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New Brookland Tavern’s building up for sale
New Brookland Tavern’s building goes for sale
New Brookland Tavern has been hosting concerts since the late 1990s. | Photo by COLAtoday
The building housing New Brookland Tavern at 122 State St. in West Columbia is now on the market. The venue, seen by many as a cornerstone of the Midlands music scene, launched a GoFundMe campaign titled “Save New Brookland Tavern” following the building’s listing.
The Brookland site plan, located across the street from New Brookland Tavern.| Illustration via Seamon Whiteside
The West Columbia area, particularly State Street, has witnessed consistent growth in recent years. The River District’s development has been marked by the addition of establishments like Savage Craft Brewery, D’s Wings, and the Brookland development project.
According to Zillow, West Columbia’s property values have increased by 5% in the past year, reflecting the area’s growing appeal. Adjacent to the tavern, another historic building at 128 State St. is also on the market, listed for lease at $4,675 a month, further highlighting the area’s real estate boom.
A 1976 photo of New Brookland Delicatessen and Tavern opening soon. | Photo via Richland Library Digital Archives
Mike Lyons, who has owned the tavern since 2004, was offered the first option to purchase the building. The venue sited infrastructure challenges, including the need for new AC units and plumbing repairs in its GoFundMe campaign. That campaign aims to raise $250,000 to either purchase the current location or facilitate a move.
Booking agent and club manager Carlin Thompson mentioned the club’s need for growth despite the challenges.
“We’ve seen the Radio Room in Greenville decide to upgrade to a 500 capacity venue and the recent renovations to The Music Farm in Charleston,” said Carlin. “We’re at a point where we need to upgrade our game to compete for shows.”
New Brookland Tavern, whether it remains in its current spot or relocates, aims to ensure a smooth continuation of concerts.
Events
Wednesday, August 23
90’s TV Trivia | Wed., Aug. 23 | 7-9 p.m. | Tin Roof, 1022 Senate St., Columbia | Free | How much do you know about Boy Meets World, Saved By The Bell, Full House, Fresh Prince, and all the other amazing shows of the 90s?
Down in the Holler | Wed., Aug. 23 | 8 p.m. | Trustus Theatre, 520 Lady St., Columbia | As the play begins, audiences are transported to a holler in the Shenandoah Valley.
The Menzingers | Wed., Aug. 23 | 8 p.m. | The Senate, 1022B Senate St., Columbia | $27.50 | The Menzingers are an punk rock band from Scranton, PA, known for their hearfelt lyrics and energetic live performances.
Vista Book Group | Wed., Aug. 23 | 6-7:30 p.m. | The Vista, 902 Gervais St. Suite F, Columbia | Vista Book Group 6-7:30 p.m. | Join Richland Library Main for a book group discussion of this month’s title, Dominicana by Angie Cruz.
Thursday, August 24
NILS Live — The Cool Shades Concert | Thu., Aug. 24 | 7-9 p.m. | Chayz Lounge, 607 Meeting St., West Columbia | $35 | Experience an event of jazz, fusion, funk grooves with renowned and revered contemporary jazz guitarist NILS, backed by Rod Foster & Company.
Friday, August 25
Paddle and Pint - Paddle and Craft Beer Tasting | Fri., Aug. 25 | 6-8 p.m. Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Rd., Columbia | $47 | Paddle the Lower Saluda River followed by a craft beer tasting where you will sample eight different craft beers.
Red Carpet Movie Premiere of “Reunion” | Fri., Aug. 25 | 6:30 p.m. | Spotlight Cinemas Capital 8, 201 Columbia Mall Blvd #Ste 211, Columbia | $25-$35 | Join and celebrate with Emmy Award Winner, Gregory Alan Williams, at the first-ever theater release.
Saturday, August 26
Best of Columbia 2023: Popstars, Rockstars & Icons | Sat., Aug. 26 | 7-11 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St., Columbia | $65 | Prepare to sing and groove your way through the decades of music at Popstars, Rockstars & Icons — this year’s Best of Columbia party.
