Exciting New Community Hub Coming to Downtown Columbia!
Columbia is buzzing with anticipation as officials unveil plans for an amazing new addition to the BullStreet District! In the heart of this rapidly growing area, The Lawn is set to become a vibrant community space where folks can come together to relax, play, and enjoy delicious food. Imagine a beautifully designed 1-acre space filled with laughter, friends, and all the charm that our town has to offer!
What to Expect from The Lawn
The Lawn will be nestled right between the newly constructed WestLawn office building and the stunning Bennet at BullStreet apartment complex. This gathering space will boast a remarkable 3,750-square-foot artificial turf play area, complete with tiered seating that offers great views for events and activities. You won’t just be lounging around; there will be an event stage ready to host concerts, community meetings, and perhaps even movie nights!
But that’s not all! The Lawn will feature inviting café and bistro tables perfect for enjoying your morning coffee or a casual lunch with friends. Plus, catenary lights will twinkle overhead, creating a magical atmosphere as day turns into night. And let’s not forget the speakers hidden within the planters that will help fill the air with music and announcements, making this spot truly lively.
Pizza Lovers Rejoice!
Another fantastic aspect of this project is the highly anticipated arrival of Coastal Crust Wood-fired Pizza. This beloved in-state pizza chain will be setting up their very first location in Columbia, right inside the revitalized Williams Building. Coastal Crust already has a devoted following in places like Greenville and Mount Pleasant, and they’re excited to bring their enticing flavors to our city.
Coastal Crust prides itself on crafting mouthwatering pizzas baked in a custom-built oven that reaches over 900 degrees! They use kiln-dried oak wood to infuse their pizzas with a delicious smokiness that is truly out of this world. As Brian Piesner, the company’s president, puts it, this is all about creating an elevated casual experience for everyone, especially families.
A Glimpse into the Future
Planning for The Lawn is part of the larger vision to transform the historic 181-acre former State Mental Hospital site along Bull Street. With the city investing more than $100 million into infrastructure, this area is already home to a mix of cozy apartments, local eateries, and even a baseball team—the Columbia Fireflies! Plus, the University of South Carolina is excitedly working on a brand-new $300 million medical school campus nearby.
It seems that the BullStreet District is truly on the upswing! Recent announcements have included new businesses like the bustling seafood restaurant chain Shuckin’ Shack and the popular Southern brunch spot, Tupelo Honey. Fitness aficionados can now enjoy workouts at Pvolve’s new studio, and coffee lovers will be thrilled to find Methodical opening a location soon. Not to mention the stylish Image Studios salon that just opened its doors!
What’s Next?
Both The Lawn and Coastal Crust are set to open their doors in the first half of 2025. As excitement builds and the plans come to life, the BullStreet District continues to solidify its identity as a community-oriented hub filled with entertainment, dining, and the joy of coming together. So, mark your calendars, folks! It won’t be long before we can gather at The Lawn, enjoy a slice of pizza, and make lasting memories.
