FIVE POINTS DEVELOPMENT PLAN
WELCOME MAYOR STEPHEN K. BENJAMIN
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Welcome! We are open for business and are here to help you whether you are new to Columbia or have an existing business in our great City. Columbia has one of the strongest entrepreneurial success rates in the nation because of the low cost of living, abundance of resources and qualified workforces. We are the most racially diverse city in our state with an international presence with over 90 languages spoken so when we say welcome we say welcome to all people from all nationalities and backgrounds.
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CITY MANAGER TERESA WILSON
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If you are already a part of our business community, thank you. If you are considering relocating your business or starting up a business in Columbia, please do. You will not be disappointed. We have a vibrant city with a thriving cultural scene, a diverse network of neighborhoods, walkable districts, historic charm and an abundance of outdoor recreation. The Five Points district is one of our business districts and we want to invite you to consider your next opportunity in this eclectic village.
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CONTENT O5
FIVE POINTS
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OPPORTUNITIES
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“Columbia’s Original Village Neighborhood.” Find out why this funky eclectic business district filled with charm is right for your business.
Let us help you locate, launch, or expand your business. We are here to help!
COLUMBIA Looking to build and grow in Columbia, SC? Find out why we’re the Real Southern Hot Spot! Five Points Mural: Mural overlooks the original fountain plaza and the public parking at the corner of Harden and Saluda Streets.
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FIVE POINTS Considered to be Columbia’s “Original Village Neighborhood,” Five Points carries a charm and quirkiness that you will not forget. Browse boutiques, go way back with vinyl, and find your new favorite craft beer – you’ll see why Five Points has been the hangout spot for more than 100 years. The village is named for the intersection of Harden Street, Devine Street, Santee and Saluda Avenues which see a daily traffic count upward of 28,000. The neighborhood is home to where Hootie and the Blowfish first started and hosts one of the Southeast’s largest St. Patrick’s Day festivals, with crowds as large as 45,000 people. Five Points buzzes daily with foot traffic from business professionals enjoying hand crafted coffee and open air lunches. Students from neighboring University of South Carolina, Benedict College, Allen University and residents from seven neighborhoods surrounding the village enjoy shopping, unique galleries and abundant nightlife that appeals to all ages.
JerryFest: Each year Five Points hosts the JerryFest to celebrate the life and art of Jerry Garcia.
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TARGET INDUSTRY RETAIL
Five Points is a distinctive shopping village complete with an eclectic collection of boutique clothiers such as 2G’s and Revente. Feel free to peruse a wide variety of unique food offerings at Gourmet Shop or head next door to Sunrise Artisan Bath and Body for handmade soaps and fragrances. You can step right up the street to Papa Jazz to pick up some classic vinyl records then hop over to Cola Kicks to pick up a fresh new of shoes.
DINING
Cure your craving in Five Points, the district that has it all. Start your day off with a jolt at local coffee shop Drip, but save room for lunch with excellent Southern fare offerings from Southern Belly or Home Team BBQ. Sandwich aficionados can get their fill at local institutions like Groucho’s or Andy’s Deli. Dining variety excels in the evenings, so get things rolling with some flavorful bistro inspired offerings at Goat’s. Casual diners can opt for a craft burger at Pawley’s Front Porch, or take it to the nines for fine dining at Saluda’s.
SERVICES
If you’re looking to live (and feel) your best life, Five Points has you covered. Fitness services such as City Yoga, Pure Barre, Fit Columbia, and The Movement Studio all cater to those looking to live a more active lifestyle. When you’re done, its just a quick trip to Bombshell Beauty Studio or Southern Gentleman’s Barbering Co. to make sure you’ll be looking as sharp as you feel.
