Vista Guild up in arms over plans for self-storage facility

Plans for a multi-story self-storage facility and more at the corner of Williams and Hampton streets in the Vista have members of the Congaree Vista Guild up in arms.

The plans, which will go before the city’s Planning Commission on Monday, call for a multi-story self-storage building – no more than 50 feet tall – on a 1.86-acre parcel across Williams Street from the Canalside Lofts and near the Vista.

The Guild, a nonprofit merchants group that represents the district, sent a statement to the city declaring its stance on the proposed facility.

“The Guild feels that allowing for the construction of a climate-controlled storage facility on one of the prominent gateways into downtown Columbia does not meet the long term development goals we advocate for Columbia,” Dale Marshall, the Guilds’ Development Committee Chairman wrote.

John Fellows, a city planner, said the project is partnering with the developer of Canalside Lofts, the Beach Co. of Charleston, and wants the storage facility included as part of that site’s development plans.

Marshall said a storage facility is inconsistent with Canalside’s original design.

Ryan Hyler, vice president of development at Tomlin Interests, is listed as the applicant for the proposal to the Planning Commission.

Hyler declined to comment until at least after the commission meeting Monday.

According to an application before the city’s Planning Commission, plans for the parcel also include pedestrian sidewalks, a commercial storefront and surface parking behind the building. The buildings’ exterior will be designed for a combination of brick masonry panel and stucco with clear glass reveals to “provide life and movement to the building,” according to plans.

City planning staff has recommended approval for the plans. The venue for the Planning Commission meeting Monday has been changed to the Eau Claire Print Building at 3907 Ensor Ave. in north Columbia.

This story was originally published October 30, 2015 at 6:25 PM with the headline "Vista Guild up in arms over plans for self-storage facility."