The new renovation and development will turn a parking lot into a walkable district. | Rendering by Studio 2LR
A new mixed-use development will soon be underway in the Vista in the former Whit-Ash Furnishings location, just a few blocks from the State House.
Developers announced Seaboard Vista, a project that will restore four buildings and create a walkable district of restaurants, retail, offices, and loft apartments. The project’s name is a nod to the Seaboard Air Line Railroad that helped shape the area by regularly bringing travelers through to shop and dine.
Construction will begin soon to revitalize this area of the Vista. | Photo by COLAtoday
The rundown:
Four historic buildings (1900–1918) restored, totaling ~48,000 sqft
New dining, retail, loft apartments, and creative offices
Public courtyard anchored by a restored vintage Seaboard caboose
Reopened pedestrian alleyways connecting Gervais + Lady Streets
Project design by Studio 2LR and built by Mashburn Construction
Meeting Street Artisan Markets - Holiday Edition | Saturday, Dec. 6, Saturday, Dec. 13, Saturday, Dec. 20 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Interactive Art Park, West Columbia | Free | Celebrate the season, find the perfect holiday gifts, and support local artisans at the Meeting Street Artisan Holiday Market, a can’t-miss event for the whole family.*
Six locations. Short waits. Care you can count on. | Photo provided by Lexington Health
Cold and flu season has officially arrived, and when symptoms strike, Lexington Health Urgent Care is ready to help. With six locations open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Chapin), patients can walk in for quick treatment — no appointment required.
At Lexington Health Urgent Care, board-certified emergency medicine and family medicine physicians, along with advanced practice providers, treat everything from sore throats and fevers to sprains, strains, and minor injuries.
Each location offers on-site imaging, X-rays, and basic lab services, allowing providers to diagnose issues faster and help people feel better sooner.
$120,000. That’s the multi-year matching grant awarded to the Koger Center by the Levitt Foundation to present the Levitt AMP Columbia Music Series. Through 2028, the Plaza Stage will host 30 free outdoor concerts.
Holiday
SC State Parks will offer free admission on Friday, Nov. 28, for Black Friday as part of the #OptOutsideSC initiative. If you want to take a little road trip, free historic home tours at Rose Hill, Redcliffe, and Hampton Plantations are available by reservation.
Civic
Columbia voters elected Sam Johnson and Peter Brown in Tuesday’s runoff. Johnson unseated At-large Councilwoman Aditi Bussells with 55.7% of the vote, while Brown retained his District 4 seat with 54.35%. (WLTX)
Seasonal
The countdown to the 39th Annual Holiday Market is on. Hosted by the Junior League of Columbia, this four-day event features exclusive vendors, the glamorous Holiday Ball, and family fun at Sundaes with Santa. Plus, every ticket supports children and families across the Midlands.*
The Word
Contribution: a gift or payment to a common fund or collection. Your contribution to our giving campaign supports more than Editor David and COLAtoday — it supports our colleagues in other cities, our account managers, and everyone who helps keep this newsletter coming to your inbox each morning. If you support our hardworking team, donate.
Traffic
I-126 West to I-26 East ramps, including the Colonial Life Blvd ramp, will close nightly from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. from Sunday, Nov. 23 through Wednesday, Nov. 26, for maintenance. Detours will be posted, and be sure to slow down near the work zone.
Shop
After more than 24 years in the same location, Ed’s Editions is relocating next door and offering 20% off storewide through November. The bookstore will remain open through December and reopen Jan. 15 in the new space.
Travel
Traveling to Greenville? Consider Endeavor Workspaces your office away from home. Conveniently located downtown, their bright, spacious workspaces are perfect for boosting productivity. Whether you’re working a full day or need a meeting roomto connect with clients, Endeavor makes it easy to do both. Reserve your spot.*
Are you taking advantage of all the savings opportunities for adults ages 50+? This list of tips can support your continued saving and help build additional wealth.*
Editor’s Pick
What’s next for Devine Street?
Parking on the busy Devine Street is notoriously challenging at times. | Photo by COLAtoday
Dodging parked cars and pulling up on the sidewalk to park might become a thing of the past on Devine Street. SCDOT is evaluating potential improvements between Harden Street and Millwood Avenue.
Proposed changes include:
New lane configurations
Parking updates
Better bike and pedestrian access
Improved lighting
But SCDOT isn’t going to do all of this without your input. A public information meeting will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 2, from 5 to 7 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church with a presentation at 6 p.m. Public comments will be open through Friday, Dec. 19.
The Buy
It’s go time. Amazon’s Black Friday Week kicks off today as one of the best sales of the year. New deals drop daily, and these are today’s top five you don’t want to miss:
🚪 Boost home security with Blink’s popular video doorbell that’s under $30 for a limited time.
🧦 Replenish your sock drawer with 50% off these 4.5-star rated mini crew socks.
🔌 Achieve better home connectivity with Amazon’s top-rated smart plug for just $12.99.
👖 Upgrade your closet with a pair of Levi’s wide leg jeans for under $45.
🥩 Get dinner on the table faster with 40% off Cuisinart’s rapid defrosting tray.
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 annual Tiger Burn ahead of the Carolina vs. Clemson football game is a tradition here in Columbia, but I’ve never seen this before. Students were hammering away at a Clemson-themed car parked in front of Swearingen Engineering Center on Wednesday. Looking at the records of both teams this year, I’m sure there’s some frustration to take out.