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HOTEL DEVELOPMENT
Five Points one of Columbia’s most popular business districts featuring a unique and charming mix of businesses, and the perfect opportunity for a boutique hotel development. The diverse mix of shopping, dining, services, entertainment, and nightlife make the area a popular destination all year-round. The district is situated between Downtown Columbia, the University of South Carolina, and the Devine Street corridor and is surrounded residential neighborhoods on all sides. Iconic festivals and events such as St. Pat’s in Five Points and the Columbia Food & Wine Festival are always well attended and draw large crowds from all across the Midlands. Continued parking and pedestrian improvements to the shopping district continue to enhance the safety and attractiveness of the corridor.
MULTIFAMILY RESIDENTIAL /MIXED USE
As Columbia’s original village neighborhood, Five Points is easily accessible due to its close proximity to the University of South Carolina and seven densely populate downtown neighborhoods. While the district itself is rooted in retail, there are several opportunities to grow housing capacity in the area through the development of multifamily residential and mixed use projects. The dearth of local, homegrown shopping and dining options combined with local artists and numerous entertainment options makes the area an ideal location for those who truly want to experience a walkable “live, work, and play” environment.
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LEE STREET
Existing Businesses: Aerial shot of the existing businesses in five points.
DEVINE STREET
2221 Devine Street: Existing Diagram
2221 Devine Street:
Existing Conditions - 5 Points Development
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FIVE POINTS - BY THE NUMBERS The Five Points District has everything you need. Since 1915, the neighborhood has proudly met the needs of our city by providing unique shopping and dining experiences for citizens and visitors alike. The area is rich in history, with iconic buildings filled with unique businesses and new startups. Southern hospitality remains abundant with award winning restaurants to independent shops and boutiques. The district is surrounded by seven neighborhoods and three institutions of higher education.
38K
$75K
38K Housing units within 3 miles of village*
$75K Average Household Income within 5 minutes of village*
65K 65K Daytime population within 5 minutes of village*
*ESRI- 2019
38K
38K Number of students with in 1 mile of the village
$336K
25K
$336K Median home value with in 1 mile of the village*
25K Average daily traffic count in the core of the village*
141
45K
141 total number of businesses located in the village
45K Number of people who attend St. Pat’s in Five Points
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FIND YOUR NEXT OPPORTUNITY
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Dining & Entertainment Retail & Shopping
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Services Residential
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Parking
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Available Properties
AVAILABLE PROPERTIES
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631 Harden Street, Suite H 631 Harden Street, Suite G 926-950 Harden Street 800 Harden Street 734 Harden Street 724 Harden Street 711 Harden Street 707 Harden Street 622 Harden Street 2015 Greene Street 2002 Greene Street, Suite H
806 Pavillion Avenue 732 Saluda Avenue 730 Santee Avenue 724 Santee Avenue 718 Santee Avenue 718 Santee Avenue 2123 College Street 1940 Blossom Street 1922 Blossom Street 1920 Blossom Street
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A A A A A A A
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P
A A
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OPPORTUNITIES In Fall of 2019, business, neighborhood, and city leaders began discussions on a comprehensive plan aimed at providing professional assistance to the district while addressing challenges pertaining to parking, zoning, sewer expansion fees, and grease trap requirements. Beginning on February 1, 2020 the Five Points Development Plan was implemented for a duration of 36 months for new investment projects. The plan is time-limited to encourage immediate action and is subject to funding availability as determined by Columbia City Council. Five Points was selected as a pilot for the program as the business density of the area makes it an ideal location to maximize the collective impact of the City programs.
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PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE
The Columbia Economic Development office is avaliable to show you great available spaces to meet your relocation or expansion needs. We will also provide direct assistance in getting necessary approvals to ensure a smooth and successful grand opening. Available services to businesses include: • Coordination of site and building construction permit review/ issuance (Development Center) • Recruitment and retention of businesses (Columbia Economic Development (CED) and Office of Business Opportunities (OBO)) • Small business capacity building, technical assistance, and lending (OBO) • Problem resolution of projects on an ad-hoc basis (CED)
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PERMITTING PROCESS
SALUDA’S Upscale resturaunt serving reimagined Southern classics with white-linen tables & an antique mahogany bar.
