Work on West Columbia riverfront project set to start by end of year

Work is set to start soon on a signature redevelopment project on the West Columbia riverfront after City Council signed off on final aspects of the plan Tuesday.

“It puts us a lot closer (to starting),” developer Matt Mundy said after seven months of settling details with city leaders. “We’re rounding third and heading to home.”

The $40 million project overlooking the Congaree River will be home for up to 235 apartments and condominiums, stores, restaurants and offices in four multi-story buildings set amid small parks and plazas.

City leaders hope it spurs more redevelopment after acquiring eight parcels a decade ago for $3 million, reserving the site for a centerpiece.

Nearby homeowners say too much will be put on the 4-acre site at State and Meeting streets near the Gervais Street bridge, known locally as “the pit” for its slope.

It will create traffic problems in the adjoining Mill Village neighborhood, homeowners say.

Councilman Tem Miles, the sole council member opposed, predicted “some hiccups and bumps” as the project is built over four years, particularly with parking.

“That’s going to be the main issue regardless if what goes there is something big or something small,” he said. “The city is going to have to find a way to solve it.”

The project will include free parking for those headed to the Riverwalk for concerts, walking, jogging and wading.

About 125 of 400 parking spaces will be reserved for public use, City Administrator Brian Carter said.

The deal includes an agreement for Mundy to chip in for the parks and plaza should the cost exceed the $5 million city leaders set aside for those features, Carter said.

Mundy was given flexibility to put in up to 50 fewer residences if demand for office and retail space is stronger than expected.

Projects by his firm, Estates & Companies, include transformation of the Whitney Hotel in Columbia into apartments, 42 Magnolia apartments in Forest Acres and Arcadia’s Edge apartments in Arcadia Lakes.

Mundy calls the riverfront project a flagship for his company, which will move its headquarters there.