Columbia’s Luxury Apartment Complex Expansion Receives Green Light After Years of Delays

Columbia’s Luxury Apartment Project Takes a Giant Leap Forward!

Exciting news for the residents of Columbia! The long-awaited luxury apartment complex at 2222 Main Street is finally moving forward, and guess what? It’s getting even bigger! This 6-acre site, which once housed the former Jim Moore Cadillac dealership, has been a topic of conversation since plans were first approved back in 2021. But after years of delays, it’s all systems go.

Developer’s Vision for Luxury Living

Developer Steve Middleton, who is the president of Commonwealth Properties, is on a mission to create the “nicest” apartments in Columbia. His vision includes around 250 luxury units designed with an eye for elegance—think 12-foot high ceilings, stunning crown molding, and a splash of luxury with features such as a swimming pool and a heated spa area. Now, amidst recent changes, we are looking at an expanded total of 320 apartments. Talk about a boost!

Apartment Features to Get Excited About!

These one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments won’t just be spacious, either; they’ll offer an average size of 929 square feet. And don’t worry, the much-anticipated amenities are still part of the grand plan. You can look forward to beautiful courtyards, a relaxing pool, a spa, and even a sun deck to soak up those rays. But that’s not all! This project will include some cool rooftop vibes too, featuring a dog park, a club room, a game room, and two scenic rooftop decks that promise breathtaking views of the pool and sunsets over the downtown area.

Sparking Changes in Columbia

To accommodate the new residents, a sizable parking garage with 467 units will also be part of the project, along with 47 additional surface parking spots. That’ll make life a bit easier for those living in the new apartments! And if you’re worried about traffic, fear not! The developers have conducted a thorough traffic study, recommending some essential tweaks to the street design around the property. There’s talk of adding new turn lanes on North Main Street and altering the southbound traffic flow to create a smoother experience for everyone. Who doesn’t love a smoother commute?

A Community Effort

Supporting the project are the members of the Cottontown Bellevue Historic District Neighborhood Association. They’ve expressed their backing in a letter dated November 8, 2024, stating a healthy line of communication with Middleton over the years. It’s always fantastic when developers and communities can collaborate effectively!

A New Era for an Old Site

The site has remained dormant for far too long, with its history dating back to the 1950s as an auto-repair hub, ceasing operations in 2009. Over the years, various plans have been tossed around, including one to expand the Clear Dot Charter School in the area, but those efforts didn’t find favor with the neighborhood. Now, it looks like this space is about to transform dramatically!

What Comes Next?

The Columbia Planning Commission is scheduled to evaluate the updated apartment proposal during their upcoming meeting scheduled for Thursday. For those eager to stay in the loop, there are options galore—residents can join in person at 1737 Main Street or tune in online at youtube.com/@CityofColumbiaGovernment. If you’re passionate about this project, your voice can be heard!

Within the community, it’s easy to feel the buzz around this project. Columbia is about to get a new slice of luxury living that residents can take pride in. So, keep your fingers crossed as this plan heads toward the finish line, because it’s shaping up to be a fantastic addition to our beautiful city!