mainstreeter

Hello Norfolk I wanted to drop you guys a note about US Development and the Prioreshi's. They have forever changed the landscape of our Main Street in Columbia SC. When they came in the late 90's from NJ our downtown was a dump and people laughed at them saying "nobody will live down there". Now we have several hundred living on Main St and even more in our Vista area. They have invested a tremendous amount of money, time, and passion into our city and are very active in our city partnership and community. Congrats on saving what looks like a real cool building and gaining another developer who believes in your downtown.

vicupstate - I couldn't agree more. This would be the most significant thing to happen to Main Street Columbia and a real feather. I have heard the same rumblings that it is Mast looking to purchase the Louries Bldg.

I can't wait for it to open to check it out. Looks like a great asset for Columbia

Looks like the fire station is getting ready to gear up http://www.thestate.com/nation/story/421796.html

Rising High has paper on the windows and said it was closed for remodeling. Anyone know anything? Maybe they will make it a Congaree Grill like 5 pts one? It would be nice to have a little change.

I am a little dissapointed in the look of the apartments. I drove by them today and it looks like glorified garden apartments trying to be urban. I was also surprised it does not appear to have elevators.

From thestate.com

I heard that Wachovia is suppose to announce on April 1 some MAJOR exterior and interior renovations to 1441 Main (across from Art Museum) and making it their HQ for Cola

Why is Finlay asking what is being done about the homeless? Isn't that City Councils Job to figure out? What is he doing about it? His buddy Tomlin pretty much screwed up the centralized homeless shelter. So what, don't invest money on Main St until the homeless issue is resolved? You cannot stop economic development until all the problems go away. If you look at Main Street from 7 years ago until now - it has made tremendous strides - especially since no TIF was created to help spur growth in that area and no development corporation helping make deals happen.

comingtocolumbia - I have never seen Main Street so crowded - entertainment was great and it was great to see what Main St. can become. Hope they keep up the momentum

Man - I think everything in the Vista is starting to look the same. I would like to see some flair - but the design group at the city might not accept that I guess?

This looks like it will be a fun event. I may be out of town- but hope I can make it Urban Tour 07

Now that the lot is empty (since construction is completed at 1st citizen) on the corner of Main and Lady, what is happening with it? Anyone know? What do you guys this the best use of this empty lot is?

Rumor has it they are go to renovate and move into 1441 Main St. That is across Main Street from SCANA

I have been to the Main Street Market a couple times this year and it is a lot better than previous years. They must have had like 40+ vendors. For those of you who don't know, it is held on Fridays in the spring and fall from I believe 10am to 2pm (something like that). I talked to some lady who lives in the condos across the street and she said Main St. gets better every day. I just hope it keeps going!

YES - The new water sculpture is going up and should be done by end of June. It will look awesome!

THAT SUCKS! but that might be a good place for Sherlock Holmes if they are still looking for space on Main St

For $3.5 million it could be yours - sounds pretty high to me

hmmm they want the city to pay $6.0 million for 200+ parking spaces? That is more than 2X higher than it should cost for a parking spot. Sounds like the structural and infrastructure of the building are tied into that #. Other than that, I looks like a nice project.

Argyle Social Club has some new things up on their website. It looks like it will be really unique... too bad it is so expensive to join. I wish I had an extra $10K burning a hole in my pocket... oh well... I am sure the people who have the money will enjoy it and I will just look through the window

Might be better said as perception of safety. He did mention city not replacing burn out lights and not enough lights on Main St.

How much longer? How much longer will it take for Main St area to catch on? The Nick is suppose to be opening next to Louries (Old Fox) Sherlock Holmes Pub opening again Bethel AME Church being converted to performing arts center Argyle Social Club New Botique Hotel - Sheraton New Condos and Apt. New Gourmet Deli Coming Completion of streetscape this year. Is this FINALLY the year for Main? HOPE SO I actually had a conversation with a guy at Capitol Places and you could tell that he is frustrated on how quick Main St has progressed. He did not blame or say anything bad about the city, but I got the feeling he was dissapointed on how Main St has been neglected by the city on safety issues (lights) and ecomonic development.

AMEN. I been saying the same thing. The city has completely ignored the area and it is a disgrace. For Main St to succeed, they city will need to make a commitment with incentives, TIF, or some sort of financial package to improve the area. There has been substantial private investment with housing and new class a office space but it still has not made the difference many of us had hoped. TIME FOR THE CITY TO MAKE THE DIFFERENCE

I ate at the new Chinese restaurant on Taylor St between Main and Sumter. It was actually clean and the food was awesome. Note that it is your traditional buffet type Chinese. So if you don't like that type you may not enjoy it as much as myself. Open at night too! yippie