervais streets. Just picture that skyline! The Capitol Center also houses various other offices, including those for state agencies, law firms, Aflac insurance, and Truist Bank, which still holds signage at the top of the building. It seems like this area is really buzzing with businesses!

Wrapping It Up

So there you have it, Columbia! A bustling new chapter for the Capitol Center is about to unfold, and it’s hard not to feel excited about what the future holds. As the city continues to grow and develop, we all have a front-row ticket to watch it unfold—and believe us, we’ll be keeping you updated on the changes and progress as they come!

Until next time, stay tuned and keep an eye on those developments right in your own backyard!