News Summary
Columbia is planning a new 288-unit apartment complex on Elmwood Avenue. The eight-story building will replace local businesses, including the iconic No Name Deli, and is anticipated to reshape the community while providing essential housing options. Developers aim to engage residents through community events and discussions, particularly during the upcoming Planning Commission meeting.
Columbia Gears Up for New Apartment Complex on Elmwood Avenue
Exciting changes are on the horizon for Columbia as a new 288-unit apartment complex is in the works for the entire block of Elmwood Avenue, nestled between Marion and Bull Streets. The proposal has jumped into the spotlight recently, but it does need to get the thumbs-up from the city’s planning department before construction can kick-off.
A Glimpse Into the Development Plans
This ambitious project is slated to rise as an eight-story structure, promising to reshape the landscape of the area. Initially suggested in 2023 after New York-based Astral Development scooped up the property for a cool $2.125 million, the grasp of this project has expanded significantly. Astral Development originally envisioned 200 apartments alongside 30,000 square feet of retail space. However, they’ve upped the ante with updated plans that now boast 288 apartment units.
The revised design does include a slightly smaller retail space, coming in at 25,000 square feet. While the blueprints now seem to lack the presence of a grocery store, the community remains hopeful about other retail opportunities that might fill that void.
Community Amenities Galore
Residents can look forward to some delightful amenities, including a splashy pool, a friendly dog park, and a spacious parking garage. The anticipation for what’s to come is already bubbling up around town. But there’s still uncertainty about whether a grocery store will find its way into the mix, keeping the local buzz alive with questions.
Will No Name Deli Survive?
Among the most talked-about potential impacts of this new development is the fate of the beloved No Name Deli. Located at the intersection of Elmwood Avenue and Marion Street, this deli has stood the test of time since its establishment in 1960. The current plans would see the deli’s building replaced, leading to worries from loyal customers. At the same time, developers have expressed hopes that No Name Deli could once again serve up its delicious offerings in the new complex post-construction.
Engaging the Community
In an effort to get the community involved, developers are planning to host a series of friendly events at the site before any building begins. Attendees can expect lively gatherings featuring art, food, and even some concerts in the plan to create a friendly vibe and keep everyone informed about the change on the horizon.
Upcoming Planning Commission Meeting
Mark your calendars for an important Planning Commission meeting scheduled for Thursday at 4 p.m. at Columbia City Hall. This event will be a chance for residents to express their thoughts and concerns about the project, shining a light on how this new development will shape residential life in the area.
More Housing Options on the Way
Interestingly, this apartment proposal is striking as it appears to intentionally move away from catering to the student demographic. Featuring a mix of units—236 one-bedroom, 33 two-bedroom, and 19 three-bedroom apartments—the development aims to broaden housing options for local residents without emphasizing student housing. A portion of the ground floor is also set aside for retail or office space, approximately 19,000 square feet in total.
Impact on Traffic
Traffic studies indicate that Elmwood Avenue already sees a bustling 44,000 vehicles daily, while Bull Street isn’t far behind with over 27,000 vehicles. The new apartment complex could add an estimated 120-175 vehicle trips during peak times, which might raise concerns among commuters but could also fuel growth in the area.
Looking Ahead
Set to make waves in the Columbia landscape, the anticipated completion date for the apartment complex is eyed for 2028. As community members engage and ponder the development’s potential, one thing is clear: Columbia is on the verge of welcoming a new chapter to its urban landscape!
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Bull Street Elmwood Avenue Apartments
- Wikipedia: Columbia, South Carolina
- ABC Columbia: Columbia Water Boil Advisory
- Google Search: Columbia Apartment Complex
- WIS TV: 49 People Displaced After Fire
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Architecture
- ABC News 4: Early Morning Fire
- Google News: Columbia Apartment Development
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
