Five Points Exxon station sold

Another change is on tap for Five Points.

The Five Points Exxon station — long a staple in the urban village near the University of South Carolina — has been sold.

Owner Riley L. “Skebo” Newman confirmed to The State on Wednesday that he has sold the business, but he said he couldn’t comment further at that time.

Five Points Association executive director Amy Beth Franks said she didn’t know the particulars of the sale. But she said the Newman family has operated the station there since the 1970s.

Franks added that she hopes any new project would use the existing gas station and and protect the integrity of the unique triangular lot across the street from the Five Points Fountain.

“While I hate to see a long-time family business like Newman’s Exxon go, ideally I’d like to see the integrity of the gas stations’ architecture remain, while taking advantage of the opportunity to bring a locally owed and unique restaurant or retailer into our village,” she said.

The sale will be another change in the evolving entertainment and shopping district:

▪  The old Master Cleaner building at 1908 Blossom St. has been razed, perhaps for a restaurant, sources said.

▪  The longtime Rite Aid drug store at 818 Hardin St. closed earlier this year and is for lease.

▪  Former Columbia resident and New York chef Sarah Simmons is opening Rise Gourmet Goods and Bake Shop at 926 Harden St.

▪  Longtime dining staple Garibaldi’s closed recently at 2013 Greene St. and will be replaced by Publico Kitchen & Tap – featuring craft beers and fusion dining.

“I’m beyond ecstatic to welcome all of these new businesses to our village and can’t wait to see how they flourish,” Franks said.

This story was originally published September 30, 2015 at 2:29 PM with the headline "Five Points Exxon station sold."