Forest Acres, S.C.: Exciting Changes Coming to Richland Mall Site!
It’s an exciting time in Forest Acres as the local city council revealed this week that the redevelopment project to transform the site of the old Richland Mall is ahead of schedule! Can you believe it? Just a few months ago, we were treated to some preliminary sketches showcasing the ambitious plans for the area, and now, everything is falling into place.
What’s In Store?
The plans are nothing short of thrilling! Once the dust settles—and we mean that quite literally—this space will evolve into an outdoor park complete with vibrant apartments, bustling businesses, and even a cozy grocery store. And let’s not forget about the brewery! Who wouldn’t want to sip a cold drink in a picturesque setting?
What’s Happening Right Now?
During a council meeting on Tuesday night, members shared that the demolition work is expected to wrap up by the end of this year. Wow, that’s sooner than we thought! After that, the next phase—site remediation—will kick off in the spring. Councilman David Black noted, “When they submit the plan development district to us, we’ll get into more finite details of what’s going on over there. We’ll also give a lot of thought from the public as well to developers.”
A Big Boost for the Community!
Great news just keeps rolling in! The city council approved a hefty grant worth $2.5 million from the South Carolina Parks Recreation and Tourism (SCPRT) to support the redevelopment. City Administrator Shaun Greenwood mentioned, “We’ve already moved ahead with the contract for them to start working on the permitting and the other aspects that will involve the creek restoration.”
Bringing Back the Creek
Speaking of the creek, let’s chat about Penn Branch Creek! Many folks didn’t even know this lovely waterway existed because it was buried underneath a parking area back when the mall was open. But those days are numbered! Lynnsey Baker, the public information officer for Forest Acres, expressed enthusiasm, saying, “Our hope is to help bring that creek out into the public, make it an amenity of this park, and make it a waterway that everyone can really enjoy.” Now that’s something to look forward to!
Local Business Owners Are Thrilled
The excitement doesn’t stop at city officials. Local business owners, like barber John Buckner, are buzzing with anticipation. “I think the actual open air and the brewery and having the up-to-date stuff will do better,” Buckner remarked. It’s clear that members of the community are ready to embrace the fresh vibe this redevelopment will bring.
Next Steps in the Process
So, what’s next? City Administrator Shaun Greenwood informed us that they’re currently in the detailed design phase for the park. A consultant is expected to come by next month to present a final draft of the master plan, which will then need to be approved. But here’s the best part: the council is aiming for contractors to start building the park simultaneously with the retail space, which is hoped to commence next year. Talk about simultaneous excitement!
Final Thoughts
As we look toward the future of Forest Acres, there’s a palpable sense of community spirit and joy bubbling up. Everyone is eager to witness the transformation of the old Richland Mall site into a vibrant community hub, complete with parks, delightful businesses, and amazing outdoor spaces. Keep your eyes peeled, Forest Acres—your new neighborhood is about to get a whole lot more exciting!
