Exciting New Housing Development Coming to West Columbia
West Columbia is buzzing with excitement as plans for a new housing development across from the well-known chicken processing plant, House of Raeford, are forging ahead. On Monday, Baker Commercial Properties presented its vision to revamp the vacant Capitol Square shopping center, located on Sunset Boulevard/U.S. 378. This proposal isn’t just about sprucing up the area; it could bring significant changes to the community.
Transforming the Capitol Square
What’s in store for Capitol Square? Well, if all goes as planned, the existing shopping center will be demolished to make way for a four-story living complex featuring 224 multi-family units. That’s right! A new place for people to call home right in the heart of West Columbia.
But that’s not all! The plans also include a 27,000-square-foot grocery store, with the mystery of its future tenant still to be unveiled. Adding to the commercial appeal, there are plans for another 18,000 square feet of retail or office space and 4,800 square feet designated for additional retail spots. Hungry? You’ll have a new dining option, too, with a 5,000-square-foot restaurant space in the mix. Yum!
Keeping It Local
The project promises to respect the surrounding neighborhood’s vibe. Baker’s proposal highlights the importance of pedestrian connectivity, ensuring that the development serves not only residents but the entire community. They’re working hard to create a space that feels integrated and welcoming to everyone.
Earlier this year, some preliminary details of the project were shared as part of an update to West Columbia’s redevelopment plan. There was some concern about how this development would affect parking in the bustling River District, particularly for visitors heading to popular spots like D’s Wings and Savage Craft Ale Works, which sit right across the street. Fortunately, it seems there’s good news for parking aficionados!
Parking Solutions
The current Capitol Square shopping center offers about 200 public parking spots, but the updated plans show that visitors shouldn’t have to worry about losing valuable parking space. A new 171-spot public parking lot along Leaphart Street will be included, plus the development is set to feature between 550 and 645 off-street parking spaces overall. That’s a win-win for everyone!
A Gathering Place for All
The vision for this redevelopment goes beyond just additional housing and parking. Baker’s proposal emphasizes creating a large, landscaped open space right across from D’s Wings, Savage Craft, and the pavilion for the Meeting Street Artisan Market. Imagine a vibrant area that fosters gatherings, celebrations, and community events!
As for the former tenants of the shopping center, the beloved Eggroll Station has been serving West Columbia since 1990, and the owners have confirmed they will need to clear out to make way for the new development. They’ve been informed that they have about a year to a year and a half from July to vacate. Change can be bittersweet, but new opportunities are on the horizon.
Next Steps
The Planning Commission has already voted to recommend the requested zoning for this ambitious project. Now, the ball is in the West Columbia City Council’s court, which is set to consider it all next month. With all these exciting developments in the works, locals are eager to see how this new project will shape the future of their community.
As we look forward to transformation on Sunset Boulevard, one thing is certain: change is afoot, and West Columbia is gearing up to welcome new faces and experiences. Stay tuned as this project unfolds, bringing along a fresh wave of growth and opportunity!
