7.1 Urban Growth Strategy 

In urban areas such as the historic core, and the surrounding close-in neighborhoods, the strategies focus on infill of vacant and underutilized parcels, the reuse of older and historic structures, the enhancement of cultural amenities, and the creation of new parks and open space.

7.1.1 The Columbia Historic Core

Columbia’s historic core, established in the 18th Century, lies along the Congaree River at the focus of the region’s radial transportation network. The historic grid area encompasses approximately four square miles. See Figures 7-1 and 7-2. Within this area are contained the state capitol, cultural activities, several major institutions including the University of South Carolina, and three hospitals. The goal for the historic core is to establish it as a vibrant center for the region’s commercial, institutional, entertainment and cultural activity. Toward this goal it is recommended that the city encourage strategies that help to increase and create a critical mass of residents and jobs within the historic core. This development must be augmented by commercial development geared to the regional market as well as neighborhood services, cultural and entertainment activities, and recreational opportunities. As a regional destination, the historic core offers an alternative location for projected growth. In so doing it may help lessen suburban and rural development pressures. The development strategies within the historic core include:

Infill Development. The city must encourage infill development on vacant and underutilized parcels. Every infill project is an opportunity to introduce mixed-use development that includes residential, neighborhood retail and services, destination retail, office space, cultural and entertainment activities. Of particular importance in the historic core is infill housing. 

Continue rehabilitation and maintenance of the current housing stock. Complimenting infill development should be an emphasis on rehabilitation of existing housing stock. Design guidelines should be established for use in neighborhoods within the historic core in order to maintain historic integrity during rehabilitation. On-going maintenance should be encouraged as well.

Encourage new higher density housing types where appropriate. Critical to establishing the historic core as a vibrant regional center is “densification”. Diversifying the mix of housing types beyond the single family home is important in this regard. Townhouses, apartment buildings, and second floor apartments located above commercial development are opportunities to increase density and broaden the market appeal of living in the historic core. This strategy will introduce more residents into the historic core, which will, in turn, support new commercial, cultural, and entertainment activity. This can be accomplished by re-zoning.

Reuse existing historic structures. The historic fabric within Columbia’s core is significant and many of the existing structures have been rehabilitated and reused. The Historic Museum in a former cotton mill is a good example. More opportunities remain for this type of activity. Of particular importance are those areas of the city with a critical mass of historic structures that, if redeveloped, could establish an historic district or identifiable redevelopment zone. 

Encourage cultural and entertainment uses. Theatres, museums, galleries, restaurants, sports activities, and festivals provide the mix of activities that will establish the historic core as a unique destination within the region. Within the core, it is important that these activities be focused within pedestrian-friendly settings to create identifiable places. A successful example of such a district is the Five Points area that attracts local residents, students and those who live outside the core. Existing and potential arts and culture districts should be identified. Strategic parcels should be identified and rezoned to permit these types of development.

Create a comprehensive public space system that encompasses pedestrian friendly streetscapes, parks, and open space.

A key element in the region’s emergence as a regional destination will be the creation of a “public environment” that affords safety, access to nature and recreational opportunities, and enhances the pedestrian experience within the historic core. Downtown streetscapes must compliment the variety of activities that comprise a vibrant regional center. Guidelines should be created for each core neighborhood and center to ensure that plantings, paving, street lighting, crosswalks, and signage are coordinated and contribute to the area’s image. Pedestrian linkages should be established among the various core neighborhoods. New parks should be created, existing ones maintained and perhaps expanded. 

The riverfront remains an unrealized open space opportunity. Opening the city toward the Congaree River should be a priority. Riverfront development has proven to be a boon to downtown economic development in many cities in the United States. It is recommended that a regional open space study be undertaken to identify opportunities for new open space parcels and linkages, and to explore potential implementation strategies. As part of this study linkages between core area destinations and the riverfront should be identified. 

Efforts should be made to identify the historic core as a unique area within the region. Visitors and residents should perceive the physical edges or entrances to this area and these entrances should be marked by symbolic gateways. The edges of the district should be strengthened to further enhance the uniqueness of the historic core.