3 buildings. 3 eras. Here’s an inside look at The Lady apartments in downtown Columbia

After two years, the development project on the corner of Lady and Sumter streets in downtown Columbia is almost complete. Apartment buildings with a few retail spaces are almost ready for tenants in the former Keenan Complex, now known as “The Lady.”

The Lady apartments will combine architecture and design from the 1920s, 50s and 80s with some modern flair, according to developer Julie Tuttle with the Styx Company.

“We have a diverse mix of units here because of the fact that there are three different buildings, three different styles and a variety of floor plans,” said Tuttle. “It’s not a cookie cutter project by any stretch of the imagination.”

The Lady is made up of three buildings, all built in different eras, that will be connected to create a 109-unit building with multiple courtyards and retail spaces. One of the unique aspects of The Lady is that each distinct building is a different level, with one 10-story section, one three-story building and a six-story building.

Historic renovations to the former Keenan Complex are still underway. The complex of buildings previously housed offices, apartments or vacant space. Tuttle expects the first residents to move into the first finished section of the apartments in May.

The Lady will offer studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments starting at $1,200 per month with internet and cable included. Each unit is unique with different light fixtures, exposed concrete or brick, and various views of the State House and downtown. Tenants will have access to the Marion Street parking garage.

Two retail or restaurant spaces and a revolving pop-up shop space are available at The Lady. Tuttle hopes to attract different Soda City retailers or small businesses to operate on a rotating basis in the pop-up shop. With the growth of Main Street recently, Tuttle said there is no better time to add city housing for those wanting a “downtown lifestyle.”

“I think the timing is really right for getting more people to live downtown, and supporting businesses and having a more livable, walkable city right here on Main Street,” said Tuttle.

Tuttle’s team was behind the Inn at Claussen’s Bakery renovations in Five Points that re-imagined what was once a bakery built in 1928 into apartment homes. Claussen’s also has the “no two units are alike” motto that The Lady will follow.

Throughout the process, the developers found various unique design aspects in each of the buildings. Under a layer of green carpeting in one building, Tuttle said they uncovered 1920s mosaic tile. In another apartment unit, the outside brick wall of one of the connecting buildings was uncovered under a layer of plaster and will be kept as part of the design aesthetic.

“From the beginning, we said, ‘If it’s something that’s original, let’s try to keep it intact, or as intact as we possibly can,’” Tuttle said.