Parking questions arise on West Columbia riverfront project

A developer’s bid to add 100 residential units to a project a block from the West Columbia riverfront has some city leaders concerned there won’t be enough parking.

Putting up to 300 apartments or condominiums between the Congaree River and State Street is “pushing it” when it comes to providing sufficient parking both for those who will live there as well as office workers and visitors to the riverfront, shops and restaurants, Mayor Joe Owens said.

“That raises some concerns about the situation,” he said.

Officials with Estates & Companies originally talked of 200 residential units in the area known locally as “The Pit,” but their latest plan could allow up to 300.

Other officials say the plan could be adjusted to make sure there is no problem.

The number of units that will be allowed cannot exceed expected traffic levels, Assistant City Administrator Brian Carter said.

City officials plan to build a garage for at least 125 vehicles to complement other spaces that would be around buildings and along roads. But the undeveloped site already is a de facto parking lot used by visitors to the riverfront, especially on the weekend, as well as those visiting nearby restaurants.

The company’s updated plan asks for a waiver of city parking standards, saying there will be adequate parking in spots shared by visitors, workers and residents who will use the garage and other spaces at different times.

City leaders pledged to build the garage to be able to continue to offer free parking for those who come to play on the riverfront.

City officials are analyzing the developer’s new proposal but haven’t yet make any recommendations.

The plan overall is “nothing out of the ordinary” when it comes to projects mixing residential and commercial uses, City Planning Director Wayne Shuler said.

It’s undetermined if residents will live in apartments, condominiums or a mix, developer Matt Mundy said.

“We’re currently vetting that,” he said.

The units will be a blend of studios, one and two-bedrooms, starting at 450 square feet, the plan said.

Plans call for the units to be in each of the four buildings planned on the four-acre site at Meeting and State streets near the Gervais Street bridge, although that could change, Mundy said.

The slope of the site assures riverfront views for all residents, Mundy promises.

The plan also features 50,000 square feet for offices and 25,000 square feet for stores and restaurants along with four mini-parks, a plaza and parking.

The proposal goes before the City Planning Commission for acceptance Monday, with a ratification vote shortly after that from City Council.

The project is a public-private partnership that some officials say will total $40 million.

It’s also a major step to fulfill decade-old dreams of revitalizing the Lexington County community’s riverfront.

The proposal appears to be “exactly what we’re looking for,” Council chairman B. J. Unthank said.

In some respects, the project is similar to a larger one planned a mile east, across the bridge in Columbia, at the site of the former Kline steel mill at Gervais and Huger streets. But it doesn’t have a hotel as the Columbia project does.

Mundy hopes to start work by Dec. 31, finishing in two years.

This story was originally published August 21, 2015 at 12:37 PM.