At the City of Columbia, we know time is money. In recognition of that fact, applications submitted within the Five Points District overlay will receive expedited review and permitting approval.
03 SIDEWALK DINING
New ordinances adopted by City Council encourage and promote sidewalk dining by streamlining the approval process and delegating approvals to staff level.
THE BAKED BEAR Baked Bear super-premium, craft ice cream that can be enjoyed on it’s own, or paired perfectly between your favorite cookies.
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BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS FINANCING
The Office of Business Opportunities (OBO) administers Columbia’s Commercial Retention & Redevelopment (CRR) Program, a forgivable loan that provides assistance to commercial property owners or business tenants who need to make exterior and/or interior property improvements. The CRR Program is geographically targeted to businesses located on Harden Street as well as the side streets of College, Greene, Devine, Blossom, and Santee and Saluda Avenues. Exterior Improvement Forgivable Loan: Up to $15,000 is available for exterior building improvements, and a 20% funding match from the applicant is required. Eligible Exterior Improvements: -Awnings -Painting -Roofing -Lighting -Masonry -Windows/Doors
-Carpentry -Signage
Interior Improvement Forgivable Loan: Up to $10,000 is available for interior and on premise improvements, and no matching funds are required.
Eligible Interior Improvements: - Wall Paint/Repair - Ceiling Paint/Repair - Lighting - ADA Accessibility - Cabinet or Built-In Improvements Paint/ Repair - Parking Lot Repair
- Floor Repair
Commercial Building Vacancy Forgivable Loan: An additional $10,000 is available to eligible businesses that participate in the CRR program as part of the Five Points Development Plan. Businesses locating in a vacant building are eligible for this funding provided they apply for the exterior or interior improvement programs. There is no match requirement and maintenance of the improvements will be monitored for two years, at which point the loan may be forgiven if all obligations are met. Eligible Commercial Building Vacancy Purchases: - Inventory - Specialty Furniture - Marketing - Traditional Furniture - Machinery/Equipment - Other Necessary Purchases as Approved by the CRR Review Committee
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GREASE TRAP FORGIVABLE LOAN PROGRAM
Not all food service establishments are the same, and Columbia Water can assist businesses by providing information on affordable grease trap designs and options. Our newly established grease trap forgivable loan program can help assist by providing up to $5,000 in matching forgivable loans for traps/interceptors for existing restaurants or restaurant conversions. Columbia Water also provides ongoing community outreach and educational sessions on the importance of “Trapping the Grease.”
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AMENDMENTS TO ZONING REQUIREMENTS
The Five Points District is encompassed by a zoning overlay that provides uniform adjustments to the area. In April 2020, City Council is expected to formally adopt new ordinances that will exempt businesses with 4,000 square feet or less (with the exception of Drinking Establishments) from providing parking. Currently, commercial uses (including office and retail) with a parking demand of 3.5 spaces per 1,000 square feet of area requires no additional parking beyond what is available on the site, and there is a blanket 20% reduction in place as well.
PARKING
Parking Services recognizes the importance of having available parking with visible signage that is well lit and landscaped. The parking lot affectionately known as the “Exxon Lot” at the Harden/ Saluda intersection will undergo updates beginning in April 2020, with an expected completion date of late July 2020. Improvements include two new pay stations with expanded service, as well as an expansion of the Passport parking payment app, which is now accepted at all on street parking spaces. The City recognizes Five Points is a bustling, high traffic district and encourages area employees to take advantage of our existing lots at Pavilion Street (800 block) and Devine Street (2126 Devine Street). Future parking options include spaces recently purchased by the City at 2221 Devine Street, and those spaces should become available as early as April 2020 after undergoing lighting and connectivity improvements. Discounted or free parking is offered at remote lots to help make on-street parking more readily available for business patrons.
