Washington Square is a prime location between the Columbia Museum of Art and the State House. | Photo by COLAtoday
It’s looking like the City of Columbia has found a buyer for the Washington Square property on Main Street, with plans to adapt the building into a Grand Bohemian Hotel.
City Council gave first reading this week to a contract of sale with The Kessler Collection for the Washington Square office building, adjacent parking garage, and retail at Main and Washington Streets. The proposal would bring Columbia its first four-star luxury hotel, with plans that include upscale dining, a spa, art and fine jewelry galleries, and an event space.
The City has agreed to a $2.9 million acquisition price, with redevelopment planned in phases to allow for planning, preservation of the building’s architectural character, and community benefit. “Our team was intentional in how we positioned Washington Square,” Mayor Daniel Rickenmann said.
A second reading is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 6. If approved, design and planning would begin next.
Asked
Asked
How are you ringing in the New Year?
A. Friends + drinks B.One of these NYE parties C. Couch, snacks, and TV D. Asleep before midnight
December Promotion | 6 a.m. | TBC Location, Piedmont | Free | Your good deed just made the nice list — donate blood and snag a holiday sweatshirt + $50 in TBC Rewards this weekend.*
Blythewood Family Medicine is now open inside Lexington Health’s new medical park on Red Hawk Way. The primary care practice serves children and adults, with women’s care and physical therapy coming in 2026. The practice is accepting new patients.
Film
The Nickelodeon Theatre will screen “The Grand Strand” Thursday, Jan. 15 through Thursday, Jan. 29. The SC–made film was produced by Columbia’s Local Cinema Studios and won Best Picture at the Beverly Hills Film Festival. A director Q+A is scheduled for the opening night.
Concert
The South Carolina Philharmonic and Palmetto Citizens launched a new 50% educator discount for concerts at the Koger Center. Public, private, and homeschool teachers can use code “PCTeacher2526" on eligible events.
Family
Finlay Park will host the Winter Solstice Lantern Parade on Sunday, Dec. 21 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Bring your battery-lit lanterns and join the 6:30 p.m. procession with live music from The Runout, face painting, and drinks + treats from Indah Coffee.
Arts
Vendor applications are open for the Artista Vista Live Art Mart, where artists share their creative process through live demos or visual displays. The event offers artists the chance to collaborate with other artists and connect with the public.
Shop
Bullseye Vintage Market returns to Segra Park this Sunday, Dec. 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shop for the season from vintage clothing, records, and art from local vendors at Boyce + Freed Streets. Stick around for brunch at Gather COLA or Tupelo Honey, coffee at Methodical, and Fireflies Holiday Lights.
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Want in on The Brief, COLAtoday’s new weekly business newsletter? Take a quick ~2-minute survey to help shape it — and if you’re interested in an exclusive launch partnership, email rjohnston@6amcity.com. Only five spots are available, so grab yours before they’re gone.
Shop
If you’re a Costco shopper, you know about the $1.50 hot dog. But are you in on these other 10 lesser-known hacks all Costco shoppers should know about? We’re talking deals on everything from travel to tires.*
A 2026 planner to keep track of your events, to-dos, goals, and more. We love this best-selling weekly option that includes 12 months of monthly and weekly pages for easy planning + scheduling. Or, opt for this flower-adorned daily planner with monthly tabs, metal cover protectors, and a page for expense tracking.
There’s so much development and new openings happening in The Vista that it’s hard to keep up. Yesterday, they shared a photo update for each of them to keep everyone up to date. It was a good reminder that I still need to try Manhattan Pie.
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