A new $80 million mixed-use development is moving forward in the Vista, bringing housing and retail to a corner one block from the State House, which is currently home to Republic Biergarten, Monterrey Mexican Restaurant, and Five Guys.
Richland County Council and the City of Columbia have approved incentives for Subtext to redevelop the site at the corner of Senate and Park Streets into LOCAL Columbia, a seven-story project designed for young professionals. The St. Louis-based developer is already building VERVE Columbia at Huger + Blossom.
The new apartments will be geared towards young professionals. | Photo by COLAtoday
The rundown:
$80 million mixed-use development in the Vista
Seven-story building with 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments
2,500 sqft of ground-floor retail and commercial space
Two-story parking structure with 185 spaces
New sidewalks, lighting, and landscaping
Expected to generate hundreds of construction jobs + 12 permanent jobs
The Shoppes at Tapp’s will officially cut the ribbon today, Thursday, Dec. 11, at 4 p.m., followed by a Holiday Market from 6 to 9 p.m. Located in the historic Tapp’s building on Main Street, the new business features local artists, retailers, and creators.
Open
Recently, we shared that IceCream Taco in West Columbia was closing, but it will stay open under new ownership. Free Times sharedthe scoop that Amber and Ryan Mullins will take over the taco-and-ice-cream spot.
Biz
Hoffman & Hoffman, a commercial HVAC equipment and services provider, is expanding in Lexington County with an $8.5 million investment that will create 60 jobs. The company will consolidate its local offices into a new facility in West Columbia by mid-2026.
Talk
Former Vice President Kamala Harris will stop at the Township Auditorium on Wednesday, Feb. 5, for “A Conversation with Kamala Harris,” in partnership with All Good Books. The event supports her upcoming book, “107 Days,” chronicling her 2024 presidential campaign. Tickets go on sale tomorrow, Dec. 12 at 10 a.m.
Festival
Tickets are now on sale for the 16th Mardi Gras Columbia Festival, happening Saturday, Feb. 14, from 12 to 7 p.m. at City Roots. The $10 event (free for kids under 12) features a morning parade, 15 bands, more than 20 food vendors, and local brews.
Transit
Pro tip: The BullStreet District offers two free hours of parking in its three garages when you use the Passport app. The Sabal Street, Freed Street, and Bennet at BullStreet garages are located near Gather COLA and Segra Park.
Home
Say goodbye to ladders and wet leaves when you elevate your home’s safety + value with a lasting gutter guard solution. Over 410,000 happy homeowners have already made the switch. Discover how it works and access direct local pricing.*
Finance
If you’re paying interest on credit card debt, take this as your sign to stop. Instead,get this leading card for 18 months of 0% interest on a balance transfer. You’ll even earn cash back perks on additional purchases. Stop stressing about debt — apply now.*
Read
Be the smartest person in the room by reading 1440, where 4.5 million Americans find their daily, fact-based news fix. It’s free to subscribe.*
Category
Edu
Become a music biz pro
Go from the classroom to the studio in this hands on music industry course. | Photo provided by Midlands Audio Institute
Looking to get your foot in the door of the music industry, or know someone who is? Registration is open for Midlands Audio Institute’s spring Audio Engineering Certificate, taught through Midlands Technical College and led by the team at the Jam Room Recording Studio.
The course covers the essentials of live sound, studio recording, digital music production, and music business. Students will learn skills that can lead to work in venues, studios, or as a freelance audio professional. The program can be finished in about six months.
Over the school’s 20 years, more than 1,000 students have completed MAI courses. Interested in the spring session or know someone who is? Registration is available online through Wednesday, Jan. 7, or you can call 803-782-6910 to learn more and register.
The Buy
A super powerful mini massage gun. It weighs less than a pound, making it the perfect recovery accessory for when you’re on the go.
Heading to the NOMA Cookie Crawl on Saturday? Be sure to grab a branded cookie tin to collect cookies at each stop. They’re $20 if you buy ahead of time at Carolina Kernels or $30 on Saturday while supplies last.
}})
