COLUMBIA, SC — A Design Dilemma at Chase Bank
It’s not every day that an ATM becomes the center of a city debate, but here in Columbia, that’s exactly what’s happening. The city’s Design and Development Review Commission is making headlines as they require the Chase Bank branch on Lady Street to change the **stucco** surrounding its outdoor ATM, reverting back to the original **paneling** that was approved in the design plans.
What’s the Story?
Chase Bank located at 1101 Lady Street, right at the busy corner of Assembly and Lady streets, opened its doors just a few months ago. This bank is actually the only one downtown, making it quite the hub for local banking needs. However, during its construction, a significant design shift occurred. While the original plan featured large windows meant to draw in a restaurant tenant, the space was instead filled in with stucco to create the ATM area after a restaurant could not be found.
The change didn’t sit well with city officials, who say the stucco simply doesn’t fit with what was approved. “It just looks a little like a **patch**, because that’s what it was,” said Lucinda Statler, the city’s Planning Administrator, at a recent meeting discussing the issue. Her comments summarized the city’s perspective well; they are focused on maintaining a cohesive look for downtown Columbia.
A Clash Over Compliance
In a meeting held on September 19, the bank’s project manager, David Counts, presented a case for why changing the stucco to the original paneling would not only be aesthetically challenging but could also impede the functionality of the ATM, which serves a bustling clientele. “They don’t want to have to limit customer access, and this is a very active branch,” Counts explained, noting that closure for renovations could lead to significant losses for the bank.
Unfortunately for Count and Chase Bank, their request to simply paint the stucco a darker color instead of changing it out entirely was turned down. The city staff insists that the design must adhere to the original plan to keep the area looking its best.
Community Impact
The situation has sparked a conversation among residents and business owners alike. Some are sympathetic toward the bank, considering all the inconveniences this might create for both the bank’s operations and its customers. Others, however, feel that maintaining architectural integrity is vital for the neighborhood’s overall charm and should be prioritized.
Interestingly, this isn’t an isolated incident. Earlier this year, another business, Time to Shine Car Wash, faced similar scrutiny from the city regarding non-compliance with approved designs. This suggests there’s a commitment from city officials to ensure that all constructions in Columbia adhere to their strict standards.
Looking Forward
As discussions continue, the timeline for implementing these changes remains unclear. There hasn’t been any official deadline released, but it is likely that getting back to compliance will be a priority for Chase Bank. Although the stakes are high, everyone is hoping for a resolution that can please both the city officials and the bank.
As we watch this situation unfold, we can’t help but remember that maintaining a beautiful and functional downtown area is a challenge that requires communication and cooperation. It’ll be interesting to see how this saga resolves and if it manages to set any **precedents** for future projects in Columbia.
For the locals in Columbia and visitors alike, this news serves as a reminder of the ongoing conversations behind the scenes that shape our city’s landscape, one ATM panel at a time.
