News Summary
In Columbia, a community effort is underway to save a historic red and tan brick house from demolition. Built in 1925, the house has only been owned by two families in the past century. With concerns over new student housing development, residents are advocating to preserve this architectural gem. Suggestions for zoning changes have emerged, but the fate of the house remains uncertain as local leaders consider broader housing issues amidst the demands of a growing student population.
Columbia Community Rallies to Save Historic House from Possible Demolition
Columbia has recently found itself embroiled in a community-driven effort to preserve a cherished piece of local history. The property in the spotlight is a stunning red and tan brick house located at 427 Harden St., built back in 1925 by the well-known architects Lafaye & Lafaye. This historic gem has only belonged to two families in the past 100 years, making it an important relic of the area’s architectural heritage.
However, excitement turned to concern when the house hit the market last October with a price tag of $969,500. Local attorney Myers Truluck raised alarms about the potential fate of the house, stating that without swift action, it could meet the wrecking ball to make space for new student housing. The house is currently outside of the Wales Garden neighborhood’s historic overlay, which adds an extra layer of vulnerability.
Neighborhood Unity Fights for Preservation
Residents from Shandon and Wales Garden quickly mobilized, rallying together in an effort to protect this invaluable piece of history. Their worries stretch beyond just the house; many fear that redevelopment would not only tarnish the neighborhood character but could also diminish home values. With the pressures of growing student populations and a booming rental market, their concerns are well-founded.
A glimmer of hope emerged when Columbia’s Planning Commission took steps to change the zoning of the property from a mixed residential district, which allows for multi-family projects, to a residential single-family designation, banning apartments. However, this zoning change is not yet a done deal, as it still awaits the green light from the Columbia City Council.
The Bigger Picture: Students and Housing Tension
Residents across Columbia are starting to take a closer look at the impact of student rentals in their neighborhoods. While rumors of new student housing developments have been circulating, formal proposals have yet to surface. Yet, the demand is palpable, given that the University of South Carolina (USC) has witnessed a remarkable increase of over 9,000 students in the last 15 years, while the available on-campus housing options have only expanded by around 2,840 beds.
As a result, more than one-third of USC students are struggling to find on-campus accommodations, escalating the quest for rentals in surrounding neighborhoods. This influx puts additional pressure on the local housing market, making it a hotbed for investors eager to flip single-family homes into lucrative student rentals.
A Call for Action on Housing Concerns
Columbia’s city leaders are becoming increasingly aware of the rising tensions surrounding development and the quality of life in central-city surroundings. Councilman Tyler Bailey has emphasized the importance of a comprehensive housing study to delve into the issues facing neighborhoods and to facilitate better decision-making as the city grows.
This study could potentially bring about the establishment of new overlay districts aimed at protecting historic properties like the one on Harden Street, while also reevaluating and improving current zoning strategies. The balance of preserving historic homes while addressing the needs of a growing student population will require thoughtful planning and community input.
With the fate of the historic house still uncertain, and the community standing united in its desire for preservation, Columbia is at a crossroads. Residents are bravely advocating for what they believe is vital to maintaining their neighborhood’s character—something that may just hang in the balance as plans unfold.
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Additional Resources
- The State
- WLTX
- WIS TV
- Cola Today
- Oregon Live
- Wikipedia: Historic Preservation
- Google Search: Columbia historic houses
- Google Scholar: Columbia historic properties
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Historic Preservation
- Google News: Columbia housing controversy
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CHAPIN STAFF WRITER The CHAPIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREchapin.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chapin, Lexington County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Chapin Christmas Parade, Fourth of July Celebration, and the Chapin Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chapin Chamber of Commerce and the Lexington School District One, plus leading businesses in retail and recreation that power the local economy such as Lake Murray Tourism and the Chapin Visitor Information. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
