West Columbia’s New Townhome Development Near Riverfront

News Summary

West Columbia is set to welcome over 50 new townhomes in a prime riverfront location following unanimous approval from the City Council. The development, situated on a 3.2-acre plot at 620 Sunset Blvd, aims to urbanize the riverfront district and addresses growing housing demands in the area. Each townhome will feature two-story layouts and driveways for at least two vehicles, while construction is projected to begin within two years. Residents have shown some concerns regarding traffic but overall support has been strong for this initiative.

West Columbia Welcomes Over 50 New Townhomes in Prime Riverfront Location

Exciting changes are coming to the beautiful city of West Columbia! The City Council has given the thumbs up for over 50 new townhomes to be built right by the riverfront area. This new development is set on a 3.2-acre plot located at 620 Sunset Blvd, strategically positioned between Sunset Boulevard, an off-ramp to the Jarvis Klapman Boulevard bridge heading into downtown Columbia, and the entrance to the charming West Columbia riverwalk park along the lovely Congaree River.

City Council Decision: Unanimous Approval

In a city council meeting on February 4, members voted unanimously to approve the rezoning request for this land. It’s not every day that you see such strong agreement on a project like this! The city’s Planning Commission had already given a positive recommendation on the rezoning, even though some locals expressed concerns about potential traffic increases due to the new development.

Traffic Insights and Community Input

According to the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT), Sunset Boulevard averages about 15,000 vehicles per day, while the nearby bridge brings in roughly 25,000 vehicles daily. With that amount of traffic, being mindful of community concerns is vital. However, West Columbia’s Mayor, Temus Miles, indicated that there has been little concern voiced from residents regarding this particular initiative.

The Development Plan

Let’s talk about what’s actually being built! This new project will feature 52 two-story townhomes.

Each unit will come with driveways that can accommodate two vehicles, ensuring that there will be no on-street parking—which many residents will likely appreciate. Construction on this residential development is projected to start within the next two years, contingent on various factors including the developer’s determination of economic feasibility. Additionally, there will be a commercial aspect to this project, which will develop once it becomes viable.

A Vision for Urbanization

The site has drawn attention because it is currently home to vacant warehouses and commercial spaces, making it a prime candidate for transformation. This development is part of West Columbia’s commitment to urbanizing its riverfront district, creating a more walkable and lively area for both residents and visitors alike.

Looking Ahead: More Growth in the Area

This new project is just one component of a larger vision. The aptly named Capitol Square redevelopment project was also approved recently, which aims to breathe new life into a vacant shopping center at 469 Sunset Blvd. With numerous additional townhome projects on the horizon, West Columbia is on track to welcome a population increase of around 50,000 new residents by 2040, necessitating a greater need for housing options.

Local Concerns and National Trends

While there is excitement about new housing, it’s important to recognize some residents’ concerns regarding traffic flow and the character of the neighborhood. Over the past five years, about 108 townhome units have been constructed in West Columbia, with almost 200 more anticipated in upcoming projects. On a larger scale, the U.S. has been experiencing a record-high rate of new townhome constructions, comprising about 18% of new home builds as of late 2024.

Local experts note the rising popularity of townhomes, though growth in areas like the Midlands hasn’t quite kept pace with South Carolina’s coastal regions just yet. Regardless of the ups and downs, West Columbia’s plan for development is certainly making waves.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Additional Resources

• The State: West Columbia Development News
• Wikipedia: West Columbia, South Carolina
• Post and Courier: Riverwalk District Development
• Google Search: West Columbia townhomes
• Lexington Chronicle: New Regulations in West Columbia
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Townhouse
• WLTX: Trailhead Townhomes in West Columbia
• Google Scholar: West Columbia urbanization