Columbia, S.C.’s Main Street glow up

Main St. 1

Main Street, Columbia, S.C. | Photo from Google street view via @zachpippin

Table of Contents

Main St.

It’s #TBT – and we’re throwing it back to Cola’s downtown Main Street circa 2007. The 1600 block that used to be filled with abandoned storefronts has undergone many changes + revitalization efforts over the past 10+ years. If you look closely, you can see the shoe repair + wig stores that still remain from the original photo taken in 2007.

Main St. 2

Main Street, Columbia, S.C. | Photo from Google street view via @zachpippin

Local photographer Zach Pippin posted this #TransformationTuesday comparison earlier this week + a few locals chimed in with their thoughts. Here’s what some of you had to say on Twitter:

“I LOVE this glow-up! When I was a college student at the turn of the century (‘99-‘03 @ColumbiaKoala woot!) Main Street was an area we *avoided*. I applaud everyone in @columbiasc who worked to bring it back to life! It’s so wonderful now!” – @Erinrae0399

“I see the potential for this in West Columbia too and get so excited.” – @lmcalexa

“The wig store endures” – @NoahFeit

“That is interesting... big changes in Columbia in 10 years... time to move there! 👏🏻😬😬” – @COCKSLAX_report

Poll


More from COLAtoday
Columbia has seven sister cities worldwide, fostering cultural ties. Explore Cola’s connections to Accra, Ghana; Kaiserslautern, Germany; and Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
If you’re trying to reach new running goals, consider signing up for one of these upcoming races or find ways to get more steps in around Columbia
Want to get involved locally but don’t know how? Browse through the City of Columbia’s city boards and commissions that have vacancies and apply.
Columbia’s craft beer scene continues to evolve, with longtime favorites expanding, new taprooms opening, and several breweries closing their doors as the industry reshapes after a decade of growth.
It’s the season of the pumpkins, so we’re rounding up a list of places to go picking. Check out these patches, farms, and nurseries.
The number eight symbolizes South Carolina’s history — from the eight Lords Proprietors and colonial rulers to becoming the nation’s eighth state.
Columbia, SC has 230+ years of history. In this guide, we’re diving into the city’s oldest streets and how they got their names.
Discover Columbia’s late-night dining spots, from Tex-Mex and pizza to pub fare and desserts, perfect for post-11 p.m. cravings.
With a history dating back thousands of years, museums in the Midlands showcase the history of the area, from the earliest settlers to the the trains that transformed cities and towns.
Explore these dog-friendly businesses in Columbia that span from places to eat, drink, shop, exercise, and stay the night.