Columbia Community Safeguards Historic Home from Development

News Summary

Residents in Columbia unite to protect the historic house at 427 Harden St. from potential demolition for student housing. After concerns arose, a zoning change was proposed to ensure its preservation. The future of this cherished landmark hangs in the balance as community members rally for protections against modern developments that threaten the area’s character.

Columbia Community Unites to Safeguard Historic Home from Student Housing Plans

The picturesque red and tan brick house at 427 Harden St. in Columbia is not just another building; it’s a slice of the city’s vibrant history that dates back to 1925. Designed by the notable local architects Lafaye & Lafaye, this charming abode has remained under the ownership of just two families in nearly a century, making it a treasured landmark for residents. However, with the house now on the market for $969,500, concerns are bubbling up about its future.

Community Concerns Rise

In recent weeks, neighbors in the nearby Shandon and Wales Garden neighborhoods have been understandably anxious about the fate of this historic gem. The common fear? The house could be demolished to accommodate larger student housing developments, which have been sprouting up like mushrooms after rain. Local attorney Myers Truluck brought attention to the issue during a Planning Commission meeting, noting that the home’s current location just outside of the Wales Garden’s historic overlay offers it little to no protection against such drastic changes.

These concerns sparked a wave of community action. Residents banded together and rallied for a zoning change that would safeguard the property from becoming part of a multi-family housing project. Their voices were heard, and the Planning Commission moved to change the property’s zoning classification from a residential mixed district—often favorable for multi-family projects—to a residential single-family zoning. This decision would prohibit any apartments from being built on this cherished land, effectively protecting it for now.

A Hop, Skip, and a Jump Away

Yet, all is not said and done. The newly proposed zoning change still needs to receive the green light from the Columbia City Council. Residents have expressed myriad concerns regarding the impact of student housing on property values and the overall character of their beloved neighborhoods. The fear is palpable; they don’t want Columbia’s identity to suffer as student populations grow.

Over the past 15 years, the student body at the University of South Carolina has surged by over 9,000 new students, resulting in an increasing demand for housing. This skyrocketing population has heightened urgency for housing solutions, though residents worry that replacing historic homes with cookie-cutter student housing could be detrimental to community investments, especially in the bustling Five Points area.

Dreams of Further Protections

Though neighbors are rejoicing at the zoning change, the long-term future of the historic property remains uncertain. Rumors of potential new developments continue to circulate, igniting a sense of unease. While no formal proposals have been submitted, the murmurings suggest that the battle to preserve the neighborhood’s charm is far from over.

In response to these pressing housing concerns, the city is currently exploring a broad housing study aimed at not only assessing housing needs but also looking into potential historic property protections. The hope is that this will address the development concerns that have been echoed by community members throughout Columbia.

Striking the Right Balance

Amidst the calls for preservation, the city’s decision-makers, including Councilman Tyler Bailey, recognize the need for a balance between fostering development and protecting the quality of life that residents cherish. As Columbia moves forward, the relationship between historic preservation and modern development will likely continue to be a key topic of debate and community focus.

The journey to protect 427 Harden St. encapsulates a larger narrative in Columbia; one where history, community, and progress intersect. Residents remain hopeful that their collective efforts will pave the way for a brighter, more balanced future for their cherished home and neighborhood.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Columbia’s Vision for the 22nd Century
Columbia City Council Preserves Historic Spigner-Witten House
Columbia Students Improve Home Energy Efficiency
Revitalization Efforts in Columbia’s Historic Mill District
Columbia’s Mill District: Revitalizing History and Community Amidst Change
Charleston Unveils New Exhibit Celebrating Historical Markers and Local Heritage
Exciting Transformation Planned for Columbia Building into Boutique Hotel
Columbia’s Historic Columbia Building Set to Transform into Trendy Hotel
Cayce Receives $2.1 Million Donation to Enhance 12,000 Year History Park Visitor’s Center
Exciting Developments in Cayce as Hattie’s Crossing Opens Its Doors

Additional Resources

• The State
• WLTX
• WIS TV
• KOMU
• Columbia Missourian
• Wikipedia: Historic Preservation
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Historic Preservation
• Google Search: Columbia historic preservation