A view of the historic South Carolina Railroad Depot at 740 Gervais St., future home of Sylvan’s Jewelers. | Photos via Colliers
Sylvan’s, one of Columbia’s oldest businesses, is polishing up its next chapter with a move to the Vista this fall, relocating to the corner of Gervais and Gadsden Streets.
The new 9,164-sqft space inside the former SC Railroad Depot will include a larger Rolex showroom and expanded workspace for Sylvan’s in-house jewelers and watchmakers, making the business the first announced tenant in the new Vista Depot District.
“This move reflects our unwavering commitment to extraordinary service,” said Kiley Schiffman Storrs, COO of Schiffman’s Jewelers, which acquired Sylvan’s in 1985.
Founded in 1897 by Swedish immigrant brothers Gustaf and Johannes Sylvan, the business has been a Main Street mainstay since 1905. While the showroom is relocating, Sylvan’s iconic four-sided Seth Thomas clock will remain at its longtime post at Hampton and Main Streets — recently designated a historic landmark by the City of Columbia.
Which major event led to the rebuilding of Columbia’s historic freight station at 740 Gervais St.?
A. A train derailment in the 1920s B. The Civil War fires set by Sherman’s troops C. The expansion of the Vista in the 1980s D. The closure of Union Station
Double Danger Pinball Weekend | Friday, Aug. 1-Saturday, Aug. 2 | Craft and Draft Irmo; Transmission Arcade | $5+ | Try this fun weekend of pinball competition for everyone in the whole family.
Girls Pottery Night! | 7-9 p.m. | From Dust Pottery Studio | $40 | Bring your besties and join this night of making handmade candlestick holders.
Columbia Fireflies vs. Fredericksburg Nationals | 7:05 p.m. | Segra Park | $8+ | It’s Stand Up to Cancer Night: Join the Fireflies as they raise awareness for critical cancer research and support those affected.*
Saturday, Aug. 2
Small Mart Tiny Art Market | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Richland Library Main | This art market is full of an array of artists and makers selling handcrafted goods, with nothing over 4" in size.
Jimbo Chapman | 1-4 p.m. | Steel Hands Brewing, Cayce | Free | Join the Cravin’ Melon guitarist for a night of tunes and brews, and maybe a sweet tea.
Columbia Fireflies vs. Fredericksburg Nationals | 6:05 p.m. | Segra Park | $8+ | Travel to the Wizarding World of Segra Park and join the Fireflies as they work their magic during Harry Potter Night.*
Sunday, Aug. 3
803 Day Festival | 12-5 p.m. | Doko Meadows Park, Blythewood | $0+ | The second annual event will also feature a 5K and citywide scavenger hunt — bring nonperishable foods and school supplies for donation to local nonprofits.
COMET plans to build a $39 million downtown transit hub on a seven-acre site near Taylor and Harden Streets. The new center could feature 20 bus bays, retail, rideshare access, 24/7 security, and future connections to housing or even light rail. Construction may begin in 18 months. (The Post and Courier)
Columbian
Eva Pilgrim, who grew up in Columbia and graduated from USC, will become the next host of Inside Edition. She’s the fourth anchor in the show’s nearly 40-year run and takes over Monday, Sept. 8 as the program enters its 38th season. (The State)
Ranked
Columbia’s Lula Drake Wine Parlour just landed at No. 9 on USA Today’s 10Best list of wine bars nationwide. The cozy Main Street spot was praised for its curated list, warm vibe, and namesake history.
Edu
USC students can apply for in-state tuition — saving nearly $25,000 yearly — by establishing legal residency in SC. Requirements include registering a vehicle, getting a state license, filing SC taxes, and providing over half of one’s financial support for 12 months. (The State)
Cause
Support Sistercare at two downtown fundraisers on Saturday, Aug. 9, and Saturday, Sept. 13, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Boyd Plaza. Expect yard games, raffles, and a dunk tank — $5 for three throws. All proceeds benefit victims of domestic violence.
Listen
Veteran Columbia DJ Idaho Austin is back on-air at WXRY 99.3 after a health hiatus. Starting this week, he hosts middays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring a noon “mash-up hour” that blends indie with unexpected genres. Austin’s return highlights his continued advocacy for MS awareness.
Edu
For those seeking out loan options for upcoming semester expenses, check out College Ave. They offer private education loans starting at 3.19% APR — plus a simple application process, flexible options, and highly-rated customer service.*
Job
Are you the one we’re looking for? We’re on the hunt for a sales-driven leader to help us land significant brand partnerships at a national scale as a Sales Executive. From a competitive benefits package to 401k matching, we’re a pretty amazing company to work for. Join our team and apply today.
Category
Development
⛳️ A hole new chapter
An aerial view of the 33-acre Lake Murray Golf Center property, soon to be revived under new local ownership. | Photo via DeWees Real Estate Group
A new spot to tee it up is coming to the Chapin area. The Lake Murray Golf Center has been sold, and new owners plan to revive the long-shuttered property in phases. Located on Chapin Road, the 33-acre site was sold by The Guerry Family Trust.
The buyers — CB Bros Holdings, LLC and Chapin-born Benjamin Hooker, owner of BOHO Pizza and Brew — plan to reopen the driving range and snack shack first, followed by the 9-hole par-3 course and 18-hole putt-putt. A full-service restaurant with live music and community events is also in the works.
For now, the property will retain the Lake Murray Golf Center name, with a full rebrand planned later this year.
The Buy
There are just a few days left to shop Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale. Don’t miss these five deals before they disappear on Monday, Aug. 4.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
National Farmers Market Week starts Sunday and runs through Saturday, Aug. 9. It’s the perfect excuse to stock up on SC peaches, try a seasonal recipe, or grab one of 93 in-season items — all while supporting local farmers. Browse our guide to plan your visit.
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