How we transform Columbia’s skyline and make its future much brighter | Opinion

Growing up in Columbia, I’ve always felt this quiet belief in the city. In the people. In the culture. In the stories that echo through our streets and the history that still lives in the bricks.

But as much as I love this place, I’ve always felt like something was missing. Something simple but powerful. Something that could help Columbia feel more alive.

That something is light.

Earlier this year, I launched the Columbia City Lights Initiative. The idea is to bring programmable, color-changing lighting to buildings throughout downtown.

I want our skyline to reflect the energy, pride and spirit of Columbia. Garnet before a University of South Carolina game. Pink in October for breast cancer awareness. Red, white and blue on the Fourth of July. Green on St. Patrick’s Day. Gold for Memorial Day.

These lights wouldn’t just be for decoration.

They’d be symbols of what we care about and what brings us together. All of us.

I’m 20 years old. I’m a student at Midlands Technical College studying entrepreneurship. I run a local table tennis club called Carolina Pong. And my family has owned and operated Villa Tronco on Blanding Street for over 85 years. Soon, my brother and I will carry on that legacy. I don’t have a title next to my name. I’m not in public office or serving on any board.

But I care deeply about this city, and I believe I can help make it better.

The idea came to me one night in Charlotte. I was walking down Tryon Street there and couldn’t stop noticing how the skyline pulsed with color and life. It made the city feel unified. Like something bigger was happening. I thought to myself, why not Columbia? Why not home?

Since then, I’ve talked with Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann, who has long been a champion of lighting up the city skyline, and I’ve met with other local leaders, building owners, architects, lighting experts and designers. I’ve studied lighting initiatives in cities like Charlotte and Chicago. I’ve looked at the costs and the environmental impact. I wanted to make this idea realistic, not just idealistic.

And it’s happening.

Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union is including lighting in its new headquarters on Sumter Street, opening in 2026. The city of Columbia is adding a lit pyramid to its building at 1401 Main St., expected to be complete by the end of this year. These are just the first sparks.

The initiative is built on a public-private partnership model and designed to be collaborative and affordable. Building owners can choose to participate, and tenants and sponsors can choose to chip in.

I’ve heard the concerns about sustainability and taken them seriously. The systems will use energy-efficient LED technology and can be dimmed or turned off to reduce skyglow and protect birds during migration seasons. This isn’t just about looking good. It’s about doing good, too.

The idea isn’t to stop on Main Street. I’m also working with Derek Gruner, the university architect at USC, to light key spots on campus. I’ve had early talks with the State House Committee about updating its lighting. And thanks to the Main Street District, there will be a central lighting calendar to keep the skyline coordinated for holidays and major events.

This isn’t just about lights. It’s about what people feel when they see them. I want someone driving into Columbia at night to feel that spark of pride. I want students walking home from class, families out for dinner and visitors exploring our city to feel its heartbeat.

My goal is to begin installations in early 2026 and to see a fully lit skyline by 2030.

You don’t need a fancy title or a long resume to make an impact. You just need a goal vision and the grit to work toward it. That’s what this initiative is for me. And I hope it shows other young people that they don’t have to wait for permission to care, to build or to lead.

I want more young leaders to see Columbia as a place that’s worth their energy. A place where their ideas matter.

We’re all in this together. Whether you’re a business owner, a student, a parent, a teacher or just someone who loves this city, you have the power to shape its future. I’ve seen what happens when one idea gains momentum. And now I’m hoping this becomes a domino effect — where the first few buildings light up and then everyone wants to be part of this movement.

Let’s make Columbia shine.