The corner of Pickens Street + Gervais Street | Photo by COLAtoday
In this guide, we’re delving into the history of Columbia’s streets — specifically, how they were named.
When the original grid for the city was laid out, the north-south streets were all named after notable Revolutionary officers. The east-west streets were mostly named after important agricultural products of the state’s economy or prominent citizens of the time.
Columbia’s Boundary Streets
Elmwood Avenue – Originally named Upper Street, Elmwood Avenue was the original northern boundary of the city. It was renamed after 1872 for the adjacent Elmwood Cemetery.
North-South Streets
Main Street — Originally named Richardson Street, it was renamed “Main Street” in the 1890s as it became the primary commercial street in Columbia. Also, in 1908, it was the first street to get paved in Cola.
East-West Streets
Devine Street — Formerly spelled Divine and thought to be named after an early resident of Columbia, the spelling was changed to Devine Street in the late 1930s.
Lady Street — This street was named after Martha Custis Washington, the wife of General George Washington. She would go on to be the first First Lady in 1789.
Both sites are central to Columbia’s growth initiative, Project Catalyst, and could shape the city’s future. These coveted listings are presented by Spencer Green and Meredith Rhodes of Trinity Partners, putting developers at the forefront of Columbia’s next big chapter.
Melt Cheesesteaks, an original debut concept at Gather COLA, is joining the opening vendor lineup. Created by Coa Agaveria’s Matt Koleske, the new spot features cheesesteaks and Italian beef made with bread shipped from Philadelphia and cheese from Wisconsin.
Civic
Structural repairs on the Lady Street Parking Deck will begin in November, kicking off Columbia’s Capital Improvement Plan. The garage will close for 12 weeks during concrete restoration, security upgrades, and cleaning. Repairs to other downtown decks will follow. (WLTX)
Shop
Soda Citizens will soon have a chance to shop at the historic Tapp’s building again. The Shoppes at Tapp’s reimagines the landmark into a new space for local businesses and creatives. Sip, snack, and shop at the soft opening on Thursday, Oct. 2, at 5 p.m.*
Cause
The Hootie & the Blowfish Foundation awarded $120,000 to four nonprofits: Crosswell Home for Children, Call Me MiSTER, Charleston Jazz, and the Community Foundation of Western NC. The funds support literacy, life skills, jazz access, and flood recovery efforts across the Carolinas.
History
General admission to the South Carolina State Museum is just $1 on Sunday, the first of every month. Explore four floors of SC-focused exhibits, and for an additional cost, check out the Heroes & Villains exhibit, a planetarium show, or a 4D movie.
Try This
Picture this: You’re paddling through a romantic cypress swamp (just like in “The Notebook”), but instead of having to plan a trip to the coast, you’re just a short drive away in SC’s Olde English District. Start planning your adventure on the water.*
Shop
Celebrate the season at the Midlands Plant & Flower Festival, a free event happening Friday, Oct. 3 + Saturday, Oct. 4, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the South Carolina State Farmers Market. Shop an amazing selection of fall plants, flowers, and decor — plus fresh, local Certified SC produce.*
Tech
Moving soon? Meet MovEase — a new mobile app that helps you connect with vetted moving companies, compare quotes, and stay in touch every step of the way for moves in the Carolinas + Georgia. Find a trusted mover.*
Community
Ready to reimagine your neighborhood?Richland County hosts its Annual Planning Conference: Places, Plans, and Neighborhood Pride on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hear from nonprofit leaders and planning pros on how to shape your community’s future. Register for free.*
Community
Community
3 must-try fall experiences for older adults
Presented by Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community
Enjoy the best of fall in Columbia with accessible activities. | Photo provided by Still Hopes
As the season turns, older adults have plenty of ways to enjoy fall in the Columbia area:
A great lightweight women’s sweater. Choose your favorite color (we’re eyeing navy and burgundy) and pair this basic top with jeans for an easy outfit this fall. Bonus: Some colors are 24% off.
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.
701 CCA is hosting a roundtable discussion tonight from 7 to 8 p.m. at the gallery on Whaley Street. Moderated by Greenville artist Kevin Kao, the event features Biennial Part I artists Keith Tolen, Colleen Cannon-Karlos, and Kate Hooray Osmond. The exhibition is on view through Saturday, Oct. 5.
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