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Design, art + women to know
Motherhood is a limestone sculpture honoring nurture, love, and protection at Lady + Gadsden Streets.| Photo by COLAtoday
Doors open at 6 p.m., with the panel and Q+A from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Now in its fifth year, DesignHER brings together a wide range of creatives, from branding and architecture to gardening and sign art. This year’s lineup includes:
Christina Smith-Galloway, gardener and community-based designer
Courtney Speight, creative director at BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina
Danielle Salley, freelance creative director and designer
Sally Peek, founder and handbag designer behind Nana by Sally
Jane Hearn, local sign artist for Trader Joe’s
The conversation is moderated by Gretchen Lambert, vice president of Studio 2LR. Expect a look at how these women are shaping Columbia’s visual and cultural landscape — and how their work extends across the Southeast and beyond.
Soak in riverfront views and enjoy resort-style amenities at Brookland and 4 West in West Columbia. | Photos by Kickstand Photography
Luxury living meets riverfront views in West Columbia at Brookland and 4 West apartments. Designed for comfort, style, and convenience, these apartments offer a resort-style lifestyle you won’t want to miss.
Highlights include:
Spacious, modern apartments with breathtaking river views
Resort-style amenities including a pool, fitness center, rooftop lounge and clubrooms
Close proximity to the scenic West Columbia Riverwalk
Limited-time specials for new residents
Walking distance to top restaurants, shopping, and entertainment
Under the award-winning management of Estates and Companies, these sought-after apartments blend style, convenience, and a strong sense of community. Whether you’re relaxing on your balcony or enjoying an evening out in West Columbia, Brookland and 4 West put everything you love within reach.
Now a law firm, the building near Finlay Park will once again be apartments. | Photo by COLAtoday
Development
A historic downtown Columbia apartment building could return to residential use, with plans to convert the former Marlboro Apartments on Blanding Street into six units. The proposal goes before the city’s review commission tomorrow, March 19 and could receive historic tax credits if approved. (The Post and Courier)
Sports
USC’s College of Information and Communications will publish weekly March Madness social media rankings in the Sports Business Journal. The College Sports Social Pulse measures which teams are driving national conversation during the NCAA Tournament.
Eat
Flats or drums, sauced or dry-rubbed, ranch or blue cheese — it’s officially wing season. The State is asking readers to vote for their favorite Midlands spot in its 2026 Chicken Wings Poll, featuring 21 local restaurants, with voting open through Monday, March 23.
Real Estate
A 107-home subdivision is proposed in Batesburg-Leesville after the planning commission approved construction plans for Woodlawn. The project would include mostly duplexes priced in the low $200,000s and now heads to the town Council, with construction expected to begin in about 18 months. (WLTX)
Pets
Lexington County’s spay and neuter voucher program is paused indefinitely after funding shortfalls, ending a pilot that served more than 4,700 pets since 2022. Animal Mission is seeking donations to restart the program, with about $85,000 annually needed to resume services.
Traffic
A new traffic pattern is now in place at the I-77 and U.S. 21 interchange near Blythewood, closing the existing loop ramp to I-77 southbound and adding a new signalized turn lane. Additional updates at Exit 24 aim to improve traffic flow as the area continues to grow. (WLTX)
Older Adults
New floor plans at Brookland Commons offer a first look at a thoughtfully designed approach to senior living. With flexible layouts, intentional community spaces, and a vision centered on connection and independence, this West Columbia community is redefining what the next chapter can look like. Learn more.*
Civic
Richland County is offering up to $24,500 in forgivable loans to help income-eligible residents with down payments and closing costs. Applicants must complete a workshop and live in the home for five years, with the next session set for Tuesday, April 7.
Finance
Why settle for a credit card that only offers 2% cash back when you could be earning 6%? This card is a reward-seeker’s dream, offering up to 6% cash back in categories you actually use + a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers through 2027. Learn more + apply.*
Pop open a chair and enjoy a concert on the lawn. | Photo via Koger Center for the Arts
Free concerts on the Koger Center lawn return this year with a new name and fresh lineup. The Levitt AMP Columbia Music Series brings 10 shows to the Plaza Stage from 5 to 7 p.m., with indoor backup if stormy weather rolls in.
Shows run Saturdays from April 18 through May 9, then Thursdays from September 10 through October 15.
Spring lineup
April 18 | River Shook Duo
April 25 | Sunny War
May 2 | Five OHM
May 9 | Carolyn Wonderland
Each night includes a Midlands-based opener and community programming (hi, Jasper Project). Columbia is the only South Carolina city selected for the Levitt AMP grant, bringing a new run of free, all-ages shows to downtown.
One of the best deals this spring: 60% off a lifetime subscription with Babbel. Whether you’re planning a trip, eager to connect with your community, or simply want to stretch your mind, Babbel can help you speak your desired language out loud in as little as three weeks through just 10 minutes of practice a day.
If you’re already thinking about spring markets, the Midlands Clay Arts Society Spring Sale returns Thursday, April 30 through Saturday, May 2 at Stormwater Studios. The annual sale features handmade work from local artists and a Thursday night reception.
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