Support Us Button Widget

Breaking down the Columbia’s Design/Development Review Commission annual report

Columbia’s Design/Development Review Commission was busy in 2023 and we’re chatting through the highlights and major developments around the city.

FullSizeRender 2

The Standard, the 17-story student housing tower, under construction. | Photo by COLAtoday

Columbia’s Design/Development Review Commission (D/DRC) released its Annual Report for 2023, outlining key developments and architectural transformations across the city. Today, we’re breaking down some of the highlights.

What is the Design/Development Review Commission?

Established in 1999, the D/DRC serves as the city’s quasi-judicial architectural review board, overseeing projects within historic districts, urban design areas, and designated landmarks. The D/DRC sees that Columbia’s architectural landscape evolves thoughtfully, balancing preservation and progress.

Finlay Park

The updates to Finlay Park include a revitalized fountain and new walkways. | Rendering from the City of Columbia via the design team, Stantec + LS3P.

Ongoing developments

Several projects approved by the D/DRC in 2022 are still in progress.

Completed projects

  • The Standard | This 16-story private student dormitory located on the corner of Assembly + Washington Streetsthat houses ~700 students.
  • South Carolina State Credit Union | Located at 800 Huger St., near Columbia Craft Brewing, the credit union underwent renovation + a three-story addition.
W.B. Whaley House

Construction on the historic W. B. Smith Whaley House was completed in February 2023. | Photo by Mashburn Construction

Historic preservation

In 2023, the Design/Development Review Commission (D/DRC) reviewed various historic preservation cases. The Bailey Bill certifications (47% of cases) and new constructions (24% of cases) were among the top issues reviewed.

Fun fact: The 16 Bailey Bill projects that received final certification in 2023 resulted in a reinvestment of more than $3.8 million. Read more about D/DRC’s involvement in historic preservation on the report (pages 8-15.)

Get involved

As of this month, the D/DRC has several open positions.

  • Community Representative (2)
  • Realtor
  • Architect

Stay up-to-date with the D/DRC through its meetings. Find its agendas + minutes.

More from COLAtoday
Find Super Bowl LIX watch parties, local food deals, and Columbia connections for the Eagles vs. Chiefs showdown.
Sponsored
The new parking system will allow customers to pay using credit cards or the Passport app as the city prepares to increase parking fees.
The pre-Super Bowl game will feature a member of Team Fluff and a senior dog in a coaching role.
Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar opens Thursday, Feb. 13 in Columbia’s BullStreet District with Southern-inspired dishes, craft cocktails, and a grand opening celebration.
A’ja Wilson joins an elite club with her Nike A’One, a signature shoe designed to inspire the next generation.
If you recently retired and are looking for things to do, this guide will help you make the most of retirement in Columbia.
The City of Columbia shared a YouTube video featuring a timeline, images, and renderings of the Finlay Park revitalization project.
The New York Times put together a list of nine food trends for 2025 including sauces, coffee, and grab-and-go options. Here’s where you can get try some of these trends in Columbia.
Readers predict Columbia in 2101 will thrive with healthcare and manufacturing, a booming population, high-speed trains, and a pedestrian-friendly future.