4 iconic projects that have transformed South Carolina
Presented by Studio 2LR
Do you recognize any of these buildings? | Photos by Kickstand Studio, Gmatson Photo, Keith Isaacs; rendering by Studio 2LR
Take a stroll around Columbia, and you’ll almost certainly see a space designed by Studio 2LR.
This local architecture and interior design firm has been shaping the look and feel of Soda City since 2005. It has grown from a modest rental space in the Vista to a Main Street office inside a repurposed automotive upholstery shop — complete with custom robot-shaped tanks that capture rainwater + help prevent flooding.
Now, 20 years later, Studio 2LR’s thoughtful, award-winning designs continue to make an impact throughout Columbia and the Midlands. Here are four standout projects you might recognize:
Savage Craft Ale Works
This West Columbia brewery is a mix of old and new. Two early 1900s buildings — a former fire station and jail — were transformed into a taproom, rooftop terrace, and a 5,000-sqft addition for a microbrewery. Fun fact: Both buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the New Brookland Historic District.
The Laundry at BullStreet
This 1883 two-story brick building was once the central laundry facility for the former SC State Hospital. Studio 2LR is restoring its original charm — including skylights and a central cupola — while breathing new life into it as a mixed-use space for events, restaurants, retail, and creative offices.
South Carolina Department of Education
Just outside Columbia, this facility brings the SCDE under one roof with flexible spaces for meeting rooms, events, and offices. The design maximizes natural light and features bright “school bus yellow” accents that add a fun pop of color.
Orangeburg County Library + Conference Center
What was once a Piggly Wiggly grocery store is now a 47,000-sqft community space. The design repurposes the original 20,000-sqft foundation, connecting a library, community spaces, and conference rooms through a terraced gallery.
The Big Bounce America | Friday, April 18-Sunday, April 20 | Times vary | Historic Columbia Speedway, Cayce | $22+ | Hop through five inflatable courses at this bouncy experience with sessions for families, adults, kids, and toddlers.
Pickin In The Peaches - Bluegrass Festival | Friday, April 18-Saturday, April 19 | Times vary | Western Carolina State Fairgrounds, Aiken | $69.50+ | Enjoy two days of bluegrass, jamgrass, and Americana music, featuring Sierra Hull, Fruition, Po Ramblin’ Boys, and more.
Car Cruise-In + Cookout | 12-4 p.m. | Steel Hands Brewing, Cayce | Free | Whether you’re into hot rods or hot dogs, this event will have something for you — plus, there will be live music and beer on tap.
“The Shot Heard Round The World” | 4:30-8 p.m. | Old Mill Pond Trail, Lexington | Free | History comes to life at this commemorative, 250th American Revolution anniversary event with exhibits, lantern tours, activities, and tributes.
The West Columbia Walmart Neighborhood Market will close Monday, April 21, for a 3–4 week rapid remodel that will add grocery aisles, upgrade deli + bakery areas, expand online pickup, and refresh interiors. The Fuel Station and pharmacy will stay open. All remaining groceries will be donated to Harvest Hope Food Bank.
Development
Wilkie Development wants to expand its approved subdivision near South Congaree from 316 to 624 units across 221 acres. The revised plan adds 108 homes and 200 duplexes after acquiring more land. The project, under concurrency review, could add 500+ students to Lexington 2 schools. (The State)
Real Estate
A developer is seeking an exemption from Columbia’s new bedroom cap on student housing for a nearly 2-acre lot at 1415 Main St. The next zoning hearing could decide whether the parking lot site transforms into a high-density private dorm. The city council’s first vote on the cap is May 20. (The Post and Courier)
Arts
Richland Library’s “Rooted” exhibit is now open at the Main location (1431 Assembly St.) as part of the 2025 Artista Vista Art Crawl. Curated by artist-in-residence Brittany Watkins, the juried show features works from 40+ Midlands artists across diverse media and themes.
Environment
Black bears are on the move in SC, and while the Midlands isn’t prime bear territory, SCDNR says some may pass through looking for easy meals. To stay safe, lock up trash, clean grills, and ditch outdoor feeders — or risk an un-bear-lievable backyard guest. (WLTX)
Sports
Is Dan Morgan’s preference to trade back from the eighth pick for the Carolina Panthers? Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Panthers with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
If you’re looking to add a unique sweet treat to your menu this weekend, we’ve got you covered. These Easter basket cupcakes are easier than you think to make, thanks to a very unique ingredient. Hop to it.*
Make your business’s upcoming event or news the talk of the town. Through COLAtoday’s self-service ad portal, you can purchase an ad in as little as five minutes. Bonus: We now offer bundles so you can get in front of more eyes for less.
Category
Festival
40 pitmasters bring the heat
Local leaders came together at Gamecock Park to celebrate the announcement. | Photo by COLAtoday
After drawing teams from across the US and Japan in its inaugural year, the Southeastern BBQ Showdown is firing back up in Columbia, April 24–25, 2026 — this time at Gamecock Park.
Hosted by the Capital City/Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board, the two-day competition will feature 40 BBQ teams, a vendor expo, a family fun zone, and live music from Radio Disco and Cody Webb, with a CMA rising star to be announced.
The event will once again be filmed for national TV. Catch highlights from last year’s competition on the Cooking Channel — Part 1 will air Saturday, April 19 + Part 2 on Saturday, April 26, both at 7 p.m.
Expect celebrity judges like Myron Mixon, Rodney Scott, and Chef Brian Duffy to return, alongside host Stephen Raichlen and People’s Choice tiebreaker judge and former Gamecock quarterback, Connor Shaw.
The Buy
The CrossOver Bra by Honeylove feels as good as it looks. It’s beautifully made + engineered for real life wear (read: sculpting support without digging in or discomfort).
Looking to catch some free tennis this weekend? The Cayce Tennis & Fitness Center is hosting the BIG EAST Tennis Championships through Sunday — and yes, it’s free to attend. This marks the ninth year the tournament has been held in Cayce.
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