The city also released this updated site plan so you can envision how the retail + residential properties and the new six-acre public park will take shape. | Rendering via the City of Forest Acres and Wood + Partners
The City of Forest Acres + Southeastern Development announced that a prototype Kroger Marketplace spanning 120,000 sqft will be the first official tenant of the redevelopment at the former Richland Mall site. The prototype supermarket will feature:
A drive-thru pharmacy
A fuel center
An in-store Starbucks.
The current Kroger on Forest Drive will stay in operation while the new Kroger Marketplace is under construction.
Speaking of construction
Southeastern Development is currently removing nearly one million square feet of the former mall structure + clearing the debris so construction on the mixed-use property can begin — possibly by the end of this year or early next year.
Next steps
The multi-family apartment units are set to be constructed first, followed by the new Kroger, and then other retail properties. The current goal is to have several shops open their doors by 2027. The city also announced that it hopes to break ground on the new city park by the end of this year.
Brookdale Neighborhood Spring Yard Sale | 7-11 a.m. | Brookdale subdivision, West Columbia | Free | Brookdale residents are cleaning out so you can clean up on some deals.
Riverbanks Run 5K | 7:15-9 a.m. | Riverbanks Zoo and Garden | $40+ | Riverbanks Run will wind through the park’s scenic back roads, cross the Saluda River, and pass some of the most popular exhibits in the Zoo.
Salute to National Armed Forces Day Concert | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | North Grounds of the SC State House | Free | The Armed Services Veterans Band, along with members of the 282nd Army Band from Fort Jackson, perform a salute to National Armed Forces Day Concert.
Bierkeller Canalfest | Saturday, May 17-Sunday, May 18 | 12-7 p.m. | Bierkeller Columbia | Free | This free riverfront celebration brings together the community with local vendors, music, food, drinks, and a toast to Columbia’s history and future.
Columbia Fireflies vs. Augusta GreenJackets | 6:05 p.m. | Segra Park | $8+ | Let’s get prehistoric: Fans of all ages can enjoy an interactive dinosaur experience during the game, featuring Ed’s Dinosaurs Live.*
Mushroom Magic Artisan Market | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Flora And Fauna Marketplace, Lexington | Free | Immerse yourself in a world of fungi creations, featuring 30+ artisans.
10th Annual Drink Pink Rosé Festival | 12-4:30 p.m. | Hampton Preston Mansion | $45+ | Celebrate wine, eat, drink, play, and dance the day away at this yearly festival.
Columbia Fireflies vs. Augusta GreenJackets | 5:05 p.m. | Segra Park | $8+ | It’s Teacher Appreciation Night: Join the Fireflies at Segra Park as they show their appreciation to all teachers in the Midlands.*
Camden is getting a brewery called Greener Pastures Brewing Co. and will be located on Broad Street, just down the street from Salud Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Lounge. It’s currently under construction and is set to open this summer. (The Post and Courier)
Sports
After nearly sixty-five years, the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame will now “live” at the SC State Museum, having a physical place to reside for the first time since its inception. The Hall of Fame’s 63rd Annual Induction Ceremony for the class of 2025 is set for Monday, May 19.
Seasonal
Beep beep — the Columbia Police Department is bringing back its ice cream truck, giving out free ice cream to local schools, nonprofits, neighborhoods, and community events all summer long. If you want the ice cream truck to visit you, email Captain Blair.
Drink
Steel Hands Brewing is partying like it’s 1969 by hosting its own free Woodstock event on Saturday, May 24, featuring live music + beer. It’s looking for local artists to sell one-of-a-kind creations. If you’re interested, email the Special Events Manager by May 22.
Try This
Have you been wanting to try Mahjong? A Little Happy is hosting a double feature of Mahjong instruction courses on Tuesday, June 17 + Thursday, June 19. Learn about the tiles, how the game works, and gameplay. The classes are $70, and space is limited.
Number
48 million. That’s how many Americans hear so poorly that their quality of life suffers — think: missing out on convos, concerts, and un-captioned movies. Fortunately, this hearing aid changes the game. Try out its dual processing technology for yourself with a free 45-day, no-risk trial.*
Listen
The Edgecombe vs. Johnson Debate heats up. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Charlotte Hornetswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Biz
What if building a house could be as simple as building a car? Boxabl is revolutionizing homebuilding by bringing assembly line technology to the outdated industry. Learn how(and how you can join the movement).†‡*
Featured Deal
This Memorial Day, Ford & Sims Pressure Washing is honoring all military members, veterans, and first responders with 25% off any service, now through May 31 — just in time to refresh the patio and get it ready for summer barbecue season.*
Improve gut health + boost natural production of GLP-1 (the same hormone Ozempic mimics for weight loss) with Bioma’s 3-in-1 formula. Get an extra 10% off with code 6AM10.*
Category
Arts
🗿 Be featured in Finlay
The updates to Finlay Park include a revitalized fountain, new walkways, and maybe your art. | Rendering from the City of Columbia via the design team, Stantec + LS3P.
Finlay Park is aiming to reopen this fall. In case you missed it, the City of Columbia hopes the redevelopment will be completed by September. Now, it’s looking for artists.One Columbia shared that the City of Columbia wants to showcase artists’ sculptural creations in a two-year outdoor sculpture exhibition.
Artwork criteria
• Be able to withstand high traffic and adverse weather conditions for two years + be maintenance-free
• Must have been completed within the last five years + not previously displayed within the City of Columbia or previously submitted.
• Be built in a manner to fit a 4' x 4' concrete pad + allow fastening to the pad with anchor bolts measuring 5/8”
A shower scrubber mat. It’s made with 500 soft silicone bristles that remove dirt and dead skin. Bonus: It easily attaches to the floor or wall of your shower with non-slip suction cups.
Which local business landmark was built in 1912 and completed a week before the Titanic sank?
Nice job! It looks like more than half of you know your local history. Built in 1912 and completed a week before the Titanic sank, the Arcade Mall has changed over the past century.
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