Columbia’s Historic Laundry Building Gets a New Lease on Life
Columbia has some exciting news to share as a long-lost piece of the city’s history is set to rise from the ashes! That’s right, the historic laundry building, which dates all the way back to the 1880s, is undergoing a major transformation in the BullStreet District. This building is the oldest surviving service structure from the sprawling property that was once home to the State Mental Hospital.
New Mixed-Use Space on the Horizon
The development team at Avant Holdings is kicking off a renovation to breathe new life into this iconic building, turning it into a roughly 15,000-square-foot mixed-use space that promises to be a great addition to our community. The centerpiece of the project is going to be a fresh event venue aptly named The Laundry, which will span over 7,000 square feet. This venue will be available for weddings, receptions, and all kinds of gatherings. If everything goes according to plan, The Laundry is expected to be ready by December, just in time for the holiday season!
A Place for Work and Play
But wait, there’s more! Alongside The Laundry, the space will also feature nearly 8,000 square feet designated for retail, restaurant, and office use. As of now, potential tenants are still under wraps, but managing partner Todd Avant has mentioned that there has been a lot of interest. He’s optimistic that we might see full occupancy in just a few months!
Where is The Laundry Located?
If you’re wondering where you can find The Laundry, it will be located at 2046 Talley St., right behind the former hospital building, now known as The Babcock. You know, the one that’s been transformed into luxurious apartments? You’ll also be just a hop, skip, and jump away from Segra Park, which is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy some baseball after an event!
A Labor of Love
Todd Avant shared, “Restoring the Laundry Building has been a labor of love, and we’ve worked meticulously to bring this historic building back to life. We are all about honoring its past while integrating some of those modern amenities.” Sounds like a great combination of old and new! The venue will highlight stunning features like exposed brick and antique heart pine wood beams, all while keeping a touch of its rich history intact.
Outdoor Fun at The Grove
One of the standout features of this project is a large outdoor greenspace called The Grove. Nestled under a beautiful canopy of mature trees, The Grove will be a lovely spot for additional events. And here’s a bit of history for you: this area once served as a prison camp for Union soldiers in the late stages of the Civil War. How about that for a unique backdrop?
Community Impact
John Sherrer from Historic Columbia noted, “Thanks to its recent rehabilitation, the historic laundry building will assume a prominent role in the lives of contemporary residents and visitors to the BullStreet District.” It’s fantastic to see such attention being paid to retaining Columbia’s rich history while still looking towards the future!
Looking Forward
Robert Hughes, president of Hughes Development, also expressed excitement over this development as he said, “We are thrilled to welcome The Laundry as the newest addition to BullStreet. This adaptive reuse project not only preserves the rich history of the laundry building but also creates an exciting space for events and future retail opportunities.”
As you can see, Columbia is fast expanding and evolving, and we can hardly wait to see how The Laundry will impact our community. Whether you’re planning a wedding, attending a corporate event, or just looking for a new hangout spot, The Laundry is shaping up to be a must-visit location in the heart of the BullStreet District!
