Even though 2020 has thrown a few wrenches in the plan, Columbia is continuing to grow + show its resiliency. There have been new developments announced and, while things are moving forward slowly, there are still many projects in the works around the capital city. Let’s take a look at what’s new and coming to Cola for the rest of this year.

Due to COVID-19 some of these projects are a bit behind schedule but that’s okay, we know good things take time.

Restaurants + Bars

Construction happening at Savage Craft Ale Works | Photo via @savagecraftaleworks

○ Savage Craft Ale Works is a veteran-owned brewery currently under construction + coming to West Columbia. The new brewery located at 430 Center St. (in the heart of the River District) will feature a 3,000 sq. ft. taproom, a 5,000 sq. ft. building to house a microbrewery + rooftop terrace, a beer garden, stage for live music + more. The brewery will hopefully be pouring this fall.

○ Enzo’s Delicatessen will be hosting a soft opening at their new brick and mortar location later this week, in the former Blue Cactus location in Five Points. The popular subs and New York deli style favorites can already be ordered online and you may not know it, but you’ve probably sampled this chef’s work before since the new owner of Enzo’s is the chef at Ripper’s – the pop-up restaurant inside Jake’s.

Enzo's restaurant | Photo via Enzo's

○ Gran Sasso Wine Bar, a new pasta + wine bar, is expected to open next to Enzo’s later this fall.

○ Kudzu Bakery and Market, a popular spot on the coast, is coming to Forest Acres, at 4600 Forest Dr. Items from breads, pastries, pottery + kitchenware will be available. The new market is expected to open in late 2020.

○ Ratio, a new tapas restaurant with a peruvian twist, is coming to northeast Columbia this fall. Spearheaded by Chef Javier Uriarte, the former chef at Hendrix, the restaurant will be located at 566 Spears Creek Church Rd., Elgin + will feature seasonal food + drinks. Visit the Instagram page to peep some of the delicious bites we can’t wait to try.

Peruvian-style test menu items | Photo via Ratio

○ Republic Biergarten and Kitchen will open in the former Flying Saucer location in the Vista, located at 931 Senate St. The new sports bar is expected to open soon and will feature big TVs for sports watching, a variety of beers to sip on and two pool tables.

○ Bull Street is getting a new Starbucks in 2021. The 2,500 sq. ft. stand-alone building will feature a drive-thru + outdoor seating. The new construction is happening now close to the newly opened REI Co-Op building.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4TCvB4HJes/

Mixed Use Spaces

Photo via @femmexcolumbia

○ femme x COLUMBIA, a new women-powered workspace will provide a unique social shared space designed by women for women. The one-of-a-kind building is coming to 1501 Richland St. and is expected to open in October 2020. The space is aimed at advancing economic + political growth for all women. The renovated historic property will offer co-work areas, wellness amenities + events.

Rendering of the glass greenhouse | Photo via @historiccolumbia

○ Historic Columbia is building a new, state-of-the-art greenhouse. The glass greenhouse will be constructed on the northwest section of the historic property + will serve many purposes, from growing plants to providing storage. Additionally, it will include a section that will be used to conduct classes + host small groups. The second structure, referred to as the gatehouse, is expected to be built in the southwest section along the Pickens Street wall, and will feature an octagonal exterior made of steel. Construction is planned to be complete by the summer of 2021.

○ A new, multi-use development is coming to Forest Acres at the corner of Forest and Brentwood Drives. The space will include 11 townhomes + retail and office space. Construction on the project will begin later this year.

○ The 900 block of Harden Street in Five Points is getting an update from a former Hollywood Producer. The retail strip has been in the works for most of the year. The development team is planning for ~9,100 sq. ft. of potential retail and restaurant space in the one-story structure, which is estimated at $1.5 million.

○ A retail + restaurant development is in the works for the corner of Huger + Blossom St. in the Vista. The 20,000-sqft. mixed-use development has retail space for 5-6 businesses, including a possible rooftop bar.

Apartments

Courtyard behind the VARO building + glass elevator. | Rendering via @garvindesigngroup

○ The former Veterans Administration Regional Office (VARO) building, located at 1801 Assembly St., is being transformed into a five-story, 80+ unit apartment building. The updated 95,000 sq. ft. complex will include a banquet area and commercial space with a signature rooftop pool and bar space for residents and guests. The space will also feature an exterior glass elevator and speakeasy in the basement.

Quoteworthy – “VARO’s rehabilitation will give the building an exciting new life on a vitally important downtown corner while preserving its character-defining features.” - Scott Garvin, President of the Garvin Design Group.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDRD05uH4Gj/

○ Two 100-year-old buildings (1209 +1211 Gadsden St.) in the Vista will soon be renovated into apartments – however, the buildings will also include separate office space on the main floor available to rent for residents or community members. Garvin Design Group is heading the project + plans to make the units “COVID-minded” with working from home in mind.

○ Construction has begun on the new residential tower known as The Palms on Lady, located on the corner of Lady and Assembly Streets. This lot, which previously housed Moe Levy’s and Howards Sports, will be home to 83 urban residences + future retail or restaurant space on the ground level by 2022.

○ An eight-story student apartment complex across from the UofSC law school on Gervais St. has been approved and is in the works. The apartment complex will house ~540 students + will be 75 ft. tall – in line with similar buildings in the area.

With all of the development happening across Columbia, it’s nearly impossible to keep up with what is opening when, where new businesses are being built, and what companies are coming to town.

If there is a construction project you would like to learn more about – let us know in the comments below + we’ll grab our hard hats. 👷‍

Disclaimer: This is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all of the developments in the Midlands region. If there is a development that has been announced in the last 30 days that you feel should be included, please let us know in the comments below.