More than 100 new apartment units could be coming to downtown Columbia
A 16-story downtown building in Columbia is set to be transformed into apartments and business space.
Columbia’s Rutledge Building at 1429 Senate St., which was built in 1965, could be the next historic apartment development undertaken in the city center.
Developers hope to turn the current office building into 43 studio and 76 one-bedroom apartments, with nearly 12,000 square feet of basement office space and a bar and lounge on the first floor, according to plans submitted to the city planning department.
Local architecture firm Boudreaux Group is developing the project. The firm also designed the downtown Columbia Richland Library, the Drew Wellness Center and many other prominent buildings across the Midlands.
The project architect, David Wiesendanger, did not immediately respond to a call Monday for additional information.
At least 44 parking spaces would be off-site, at the nearby 1320 Senate St. parking lot,according to plans submitted to the city. Developers plan to add another 18 spots to the median islands on Senate Street. Another 69 parking spots already exist at the building site.
The Rutledge Building on Senate Street currently houses offices for the South Carolina Department of Education. The state has been trying to sell the building for several years.
The Boudreaux Group is also working to get the building designated on the National Register of Historic Places.
Columbia’s Planning Commission will consider the development at a meeting June 9. The project also still needs approval from the city’s design commission.
