Columbia’s South Main Street Makeover: A Bright New Future Ahead
Columbia, South Carolina, is buzzing with excitement as the much-anticipated transformation of South Main Street kicks into high gear! It all started nearly two years ago when a group of enthusiastic city leaders gathered to break ground on what has been described as a five-year-long journey to revamp one of downtown Columbia’s most troubled areas. This stretch of road, sandwiched between Blossom and Pendleton streets south of the State House, has long been regarded as a concrete-laden eyesore. However, those days are numbered!
A Road Transformation in the Works
The ambitious plans to overhaul South Main Street began way back in 2017, aiming to transform the chaotic five lanes of traffic into a more pedestrian-friendly two-lane road. With additional green spaces, wider sidewalks, and dedicated bike lanes in the mix, the vision is clear: to create a vibrant urban corridor that invites foot traffic and community engagement.
Of course, the project has faced its fair share of bumps along the road—literally! Rising construction costs and several false starts pushed back the timeline significantly. But all that changed in February 2023 when South Carolina’s Governor, Henry McMaster, and University of South Carolina President, Michael Amiridis, were finally able to raise their golden shovels and announce that the construction had officially begun.
Business Owners Hold Their Breath but Remain Hopeful
Fast forward nearly two years, and the excitement is palpable—even if the roadwork can be a bit of a headache for many local business owners. Take Robbie Butt, for instance. He and his son Keaton proudly opened their Sub Station II sandwich shop at the corner of Main and Pendleton streets right when the construction started. Talk about timing!
“We got a warm welcome filled with orange cones and traffic barriers,” Robbie chuckled, clearly making the best of a tricky situation. Ever since their grand opening in February 2024, foot traffic has been a struggle. “The kids on the other side of all that construction had no idea we were here,” he lamented. Luckily, catering orders have come to the rescue, but Robbie can’t quite pinpoint just how much business he’s missed out on.
Despite the challenges, Robbie remains optimistic. “When the construction is complete, I really expect my business to double or triple,” he said with enthusiasm. With plans for prettier streets, new crosswalks, and shade trees, the neighborhood is set to become a vastly more welcoming space that will draw more visitors. After all, there are seven restaurants on their block alone!
Community Spirit and Collaboration
And Robbie isn’t alone in his hopefulness. Other restaurant owners in the area are considering banding together to promote their lovely little corner of Columbia. Structural upgrades and community spaces could work wonders for all of their businesses once the renovations wrap up.
Matt Kennell, the CEO of the Main Street District, agrees that the future is bright for South Main Street. Reflecting on the revitalization efforts of the past, he recalls how a previous streetscaping project on Main Street turned things around. “It created a much better environment, particularly for retail and downtown living,” he noted.
The Bright Light at the End of the Tunnel
As we look toward the completion of this massive project, there’s a silver lining: the construction is expected to wrap up by summer 2025. Though earlier predictions hinted at a 2024 finish, it’s essential for everyone involved to understand that good things come to those who wait.
USC has been at the forefront of the design process, urging better links between the university and the downtown area. They envision South Main Street blossoming into a vibrant hub that reflects urban quality and attracts more foot traffic.
Final Thoughts
As Columbia residents ride out the bumps of construction, the enthusiasm for the transformation of South Main Street remains contagious. Good times are just around the corner, and soon enough, locals and visitors alike will enjoy a shopping, dining, and pedestrian experience unlike any other in the city. New sidewalks, green spaces, and, of course, sandwich shops could make this once-ignored stretch one of Columbia’s prime destinations!
So, keep those golden shovels in mind, folks. The best is yet to come for South Main Street!
