Columbia Residents Stand Against Student Housing Threat

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Historic red and tan brick house in Columbia

News Summary

In Columbia, locals are uniting to protect the historic home at 427 Harden St. from potential demolition for student housing development. The charming house, built in 1925, has much community significance, and residents are advocating for a zoning change to preserve their neighborhood’s character. The Columbia City Council’s decision on this matter is eagerly awaited, as tensions rise over the balance between growth and historic preservation.

Columbia Residents Stand Together to Save Historic Home from Student Housing Plans

In the heart of Columbia, a charming red and tan brick house at 427 Harden St. is catching the attention of locals who want to protect their community’s rich history. Built in 1925 by the well-regarded Lafaye & Lafaye architects, this historic residence has gracefully stood the test of time, belonging to only two families in the last century. However, recent developments threaten its stability as the property has appeared on the real estate market for a rather steep price of $969,500.

Concerns Rise Over Potential Development

As the sale progresses, neighborhood residents are expressing serious apprehensions that this lovely home could be torn down to make way for larger and more efficient student housing developments. The area surrounding the house falls just outside the Wales Garden neighborhood, a region that currently lacks essential protective historic overlays. Local attorney Myers Truluck has made it clear that the history of this property is in jeopardy. He conveyed that if the zoning laws do not change, the house is likely to face demolition.

Residents have rallied together, urging city planning officials to revise the zoning from a residential mixed district—which permits multi-family housing—to a residential single-family zone, effectively protecting the character of their neighborhood by prohibiting apartments. While city planners have given initial approval for the zoning change, the ultimate decision now rests with the Columbia City Council—an outcome that is eagerly awaited by many.

The Battle for Neighborhood Character

The fight against losing this historic gem is not just about the house itself but also about preserving the essence of the community. Residents are deeply unsettled by the possibility of student rentals flooding into their neighborhood, fearing it would lower home values and alter the community’s unique character. Before any official development proposals are put forth, neighbors are looking to seal the fate of 427 Harden St., apprehensively hoping to avoid any potential student housing plans entirely.

Rumors surrounding new student housing have swirled around, causing heightened anxieties among the community. Although no specific proposals have been submitted, the sheer thought of change looms large. As it stands, the demand for housing among students is soaring, alongside the growth of the University of South Carolina: more than 9,000 additional students have enrolled in the past 15 years, yet available on-campus housing has only increased by about 2,840 beds. With over a third of USC students now residing off-campus, the search for rentals in Columbia intensifies, placing historical landmarks like 427 Harden St. further at risk.

Protecting History Amidst Growth

Many neighbors believe that the ongoing wave of short-term rentals and student housing is stealing their historic homes, ultimately threatening the integrity of their beloved neighborhood. Columbia city officials are becoming increasingly aware of the growing tensions between local residents and new developments aiming to accommodate student populations.

In response, city officials are contemplating a comprehensive housing study to gain insight into current housing availability and the effects of growth in central-city neighborhoods. This study may yield new overlay districts specifically designed for historic properties or prompt necessary zoning changes that can manage future growth more effectively.

Councilman Tyler Bailey has touched on the critical need for a balanced approach to housing density. Striking that balance is vital for not only preserving historical landmarks and neighborhood character but also addressing the booming student population that Columbia continues to welcome.

With community members advocating fiercely for protection and city officials exploring strategies to navigate change, the outcome remains uncertain. One thing, however, is crystal clear: preserving the history embodied by 427 Harden St. is a shared priority among the dedicated residents of Columbia. Their combined efforts demonstrate a deep commitment to keeping their neighborhood vibrant and true to its unique heritage.

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Additional Resources

Columbia Residents Stand Against Student Housing Threat

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