Exciting Changes Coming to West Columbia’s Capitol Square Shopping Center
If you’ve been anywhere near the Capitol Square shopping center in West Columbia lately, you might have noticed it looking a little quieter than usual. That’s because as of December 2023, Jin Jin Chinese Restaurant was the last business standing there before closing its doors. But worry not, because big things are on the horizon!
Transformation in the Works
This week, the West Columbia planning commission gave a thumbs up for a major redevelopment project that promises to breathe new life into the 13-acre site. Developer Baker Commercial Properties is all set to transform the space into a vibrant, mixed-use community. This innovative project will feature a shiny new four-story residential complex consisting of 224 units, along with a large 27,000-square-foot grocery store. Plus, you can expect even more retail and office spaces to pop up, making Capitol Square a bustling hub once again.
Designed with You in Mind
One of the coolest aspects of this redevelopment is its focus on **pedestrian-friendliness**. Imagine walking through well-maintained public green spaces as you head to grab groceries or catch up with a friend over lunch! The new design aims to improve walkability, helping to connect this area with the continuously growing **River District**. And for those of you who might be concerned about parking, the developers have taken that into account too! There are plans for a **171-space public lot** along with approximately **550 to 645 off-street parking spots** to accommodate not just new businesses, but also popular local spots like D’s Wings and Savage Craft Ale Works.
A Neighborly Situation
Of course, every silver lining has a cloud. Capitol Square is located right across Sunset Boulevard from the **House of Raeford chicken plant**, which has faced public complaints for several years. There were talks about moving the plant, but it seems it’s here to stay, at least for now. The redevelopment design is looking to somehow coexist with the plant while aiming to improve the overall atmosphere of the area.
Pedestrian Safety Improvements
Speaking of atmosphere, there have been some fantastic upgrades to pedestrian safety too! New crosswalks have recently been added on **Meeting Street** to slow down traffic, making it safer to cross the road. Whether you’re walking to the shopping center or heading to other local eateries, this is a welcome change for all of us who traverse this area on foot.
The Bigger Picture
The Capitol Square project is part of a wider **redevelopment trend** in West Columbia. This includes the highly anticipated pedestrian bridge over the **Saluda River** and other improvements along **Highway 1**. Did you know that the beloved Eggroll Station opened its doors back in 1990? It has certainly become a local favorite. Unfortunately, though, its property is also slated for redevelopment. After serving the community for 44 years, another popular eatery, Al’s Upstairs, closed its doors recently, making way for the changes ahead.
Next Steps
As thrilling as this redevelopment sounds, there are still a few hurdles to jump. The West Columbia City Council will need to sign off on key aspects of the project, like zoning changes and a **partial road closure** before construction can officially kick off. Once everything is approved, *Capitol Square* will mark yet another exciting chapter in the ongoing redevelopment projects in West Columbia.
So, if you’ve been feeling like West Columbia is ready for a fresh start, your instincts are right! These developments are an exciting step forward, and we can’t wait to see how the Capitol Square area transforms in the coming years.
