Bonus: Some parking spaces in the new parking deck may be open to the public on specific days + times. | Rendering via Core Spaces and Dwell Design Studio, submitted to the City of Columbia.
Last week, we wrote about the new 26-story and 22-story towers set to change Columbia’s skyline and house apartments for both residents + students. We wanted to know your take on the scale, design, and location. Today, we’re sharing your feedback.
Out of almost 200 responses from our readers, ~48% of folks voted not in favor of the development, while ~39% voted for either “I like it” or “I only like parts of it.” Here’s what you said:
“I don’t like it.”
By far, the most common complaint was — can you guess it? — student housing.
“I don’t like that downtown is being overrun with student apartment complexes.” — Nick K.
“I like it.”
The main sentiment around why folks voted for “I like it” was because they see it as a sign of progress and a way for Columbia to stay relevant.
“Columbia is our capital city, and is far behind on development. It’s a Big change, but it’s time for Columbia to compete with Greenville.” — Brian D.
Astronomy on Tap at Columbia | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Bierkeller Brewing Company | Free | Learn from expert physicists and astrophysicists from USC while sipping on some German craft brews.
Columbia Fireflies vs. Fayetteville Woodpeckers | 7:05 p.m. | Segra Park | $8+ | CVETS Dog Days of Summer: Treat your furry friend to a night out at Segra Park and enjoy $5 White Claws on White Claw Wednesday.*
Thursday, May 29
Lexington BlowFish Blood Drive | 12 p.m. | Lexington County Baseball Stadium, Lexington | Free | Step up to the plate to donate blood and earn $40 in TBC rewards.*
Kitchen Garden Starters | 5-7 p.m. | Blossom Plant and Produce | $20 | Learn more about plants and bring home three starters for your own kitchen garden.
Friday, May 30
May - Last Call Networking | 4-6 p.m. | Hazelwood Brewery, Lexington | Free | Bring your business cards, enjoy a relaxed, pet-friendly atmosphere, and build real connections with local professionals.
Saturday, May 31
EdVenture’s Kickoff to Summer | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | EdVenture | Free | Enjoy a fun-filled day packed with hands-on activities, giveaways, and more to welcome the sunny season.*
Reggaetronic Presents Lake Murray Palooza Music Festival | Saturday, May 31, Sunday, June 1 | 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m. | Jim Spence Islands, Lexington | $28 | Listen to bands all over the US play while enjoying some fun in the sun.
How SC Ports is creating new jobs beyond the coast
Presented by South Carolina Ports
Fun fact: At 52 feet, Charleston Harbor is now the deepest harbor on the East Coast. | Photos provided by South Carolina Ports
South Carolina Ports isn’t just moving cargo — it’s driving our entire state forward, creating billions in economic impact and hundreds of thousands of high-paying jobs.
Each year, SC Ports pumps $87 billion into our state’s economy, including $22.3 billion right here in the Midlands. Plus, the port system supports 1 in 9 jobs across South Carolina.
As the No. 8 container port in the country, SC Ports makes our state a magnet for businesses looking to invest and grow, creating even more opportunities for South Carolinians.
Or, as SC Ports CEO Barbara Melvin says, “We’re a port for the entire state, and you can see that impact in every region with new investment and high-paying jobs.”
Something Special Florist, located on Main Street, will close its doors on Saturday, June 28, after being in business for 40 years. The owners shared the news on its socials and mentioned continuing to offer services on a limited basis.
Arts
Calling all Indie movie lovers — the first Babylon Fest, a two-day community-driven underground Indie movie event, will take place on Friday + Saturday, June 6-7. Tickets are $15 a day. Check out the lineup of festival films.
Trending
Beyoncé performed “Boots on the Ground” — a song created by SC-native, 803 Fresh (aka Douglas Furtick) — on her Cowboy Carter tour. Learn the line dance at home and create your own viral moment on TikTok.
Seasonal
Thinking about heading to Lake Murray Public Park? You’ll now need to make a reservation. Reservations can be made up to three weeks in advance, and day passes are $5 per vehicle.
Sports
Six storylines to follow this year. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Fun Fact
You can co-own a movie studio. Add Hollywood to your portfolio + join 50,000+ investors including Morgan Freeman with Legion M, the world’s first fan-owned movie studio.†‡*
The Buy
This digital measuring spoon. Perfect for baking or any time you need a precise measurement, it features a battery-operated scale with multi-unit measuring.
Let me take Monday’s mental load planning off your plate — The SC State Museum is now open on Mondays all summer long. Until the beginning of September, browse four floors of exhibition galleries, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. If I were you, I’d make plans to go see the new “Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume” exhibition.
‡This is a paid advertisement for Legion M’s Regulation CF Offering. Please read the offering circular at invest.legionm.com.
Answered
Answered
Most South Carolinians know the Carolina Wren is the state bird — but do you know our official State Wild Game Bird?
Speaking of reader feedback, almost 700 of you participated in our Wild Game Bird quiz — and y’all are some wise owls. 63% of you got the answer correct. So this quiz wasn’t too hard, eh? Try another one below.
}})
