Three Rivers Greenway:
This $17 million linear park continues to move forward. Congratulations to our partners, West Columbia and Cayce on the completion of their improvements along the West bank of the Congaree. Work on the Columbia side will soon begin in phases.
Canal Front Development:
Conceptual planning has been completed and consultants and architects are working to bring this area (adjacent to EdVenture) on-line with the completion of the children’s museum. A new parking deck has been added for employees at the State Department of Revenue and the State Museum. This is a great solution to the concern for parking at EdVenture.
Main Street Streetscape:
This ambitious upfit for South Carolina’s Main Street is scheduled to begin in January 2004.
The addition of the 14-story Meridian Building reinforces the commitment to Main Street where 110 new residential units have been completed in the past two years, and more are currently being planned.
Lady Street Streetscape:
The refurbishing of Lady Street from Huger to Assembly is scheduled to get underway this
summer. This Vista improvement will bring even more investment to this popular area.
Harden Street Streetscape:
The final touches are being completed on the construction documents for this project that will improve Harden Street from Blossom to Gervais. Improved traffic flow, parking and ambiance are the goals of this important project.
North Main Street Streetscape:
This SCDOT Project (with the city’s input) should be underway in the first quarter of 2004. Dramatic improvements to the appearance of this corridor as well as improved traffic flow are the goals of this project.
Convention Center/Arena Infrastructure:
This $18 million project in support of the recently completed USC Arena and the Metropolitan Convention Center is only about half complete; to come are the improvements along Lincoln Street, in front of the Convention Center, and along Senate Street, from Assembly, will be “WOW”.
Convention Center Hotel:
The 300-room hotel to support the convention Center continues to move forward. When the land is tied down, engineering and design work will begin in earnest. A significant “public/private partnership” has been created to develop this project.
City Center Parking Improvements:
No less than five new parking structures have been planned for City Center, including the Vista and Main Street. Implementations of the Parking Plan are underway. The Canal Front and Convention Center Hotel garages will be among the first to be built, with the Main Street garage to follow.
City Center Way Finding Signage Project:
This project is nearing completion and will greatly enhance a visitor’s ability to navigate around City Center without getting lost. An important element is to identify parking and area attractions.
City Center Residential Initiative:
Our goal is to dramatically increase the number of people living in City Center — to help support more 18-24 hour activity in the heart of our city. We are currently working with planners, developers, and financial institutions to promote more residential development.
Confederate Printing Plant Redevelopment:
The 40,000 square foot historic printing plant building will soon be converted to a unique Publix grocery store that will complement residential living in City Center. The building will be restored to closely match its 1890’s façade. An additional 30,000 feet will be constructed adjacent to the historic building to accommodate the remainder of the grocery store. Construction is under way and is scheduled for completion in October 2004.
Central Midlands Transit Authority:
The successful transfer of the SCANA bus system to the Transit Authority is complete and fare, schedule and route adjustments continue to meet demand and enhance ridership.
Columbia Work Initiative Program:
The City of Columbia and the Sumter-Columbia Empowerment Zone have established a unique work-training program. The first class of 27 students has graduated, and additional classes are being planned.
City-County Planning Co-location:
The committee representing Richland County Council and Columbia City Council continue to meet to determine the future location for this facility. The selection has been narrowed to two possible sites and continued analysis is being conducted on each.
Industrial Park Expansion:
The City is working with other economic development organizations in the region on a plan to develop a technology-focused industrial “park” to attract additional investment in the region.
USC Research Campus:
The University of South Carolina has embarked on an aggressive plan to greatly enhance its ability to attract research projects to the University and the community. The University’s partnership with us in technology development is crucial to success.
Collaborative Economics Plan/Study:
The Central Carolina Economic Development Alliance (CCEDA) is leading an effort to establish a consensus on the future of economic development in the Columbia region. The process will focus on the innovation economy, regional collaboration and regional stewardship, drawing on the experience of other successful regions from across the country.
City Center Partnerships:
A Business Improvement District, the BID was established in 2002 to bring a “higher level” of service value to property and business owners within a 36-block area. The BID, just over a year old, has become a significant influence in the continued improvement of the Main Street corridor.
Columbia Metropolitan Airport:
Improvements continue at the airport with the addition of the 1850-car parking garage now under construction.
Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center
• Scheduled to open in the summer of 2004
• Offers meeting and convention planners another option in the Midlands
• State-of-the-art 21st Century building with contemporary style
• Design features red brick, linear shapes, metal canopies and clear glass
• Exhibit hall, ballroom and meeting rooms equipped with Category 6 high-speed data cable
• Ideal setting for business and social gatherings of all sizes
