Impact by the numbers

• Economic revitalization: The utilization of the Bailey Bill has spurred over 210 projects and mobilized more than $217 million in private investment towards the renovation of historic properties.
• Heritage tourism: Travelers visiting historical or cultural sites drew over 2.2 million visitors to the Capital City. This helped sustain 7,000 jobs and generate $37 million in tax revenues.
• Property values: On average, properties in Columbia’s Architectural Conservation Districts are valued at $63,000 more than properties elsewhere in the city.

Impact examples

• McCants School — Built in 1931, Fannie McCants Elementary, named after Columbia High School’s first librarian, was adaptively reused as townhomes in Earlwood Park using an Abandoned Building Tax Credit.
• Hotel Trundle — Thanks to help from the Bailey Bill, the downtown boutique hotel revived three buildings built between 1914 and 1940, with many of the historic features like exposed brick walls still on display. In 2019, it was recognized in the Adapt Opportunity Zone Awards.
• Historic homes — For homes with historic features, the Bailey Bill can be used for expenses like the removal of non-historic materials + features, plumbing, roofing, structural work, heating and cooling systems, wiring, and more.

• A Flock of Seagulls | Friday, May 3 | 7:30 p.m. | Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College, 7300 College St., Irmo | $45-$50 | Known for their iconic haircuts and hits like “I Ran (So Far Away),” this new wave sensation emerged from the synth-pop scene, captivating global audiences.
• The 4th Annual Eastover BBQ Jam Fest | Friday, May 3 | 6-11 p.m. | 1031 Main St., Eastover | $30 | Spend the evening enjoying the sounds of Southern Soul and R&B at our 4th Annual BBQ Jam Fest.

• Vicious Biscuit Columbia Grand Opening Celebration | Saturday, May 4 | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. | Vicious Biscuit, 3246 Forest Dr., Columbia | Free | Before Saturday’s celebration, Vicious Biscuit will count down to the grand opening with special weekday offers for the community.
• Rosewood Crawfish Festival | Saturday, May 4 | 11 a.m.-7 p.m. | SC State Fairgrounds, 1200 Rosewood Dr., Columbia | $12-$15 | Don’t miss Columbia’s biggest festival dedicated to bringing the best of Louisiana to the Midlands.

• Melrose Art in the Yard | Sunday, May 5 | 1-5 p.m. | Historic Melrose Heights, Kershaw, Shirley, Hagood, and Bratton, Columbia | Free | The event features close to 100 artists and artisans as well as food trucks and live music.
• Free Sundays at The Museum of the Reconstruction Era | Sunday, May 5 | 1-4 p.m. | The Museum of the Reconstruction Era, 1705 Hampton St., Columbia | Free | On the third Sunday of the month, residents of Richland and Lexington counties are invited to tour one of Historic Columbia’s house museums for free.

• Midlands Gives 2024 | Tuesday, May 7 | 6 a.m. | Virtual Fundraiser, 1601 Richland St., Columbia | Donation | Midlands Gives is a region-wide initiative that brings the community together to raise money and awareness for local nonprofits in 11 Midlands counties.

• Coach Dawn Staley shared that SC’s women’s basketball team will start their 2024-25 season in Las Vegas, with the opponent yet to be determined. The game may be part of the Hall of Fame Series. (The State)

• Central Carolina Community Foundation is hosting a community drop-in and block party on Midlands Gives Day, Tuesday, May 7 at Segra Park. Enjoy activities, entertainment, and a giving booth with prizes.

• Irmo is conducting a 21-question survey for residents, workers, and business owners in Richland and Lexington counties. The town is looking to gather opinions on community priorities and development preferences for its Irmo Vision 2035 initiative.

• Carol Harrison, a history professor at USC, has been awarded the Guggenheim Fellowship and the Rome Prize, supporting her year in Rome to complete her book on the First Vatican Council. Her work explores significant religious and historical themes.

• Join Heroes and Dragons (1807 Bush River Rd.) this Saturday, May 4, for Free Comic Book Day and to celebrate Star Wars Day. Enjoy guest appearances, free comics, and say hello to the “Chief Welcome Sergeant” and shop dog, Shadow.

• Drink Up Week — our annual celebration of Columbia’s vibrant beverage culture — is coming July 22-July 26. If you’re a local business, you’re going to want to get in on the buzz. Be our exclusive presenting sponsor and advertise your brand with us during Drink Up Week.

• Arkansas’ Maryam Dauda could be the Gamecock women’s basketball solution at the center position. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Gamecock women’s basketball team with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.

• Spruce up your home this spring: Enjoy 20% off your first pressure washing service with Ford & Sims Pressure Washing, now through Friday, May 31. Snag the deal.*