Lexington Medical Center has acquired 65 acres at the intersection of Interstate 20 and US Highway 1 for $10 million. The hospital has not announced construction plans for the newly purchased site or the adjacent 15 acres in Richland County. (The Post and Courier)
Open
Southern Smoked Tavern opened at 924 E. Main St., Lexington, previously Griffin Chophouse’s location. Operating on a limited schedule, it plans full-week operations by mid-September. Owned by Happy Fork Hospitality Group, the menu boasts everything from steaks, wings, and tacos to desert skillets.
Coming Soon
Kao Thai will host an official ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony for its new Main Street location on Thursday, Sept. 7 at 4:30 p.m. Enjoy complimentary bites, sangria, happy hour specials, live music from Chris Reed, and live painting from United in Paint.
Arts
Speaking of First Thursday, the monthly event is inviting visual, musical, and performing artists to apply for spots at the Arcade Mall or partner with local businesses for the 6-9 p.m. event. Limited spaces available.
Outdoors
West Columbia’s tourism investments are paying off as local businesses, especially river recreation services like Palmetto Outdoor, see growth. Up to 1,000 tubers visit the Riverwalk Park weekly thanks to the city’s marketing efforts attracting out-of-town visitors. (The Irmo News)
Award
The City of Cayce was honored with the Annual Achievement Award for its Cayce River Arts District development at the Municipal Association of SC Annual Meeting. The district’s revitalization features public art, a city-owned Art Lot, and the annual Soiree on State event, attracting over 4,000 attendees.
Wellness
As summer days transition to the busy back-to-school season, you might find your kids (or yourself) resisting the new routine. Not to fret — we’ve got 5 back-to-school tips to help you start the school year right. And ICYMI, this was part of our second edition of COLA Wellness. See the latest edition.*
Health
A hysterectomy might be performed for a variety of medical reasons — but women have a lot of questions about what happens before, during, and after the procedure. Here’s everything you need to know about hysterectomies.*
Giveaway
Did you know when you subscribe to our new sister market, WStoday, you’ll be entered into our contest to win $250 cash? Subscribe today for a chance to win.
Outdoors
Money grows from these trees
Congaree National Park generates millions of dollars for local economy
Congaree is home to champion trees. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons
Congaree National Park attracted over 204,000 visitors in 2022, generating approximately $11.8 million in local spending and supporting 138 jobs, according to a recent National Park Service (NPS) report. This is the second year in a row that Congaree has attracted over 200,000 visitors.
That translates to an economic impact of over $14.2 million for the Columbia metro area. Located about 30 minutes from the heart of downtown Columbia, Congaree National Park is home to the largest remaining old-growth bottomland forest in the US, and the biggest tree east of the Mississippi.
The national data shows park visitors spent $23.9 billion within 60 miles of a national park, bolstering the US economy by $50.3 billion.
Shop
Eat
Ready to tailgate? Our online shop, Six & Main, has you covered. Spice up your game-day burgers with Spicewalla’s 3-Pack Grill Lovers Collection.
Seasonal
Find your new favorite scents this fall from our candle brands such as Wixology and Corridor Candle Co. Shop now at Six & Main.
Active
Socks mysteriously eaten by your washing machine again? Yeah, us too. Try these women’s no-show socks — a bestselling sock with 50,000+ five-star reviews.
Kids
These pop-up soccer goals make the most of time outdoors with the kids or grandkids. Easily set them up, then just as easily put away and store.
Home
The piece of furniture we’re drooling over: this Poly & Bark leather ottoman pouf in cognac brown. Hello, soft leather and beautiful living room.
New Brookland Tavern is that local music venue that gives you the chance to say “I saw that band when they were only playing for a handful of people.” Whether that was Paramore, Bright Eyes, or a local star like Toro y Moi, this venue has been a launching point for musicians for the past 25 years.
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