Downtown Columbia Building to Undergo Transformation Into Apartments
In a gradual shift towards residential solutions within Columbia’s downtown areas, an office building recognized for its ‘Charlestonian-style’ architecture is set to be converted into apartments. Standing on 1303 Blanding Street, the building is known for its traditional multi-tiered colonial verandas, reminiscent of historic Charleston architecture. The redevelopment plan comes to light following the issuing of construction permits by the city in late August.
Detailed Plans for the Upcoming Apartment Conversion
Occupying a prime location at the intersection of Blanding and Sumter streets, near the Prisma Health Baptist Hospital, the five-story, 12,000-square-foot office building is slated for a transformation. Almost $800,000 worth of electrical, plumbing, and HVAC construction for the conversion has received approval from the city. The current plans for the building, as indicated by the issued permits, reveal a potential configuration of seven apartment units.
The Former Tenants and Future Prospects
The building, previously divided into two dozen dedicated office spaces with 20 on-site parking spaces, was affected by internal flooding during Winter 2022, leading to tenants’ displacement. Among the previous tenants, Whetstone Perkins & Fulda law firm opted for a new location in Gervais Street since February 2023, after they had moved into the building in May 2022. The firm noted that the future of the building was uncertain, leading to their decision to relocate.
Columbia’s Market Trends and the Demand for Residential Spaces
With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for office spaces has significantly decreased in various cities. However, Columbia’s office market has shown better resilience due to a consistent requirement for state government office spaces. On the flip side, the city has witnessed a surge in the demand for multi-family housing and student accommodations, rendering office-to-apartment conversions a lucrative venture. Several such conversions, including The Hub, The Barringer Building, and The Lady, have been successfully completed downtown.
The Potential Advantage of 1303 Blanding
While several downtown buildings have unsuitable layouts for residential usage, the distributed square footage of 1303 Blanding over multiple floors with historical architectural touches presents a unique opportunity. Its nearness to Main Street and attractive façade are also considered favorable factors for a successful residential conversion.
