Exciting Changes Coming to South Main Street in Columbia!
Columbia is buzzing with anticipation as the long-awaited transformation of South Main Street is well underway! It’s been a journey nearly five years in the making, and after numerous delays and roadblocks, construction crews are finally busy at work reshaping one of downtown Columbia’s most notorious eyesores.
From Drab to Fab
If you’ve ever driven or walked down South Main, you know exactly what we’re talking about. The road between Blossom and Pendleton streets has been a sight for sore eyes, but thanks to the groundbreaking ceremony in February 2023, things are starting to change. With officials like Gov. Henry McMaster and University of South Carolina President Michael Amiridis present for the golden shovel moment, hopes are high for the future of this bustling corridor.
The Vision
The ambitious plan to revamp South Main includes dropping the road from five lanes to just two, replacing asphalt with lush green spaces, widening the sidewalks, and adding dedicated bike lanes. This overhaul is not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a friendlier, more inviting environment for residents and visitors alike.
A Tough Year for Businesses
Amidst all the excitement, however, some local businesses are feeling the pinch. Take Robbie Butt, for instance, owner of a newly opened sandwich shop at the corner of Main and Pendleton streets. Opening in February 2024—the heart of construction—brought challenges. While his shop, a part of the Sub Station II franchise, was received with applause, the overwhelming sea of orange cones and traffic barriers made it tough to attract customers.
“The kids on the other side of all that construction had no idea we were there,” Robbie admitted, reflecting on the difficulties he’s faced during his first year of business. Thankfully, catering orders have kept his spirits up as he patiently awaits the reconstruction to be completed. “I really expect my business to double or triple once cars can use the street and parking is available,” he added optimistically.
Steps Towards a Brighter Future
And it’s not just Robbie that’s feeling optimistic; across the block, other restaurant owners are joining forces to promote the area better. With plans for nicer streets, shaded sidewalks, and inviting crosswalks, it’s hard not to feel excited about the future. Matt Kennell, CEO of the Main Street District, echoes that sentiment, recalling how previous renovations revitalized their section of Main Street.
“The old Main Street wasn’t anything special, but once the streetscaping project was finished in 2010, it started to flourish, paving the way for retail and dining to thrive,” Kennell said. He advises the South Main businesses to hang tight because they’re “definitely in for much brighter days ahead.”
Mark Your Calendars: Summer 2025!
So when can we expect to see the grand unveiling of the new South Main? While early projections had the work wrapping up by late 2024, the latest word from the S.C. Department of Transportation is that the completion date has shifted to summer 2025. Patience is key as they continue to work hard to create a vibrant, people-friendly thoroughfare.
Collaborative Vision for Growth
Notably, this initiative has been closely supported by the University of South Carolina, which first requested the street study over five years ago. With their involvement in the design process, aspirations for a pedestrian-friendly area sprinkled with green spaces are now within reach. Architect Derek Gruner emphasized that South Main needed a makeover to match other attractive urban streets in the city.
Conclusion: A New Era Awaits!
As Columbia residents await the transformation of South Main Street, one thing is for sure: the anticipated changes aren’t just important for aesthetics; they’re key in shaping the community’s spirit and connection to the heart of downtown. So, grab your calendars and mark the date for summer 2025 when Columbia’s South Main Street promises to truly shine!
