Columbia’s BullStreet District Welcomes Exciting New Community Space!
Columbia is buzzing with excitement as officials unveil plans for “The Lawn,” a vibrant new space that promises to become the heart of the bustling BullStreet District. Nestled between the WestLawn office building and the Bennet at BullStreet apartment complex, this lively 1-acre community hub is set to be a gathering spot for all locals, families, and visitors alike.
A Hub for Fun and Connection
The Lawn will feature a sprawling 3,750-square-foot artificial turf play area equipped with tiered seating, perfect for enjoying events, an impressive event stage for live performances, and delightful café and bistro tables scattered throughout the space. Enchanting catenary lights will cast a warm glow on the turf area, while top-notch speakers will pump out tunes from the planters surrounding The Lawn, creating an inviting atmosphere.
According to the release from BullStreet officials, this soon-to-be community centerpiece will serve as “the central meeting space for dining, recreation, and cultural connection.” A major highlight of the project is a new restaurant from a popular coastal pizza chain, Coastal Crust Wood-fired Pizza. This will be their very first location in Columbia, further elevating the city’s dining options!
Pizza Lovers Rejoice!
Coastal Crust, which already has several locations across South Carolina including Greenville and Mount Pleasant, is known for its delightful wood-fired pizzas. They utilize a custom-built oven that reaches over 900 degrees to bake their pies, using kiln-dried oak wood to provide that signature smoky aroma. Coastal Crust’s president, Brian Piesner, is equally thrilled about the new venture, stating, “We create an elevated casual experience for everyone, particularly for families, and we cannot wait to get started.”
When Will It Open?
The Lawn is set to welcome guests in the first half of 2025. While a specific opening date for Coastal Crust has yet to be revealed, anticipation is building. The eatery’s space in the revitalized Williams Building will beautifully blend the building’s historic charm with a captivating modern design—what a fantastic way to honor the past while thriving in the present!
A Revitalization Effort for BullStreet
This exciting community addition is part of a long-term plan to transform the 181-acre site of the former State Mental Hospital. With the city contributing over $100 million in infrastructure improvements, the area is rapidly evolving. Already, the BullStreet District is home to hundreds of apartments, bustling businesses, and even the Columbia Fireflies baseball team!
More fantastic retail and restaurant choices are popping up in the area, including the trendy fitness studio Pvolve, Shuckin’ Shack seafood, and the charming Tupelo Honey brunch spot—all gearing up to create an even livelier atmosphere for everyone to enjoy. Even the popular Greenville coffee company, Methodical, is setting up shop at BullStreet, adding to the vibrant culinary options.
Looking Ahead
The BullStreet District is not just about food retail; it’s also a thriving community hub. The University of South Carolina has exciting plans for a $300 million medical school campus on the northeast side of the property. As more storefronts and cultural spaces take shape, Columbia is ready to embrace this growth spurt enthusiastically.
As The Lawn prepares to embark on its journey towards completion, Columbia residents can look forward to many fun, festive events and cozy hangout spots in their growing neighborhood. So, gather your friends and family, because this community space promises to be the perfect backdrop for memories to be made!
