Big Time Changes Coming To Columbia South Carolina

Big Time Changes Coming To Columbia South Carolina

Columbia, South Carolina is poised to enter the big leagues of urban development. The Columbia Commons project is developing 181 acres of undeveloped downtown property making it the largest project of its kind east of the Mississippi and probably in the nation. The development will add thousands of new homes, stores and offices – as well as a $37 million dollar baseball stadium that will be home to the Columbia Fireflies minor league team.

According to project developer Mike Chon, “the project touches all facets that retailers want today. It’s authentic because it offers a mix of older buildings that are being converted as well as new construction. It’s a live, work, play community that functions as a standalone mixed-use development . It will be an area where people can find something to do from 7 a.m. to midnight and it’s a destination for people who can come in from other parts of the region and find something to do. “

Other project highlights include:

• A large park centerpieced by a newly day-lighted Smith Branch Creek will traverse the development. The 20 acre public park will include walking and running trails, a dog park and sculpture garden.

• The 8,000 seat Spirit Communications Park stadium that is expected to be ready for the Fireflies home opener in April of 2016.  

• A combination of mixed use development featuring residences, restaurants and retail including 275 to 300 market-rate family apartments, a 150 room boutique hotel, 50,000 square feet of office space, all to be built above retail storefronts.  

• The redevelopment of the old State Hospital campus on Bull Street is expected to generate $1.2 billion a year in economic impact when ti is complete and $20 million a year in taxes to local governments and the Richland County 1 school district, according to an economic impact study released by the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce.

• Student housing and the de elopement of the Babcock building, with its familiar red cupola is envisioned as a conference center and hotel too.

All this will have carryover benefits to the greater Columbia area including Lake Murray communities such as Chapin, Irmo and Lexington  and home values can only be helped.

Gary Heiligman Real Estate Professional advocating and negotiating on behalf of  Buyers and Sellers in  communities surrounding Lake Murray South Carolina including, Chapin, Irmo, and Lexington. Real Estate with Gary Heiligman associated with EXIT Midlands Realty, email garyscexit@gmail.com or call 803-271-9544

Author: Maria Kitchens
Phone: 803-467-1694
Dated: January 24th 2016
Views: 2,576
About Maria: Maria Kitchens is a Real Estate Professional who has lived in Chapin, SC, for the past nine years wi...

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