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North Columbia: Crisis or Comeback?

Chapter 1: Hope

When three murders occurred in as many months at Gable Oaks apartments in North Columbia earlier this year, residents and city officials took action.

Crime — clustered around large, poorly secured apartment complexes — is the most evident and dangerous challenge to North Columbia. But it is not the only thing holding back this area of great potential.

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North Columbia: Crisis or Comeback?

Chapter 3: The search for solutions

For 15 years, North Columbia has waited for its moment. Community leaders watched as other parts of the city began to flourish. New housing in Waverly. Luxury apartments in Olympia’s old mills. Entertainment, nightlife and restaurants in the Vista. Beautification in Five Points.

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North Columbia: Crisis or Comeback?

Chapter 4: 'This is our time'

Forget attempting to typecast North Columbia, to pigeonhole it as one thing or the other, although any number of people have tried.

After city manager Charles Austin described North Columbia as a community in crisis, The State sent a team of reporters, photographers, editors and videographers into the area to chronicle life in this part of our city.

They found single mothers tired of dodging bullets and being ignored by police.

They found volunteers and advocates dedicated to helping the area grow and prosper.

They found neighborhoods of stately homes, beautiful trees and proud families.

They found streets of striking poverty.

They found business owners intent on helping lift up North Main Street.

All this is part of the fabric of the true North Columbia -- and the voices of a community.