Columbia Transforms Office Space into Cozy Apartments
Columbia is buzzing with exciting news as another downtown office building is set to make a big leap into the world of residential living. Located at 1303 Blanding Street, this charming “Charlestonian-style” office has caught the eye of many, and now it’s officially on the path to becoming cozy apartments. City permits have confirmed what many in the area have suspected for a while now.
A Bright Future Ahead
The five-story building, covering a substantial 12,000 square feet, has been working behind the scenes to secure approvals for its transformation. The latest update indicates that nearly $800,000 has been greenlit for the necessary improvements such as electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems. These renovations kickstart what will ultimately result in seven brand-new apartments.
It’s hard to miss this particular building; its elegant multilevel porches are reminiscent of those classic historic homes that Charleston is known for, making it a standout in its location right at the corner of Blanding and Sumter streets. And let’s not forget its proximity to Prisma Health Baptist Hospital — a prime location for potential tenants.
Office to Home Transition
For many, converting an entire office into five residential apartments may seem like a challenge, but 1303 Blanding seems perfectly suited for such a transformation. Each floor was previously equipped with between 1,000 to 2,500 square feet of office space, which means that all of that available square footage can now be repurposed into living areas that are both functional and inviting.
Speaking of tenants, it seems that the building has had its share of ups and downs. Previous tenants, including local law firm Whetstone Perkins & Fulda, were displaced due to interior flooding issues back in winter 2022. Their office, which occupied space in the building, moved out in early 2023 for a new location on Gervais Street. As they searched for a new home, plenty of questions hovered regarding the future of their former address.
The Bigger Picture
Now, even with Columbia’s office market taking a slower but more resilient approach since the COVID-19 pandemic, the trend of converting offices into living spaces is catching on. Real estate professionals are noting an increasing demand for both student and multifamily housing. Mary Teaster from Colliers International pointed out that while office buildings can be a bit tricky to convert, 1303 Blanding’s features and its appealing location make it a particularly attractive candidate.
Columbia is not alone in this shift. Buildings like The Hub and The Barringer Building, both on Main Street, have undergone similar transformations, showing that this trend is gaining momentum across the city. In fact, making these transitions creates a more vibrant community through a mix of properties catering to diverse lifestyles.
A Bright Outlook for the City
As construction progresses, many are optimistic about the positive impact these new apartments will have on Columbia’s downtown area. It’s encouraging to see how an old office can be reimagined and repurposed to meet the community’s evolving needs. With every new residence sprouting up, Columbia continues to grow as an attractive place to live, work, and thrive.
So, whether you are a current resident, a future tenant, or just a curious observer, keep your eyes peeled for more updates as 1303 Blanding Street takes this exciting step into the future of residential living!
