Renderings show the newly proposed building across from Food Lion in Five Points. | Renderings by Studio 2LR
There’s a plan in the works to fill in a familiar stretch of Five Points. A California developer proposed a 6,800-sqft strip of three storefronts on Harden Street, between Flying Biscuit Café and Waffle House. The area is currently a parking lot and an empty building that was formerly Rise Gourmet Bakeshop — one of my favorite breakfast spots while it was open.
The single-story project would bring new retail space, patio seating, and streetscaping along Harden Street. City planning staff say the design meets Five Points’ guidelines and suggested adding a mural along the alley — imagine something like the “Alley Way” mural on State Street in West Columbia.
The Design/Development Review Commission will review the project this afternoon. If approved, it would continue the trend of retail and restaurants in Five Points.
No. 2 — that’s where South Carolina Women’s Basketball opens the season in the AP Top 25, just behind defending champ UConn. The ranking matches last year’s finish. A tip-off event is set for Tuesday, Oct. 21 at Colonial Life Arena from 7 to 9 p.m.
Sports
Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, when the Gamecocks host Alabama at Williams-Brice Stadium. The game will air nationally on ABC. Alabama leads the series 14-3; USC’s last win came in Columbia in 2010.
Development
The Columbia Museum of Art will reopen all 20 collection galleries on Friday, Jan. 16, during its CMA Gala, marking the end of a yearlong lighting renovation for its 75th anniversary. The project updates the 1998 lighting and reimagines how the collection is displayed.
Concert
The Betsy Blackmon Dance Company will present its Fall Concert Wednesday, Nov. 6, through Thursday, Nov. 7, at 7:30 p.m. at the Koger Center. The lineup includes works by Joffrey Ballet artists and the choreographic debut of Kathryn Morgan, a former NYC Ballet soloist turned dance wellness advocate.
Cause
The Honor the Dream Food Drive is underway through Friday, Nov. 14, supporting Harvest Hope Food Bank. Organized by the City of Columbia, Richland One, and the MLK Jr. Foundation, donations can be dropped off at more than 20 city sites. (WLTX)
Arts
A traveling art installation for survivors of violence will visit Boyd Plaza on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., during Soda City Market. Created by artist Wendelin Russell, “Sacred Space” invites reflection, healing, and ribbon writing.
Biz
Thanks to your nominations, the spotlight is on some truly amazing local businesses. We’re now gearing up for the voting phase of COLAtoday’s Best — sorting, organizing, and making sure everything’s ready to go. Mark your calendar: Voting opens Oct. 20.
Featured Home
Escape to Little River Retreat — 459± acres in Winnsboro, SC, just 35 minutes from Columbia. Nearly a mile of river frontage, thriving loblolly pine, abundant wildlife, and scenic trails make it the perfect blend of recreation, investment, and natural beauty. Discover your private retreat.*
Health
Discover the life-changingHorizon IX hearing aid, praised by audiologists nationwide. It adapts and enhances conversations in real time, prioritizing speech clarity for a distraction-free experience. It’s easy to use and seamlessly fits into your daily routine. Unlock the clarity you’ve been missing with a no-risk trial.*
Biz
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Event Spotlight
Richland Library...at night
The Maker Spaces are open to explore and craft. | Photo by Richland Library
The lights will stay on a little later at Richland Library Main this Friday, Oct. 17 from 7 to 11 p.m. for Overdue — an after-hours night of music, art, and hands-on creativity just for grown-ups.
Make something new with spooky printmaking, paint-by-numbers murals, and zine-making, or step inside the Synth Garden for immersive tech art. For this edition of Overdue, live music will take place in the Main Theater with sets from Milah, CUBS, and Dem Boyz Good, plus food and drinks from Curiosity Coffee Bar.
Admission is free for guests 18+.
The Buy
An ultrasonic jewelry cleaner with cleaning solution. It features high frequency technology + multiple settings to remove dirt and grease from your jewelry, glasses, watches, and more — all for under $50.
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.
The City of Columbia added another day of fun in the park to the opening weekend of Finlay Park on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 15–16. Day Two Fest will be free and feature gospel groups The Mickens and The C.B. Jackson Singers, plus funk, bluegrass, folk, and DJ sets throughout the day.
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