Exciting Redevelopment Coming to West Columbia!
West Columbia, S.C. is buzzing with excitement as plans for a significant redevelopment project are moving forward! A local development team, Baker and Baker, who has owned the Capitol Shopping Center for over a decade, is finally gearing up to transform this vacant space into something vibrant and attractive for the community.
A Fresh Vision for Capitol Square
Recently, city officials gave the green light for what’s now being dubbed the Capitol Square redevelopment. This shiny new project is set to breathe new life into the Capitol Shopping Center located on Sunset Boulevard, right across from the well-known House of Raeford chicken plant. This site has long been a blank canvas, but now it seems we are on the cusp of some exciting changes!
What’s in the Plans?
The proposed redevelopment will feature a modern four-story building, housing 224 multi-family units alongside a whopping 18,000 square feet dedicated to retail or office space. Talk about revitalizing the area! Mayor Tem Miles has emphasized the importance of this project, noting, “We’re currently in the process of doing a rework of our entire Meeting Street… and this will be a perfect development between 378 and Meeting Street.” It’s all about making connections and ensuring that the momentum of redevelopment continues.
What’s Next?
The plans don’t stop at just buildings. They also include provisions for public parking which will be essential to support the influx of visitors that the new development is likely to attract. Additionally, you can expect to find a grocery store among the retail offerings, along with several smaller stores created for local entrepreneurs. Mayor Miles reassured everyone by saying that there’s a great demand for more grocery options along with retail stores, and this project is a direct response to that.
Creating a Welcoming Environment
What’s more, the development aims to include pedestrian and vehicle pathways, making it easy to navigate the area. Plans are also in play to introduce more landscape areas to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the surroundings. The goal is to create a welcoming environment where both residents and visitors can enjoy a stroll, shop, or simply hang out.
Local Business, National Footprint
City officials are keen to ensure that a significant portion of the retail space will be leased to small local business owners while also welcoming well-known national brands. This blend of local charm mixed with familiar names gives a sense of community alongside the benefits of bigger retailers. “Folks in West Columbia have been very, very interested and eager to receive additional grocery stores and retail, and this is delivering upon a request that the public has made,” said Mayor Miles, radiating enthusiasm for the project.
Looking Ahead
While the city has given its stamp of approval, there’s still a bit of a waiting game as no official start or completion dates have been announced yet. However, the excitement is palpable as residents eagerly anticipate the transformation of this once-vacant shopping center into a lively, bustling space that promises to enhance the community.
West Columbia, get ready! Your community is about to change for the better, and it’s all due to the dedication of local developers and city officials who are listening and responding to the needs and requests of the residents. Stay tuned for more updates as this project unfolds!
