Several large development projects were announced around Columbia this week, and updates were given. Here's a quick overview + roundup of three of them.

Platt Springs Crossing

A 57-acre, $65 million mixed-use development that a 51,000 sqft Lowes Foods will anchor is coming to the Red Bank area. Locals can expect to see a mix of retail storefronts, food services, medical facilities, and residential developments. Construction for the overall project is 60% complete.

Confirmed tenants:

Chipotle
Heartland Dental
Well Street Urgent Care
Planet Fitness
Whataburger
Firestone
Tidal Wave Car Wash
Panda Express
Big Blue Marble Academy
A regional bank

Next month, builders will also begin construction on 142 townhouses, with units expected to be delivered in Q3 2025.

Williams Street Extension project is intended to pave the way for true riverfront development. | Rendering via the City of Columbia

Williams Street Extension Project

The City of Columbia held a press conference announcing phase one of the Williams Street Expansion — a $20.6 million project funded by the State of South Carolina + the Richland County Transportation Penny program — that will expand riverfront access along the Congaree River.

Phase one includes:

~4,700 ft of new + improved roadway
~4,700 ft of new sidewalks
Three electric car charging stations
Two bike share stations

Project design is currently underway with 30% of the plans complete. City Council approved a $2.8 million contract with Hussey, Gay, Bell, and DeYoung, with construction slated to begin in spring 2025.

Gateway 737 will be less than 5 minutes from the Vista + less than a 10-minute drive from the Five Points area. | Rendering via Holder Properties

Gateway 737

Developer Holder Properties, in collaboration with the University of South Carolina Foundations (USCF), is developing Gateway 737 — a 940-bed student housing + mixed-use development. Leasing begins next month, with move-ins expected in August 2025.

The new student development will be located on the corner of Gadsden, Greene, and Devine Streets, right next to Colonial Life Arena, and will feature:

Studio, two-, three-, and four-bedroom floorplan units set to be fully furnished
12,500 sqft ground floor for retail
Meetings + event spaces
Dedicated parking
Rooftop lounge
State-of-the-art fitness center
Resort-style pool
Tech lounge + game room.