ABOUT
Columbia Economic Development (CED)
As the leading economic development agency for the City of Columbia, our office focuses on recruitment of new business, retention and expansion of existing industry, and support of job growth through entrepreneurship and innovation.
ARTICLES THIS MONTH
1. Over $1 Billion in Investments Underway
2. WestLawn Project Breaks Ground
3. First Reliance Moves to Main Street
5. Dream Big Awards
6. American Specialty Health
7. Upcoming Events
4. Meet Main Street's Business Owners
8. Property Feature
NEW DEVELOPMENT
Over $1 Billion in Investment Underway
Since January 2020, Columbia SC has seen over $1.1 billion dollars in announced or active development activity in the City and Richland County. These projects encompass a wide variety of regional development opportunities including multifamily residential, office, retail, and industrial. 

Over $548 million in mixed-use projects have been announced or are underway, including notable projects such as The Lady (Keenan Building), The Palms at Lady, The Nine Columbia, and Cambria Hotel. These four projects alone represent $89 million in capital investment, and all are slated to open over the next year. Developer Ben Arnold whose project, The Palms at Lady is under construction said, “If it was not for the expeditious approval of the abandoned building tax credits and the willingness of the City to lease us parking in the City Garage, the development would not be possible.”

The commercial and industrial markets have performed well with over 1,700 jobs announced since the beginning of last year. BlueCross BlueShield’s expansion in their City and County facilities is projected to create around 700 new jobs with $60 million in investment. The Mark Anthony Brewing project was South Carolina’s project of the year for 2020. The project will create 300 new jobs and $400 million in investment when they open their Richland County facility in July 2021. The company will be one of the largest water/sewer utility customers for Columbia Water.

At the BullStreet District, REI Outdoors and Starbucks both opened within the past nine months, and are performing well. WestLawn, a 75,000 square foot office building, will begin construction soon and will be the future home of Robinson Gray Stepp & Laffitte law firm. The project is slated for completion in the first half of 2022. Renovations continue on the former Babcock Building despite the damage caused by last year’s fire. Phase 1 of that project is expected to open by first quarter of 2022. Babcock represents $55 million in capital investment and will offer 208 one, two, and three bedroom apartments upon completion.
Groundbreaking Ceremony Officially Launches Construction For Westlawn Project


Columbia, S. C. - A groundbreaking ceremony today officially signaled the start of construction of the BullStreet District's 79,000 sq. ft. WestLawn office building, the first mass timber office building in Columbia and largest office building of ...

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bullstreetsc.com
First Reliance is Moving into One of Columbia's Most Prominent Main Street Buildings


COLUMBIA - Long known as Bank of America Plaza, the Main Street building that punctuates the downtown Columbia skyline has a new financial headliner. First Reliance Bank is taking over the ground floor of 1901 Main St., vacated at the end of 2018 ...

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www.postandcourier.com
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Meet the Businesses of Columbia's Main Street


Tradition and tomorrow pair perfectly on Columbia's Main Street.Tradition and tomorrow pair perfectly on Columbia's Main Street. As you walk through this capital city district, you'll notice historic buildings filled with new businesses. From...

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thelocalpalate.com
Business Spotlight
American Specialty Health

The South Carolina office of American Specialty Health Incorporated (ASH), located in the heart of Columbia (in The Vista), is home to an award-winning team of technology professionals supporting ASH’s national fitness operations. The office has been named among the Best Places to Work in South Carolina for the last two consecutive years and is always keeping an eye out for software engineers, developers, and other tech specialists to join the team.
 
Though the company adapted its workforce to a work-from-home format in 2020 due to the pandemic, teams are still closely connected through multiple engagement channels, according to Columbia HR Engagement and Office Manager Elizabeth Gibbs. “We’re a tight-knit team that really loves what we do, and we’re proud to work in an organization that emphasizes a culture of health, teamwork, inclusion, development, and engagement.”
 
ASH is one of the nation’s premier independent and privately-owned specialty health organizations offering technology-enabled benefits management services, including musculoskeletal health networks and programs, fitness center networks and exercise programs, and other health management solutions for health plans, insurance carriers, employers, and others. ASH has more than 1,300 employees, with offices in Carmel (Indianapolis), IN, San Diego, CA, Fort Worth, TX, and Columbia, SC. For more information about ASH, visit www.ashcompanies.com or call 800-848-3555. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter at @ASHCompanies.
Small Business Owners Can Enter
for a Chance to Win $25,000
Dream Big Awards

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize the very best in American small business. The annual Dream Big Awards program honors the achievements of small businesses and highlights their contributions to America's economic growth.

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www.uschamber.com
UPCOMING EVENTS
Create Opportunity to host Information Sessions to Place Individuals in Tech Careers
Create Opportunity Columbia Information Session

Create Opportunity Columbia presents Columbia Information Session that identifies, trains, and places individuals from unexpected places into technology careers.

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www.eventbrite.com
Artista Vista
the Vista will host it's 29th Annual Artista Vista, April 16-18, 2021. This art-centric event is being reimagined this year to truly offer something for everyone while maintaining safety and following COVID-19 protocols. The Congaree Vista district of Columbia, SC, is an official South Carolina Arts & Cultural District.
FEATURED PROPERTY
926-950 Harden Street
The project consists of renovated historic buildings and new construction. With spaces for lease from 1200 sf to 10,000 sf located downtown in Five Points. Tenants enjoy easy, walkable access to restaurants, shopping, and the arts..