Construction is underway at St. Peter’s Catholic Church. | Photo by COLAtoday
From historic preservation to new developments, the Design/Development Review Commission plays a key role in shaping Columbia’s look and feel. As the city’s architectural review board, this commission evaluates projects in historic districts and urban design zones — approving 89% of proposals in 2024.
The latest annual report details the key decisions made over the past year and how it’s shaping the city’s future.
Who makes the decisions?
The board is a nine-member board appointed by Columbia City Council, consisting of professionals in architecture, law, real estate, urban planning, and historic preservation, along with community representatives.
New construction
Among notable projects, the board approved 13 new residential builds in historic districts and a 320-unit apartment complex at 2222 Main St., which was revised to add an extra story.
The new station will pump ~80 million gallons of water per day directly from the Broad River. | Rendering via City of Columbia
A new raw water pumping station on Calhoun Street was also approved, designed to pump 80 million gallons of water per day from the Broad River into the Columbia Canal Water Treatment Plant.
Porch Party | 5-7 p.m. | Gardener’s Outpost | Free | Unwind with the Franklin Street community while enjoying a selection of snacks + drinks from the bar.
Columbia Boat Show | Friday, Feb. 21-Sunday, Feb. 23 | Times vary | SC State Fairgrounds | $10+ | This annual event is a one-stop shop for all things boating.
Saturday, Feb. 22
Black History Parade and Festival | 1-6 p.m. | Martin Luther King Jr. Park | Free | Basketball great Alex English and activist Bishop Redfern II lead the parade, with Southern soul artist Geno Wesley performing at the festival.
American Advertising Awards Gala | 6-10 p.m. | Segra Park | $125+ | Join the brightest advertising, marketing, communications and creative professionals of the Midlands and see the best work shine.
Columbia native A’ja Wilson continues making history earning a TIME Women of the Year honor. She recently had her jersey retired at USC, secured her third MVP title, led Team USA to Olympic gold, and debuted her signature Nike shoe — the first by a WNBA player in over a decade. (TIME)
Civic
The City of Cayce is moving forward with redistricting to align with 2020 Census data. Council members advanced a plan to redraw four voting districts to balance the population. The next step involves public feedback before a final vote on Wednesday, March 5. (WLTX)
Community
Grab lunch and save lives at Food Truck Friday on March 21. The City of Columbia’s Office of Business Opportunities and The Blood Connection will host a mobile blood drive alongside food trucks in the REI Co-op parking lot from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Traffic
SCDOT will conduct nighttime detours on the new bridge over the Saluda River at Exit 108 B-A as part of the Carolina Crossroads Project. Closures will take place Monday, February 24, and Thursday, February 27, from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Traffic will be rerouted via I-26, I-20, and I-126.
Cause
Make your Saturdays count. Columbia’s spring bike and pedestrian count needs volunteers to track data for better transit planning. Counts take place on select weekdays too. See dates and sign-up details soon.
Festival
Gather the book club crew, becauseRead Freely Fest is coming to Columbia from Friday, March 28 to Sunday, March 30. Enjoy talks with bestselling authors, interactive panels, and the chance to meet fellow literature lovers at Richland Library’s main location. Plan your bookish weekend.*
Sports
The Hornets take down the Lakers + LaMelo Ball proves he’s clutch. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Charlotte Hornets with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Community
Your COLAtoday team here. We care about Columbia. We also care about the people in it. That’s why every day, we bring you positive, impactful news about our city — skipping the political talk, crime coverage, and biased reporting. Support our approach to local news with a one-time donation.
The Joffrey will be in residence at the USC dance studios. | Photo by Cheryl Mann
The Joffrey Ballet, one of the world’s premier dance companies, is coming to Columbia for a three-week residency with USC’s Betsy Blackmon Dance Program starting Monday, March 17.
The partnership includes rehearsals, masterclasses, and a performance at the Koger Center on Saturday, April 5, featuring Joffrey dancers, USC students, and the USC Symphony Orchestra.
Many community events are free with registration. The April gala fundraiser includes cocktails, live music, and dancing. Tickets are $45-$75, with gala admission at $175.
The Buy
The Buy
Babbel’s expert-designed foreign language lessons, on sale for 60% off for President’s Day. Babbel’s 10-minute daily lessons focus on real-world phrases, practical conversation skills, and cultural tips, so on your next trip abroad, you’ll do more than just point at menus.Shop the limited-time sale and make travel easier, more fun, and way more immersive.*
Looking for some well-worn threads for spring? Pannerpete in Five Points is hosting a parking lot sale this Sunday, Feb. 23, from 12-5 p.m., with items priced at $5 and up to 50% off.
}})