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SEWER EXPANSION FEE ASSISTANCE
Historical data from a previously existing establishment or similar establishment may be used to more accurately calculate the actual demand of a customer with expanded service needs. Columbia Water can provide technical assistance to customers with accurately determining their expansion costs and fees. Additionally, new commercial or industrial businesses may finance their expansion fees for a period of up to four years at a zero percent interest rate.
Parking Services is committed to maximizing the flow of customers to all of Columbia’s retail, dining and service establishments and will continue to explore new trends and models in an effort to encourage and improve short-term metered parking and turnover.
COLUMBIA FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL
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ABOUT COLUMBIA SC A state capital, where tradition and tomorrow pair perfectly– Columbia, South Carolina is a diverse city buzzing with new development and opportunity. Our streets are woven together to form a rich tapestry of neighborhoods, business districts, and educational institutions here in the Capital City. Columbia is home to a diverse mix of over 800,000 citizens with residents representing all 50 states and over 90 spoken foreign languages from around the world.
boston
detroit
philadelphia
The perfect combination of economic stability, entrepreneurship and livability – When you cross a capital city with the state’s largest university you get big ideas, vitality and a creative culture that is palpable. Our strong public sector provides economic stability while our entrepreneurial spirit means continuous innovation that makes Columbia the perfect place to build a business, grow a career or nurture a new skill. We are well known as one of the most military friendly communities across the United States. Fort Jackson, the largest initial entry training center in the U.S. Army. Our strong population of veterans, active service military and retirees provide a strong cornerstone for our growing workforce. City meets nature in a year-round, high value lifestyle – Between Lake Murray and our three rivers, Columbia boasts more than 650 miles of freshwater shoreline ideal for world class bass fishing and whitewater rafting. We also have 600 acres of city maintained park land across 56 parks, and our subtropical climate allows for outdoor recreation opportunities all year round. There are over 140 pieces of public art that delight all who experience them, along with one of the Southeast’s fastest-growing arts and culture scenes. Our culinary scene has taken off with many chefs and restaurants receiving national recognition. Ideal Location – We’re home to a robust transportation network of three major interstates (I-20, I-26, and I-77) and the beach are mountains are a quick day trip away. Major cities such as Charlotte, NC (1.5 hours) or Atlanta, GA (3.5 hours) are both reachable with ease. Columbia lies halfway between New York and Miami on the eastern seaboard (I-95 is just an hour away), and 66% of the U.S. population is accessible within a 24-hour drive. So get plugged in and connect with us in Columbia, South Carolina – the real Southern hotspot for business!
NEW YORK
cleveland chicago
indianapolis
washington, DC
cincinnati
norfolk
raleigh
knoxville
nashville
charlotte memphis atlanta
columbia
savannah
jacksonville new orleans
orlando
miami
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WE’RE EVERYTHING YOU’RE LOOKING FOR We are rich in history with historic buildings filled with new startups or buzzing businesses; we have a creative and talented workforce that is fed by seven diverse institutions of higher education, more than any other region in the state; and we have so much southern hospitality and culture ranging from award winning restaurants to independent shops and boutiques.
66% 66% of US market is within a two hour drive
18 18 Best College Towns to Start a Career - Business Insider
#8
#5
#8 American Cities Making Big Improvements - Thrillist
#5 Cities with Lowest Startup Costs - SmartAsset
#21 America’s 50 Hottest Cities for Business Relocation and Expansion - Expansion Management Magazine
#8
#4
#34 #34 America’s Best Cities - Bestcities.org
#13 Most Affordable Downtowns to Live Across America - Go Banking Rate
#21
#4 US City for Millennial Movers - SmartAsset
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COLUMBIA’S OVERARCHING INDUSTRY INSURANCE TECHNOLOGY AND SERVICES
HOSPITALITY AND RETAIL
BUSINESS SERVICES
BIO/LIFE SCIENCES
SOFTWARE AND IT SERVICES
TRANSPORTATION, DISTRIBUTION, LOGISTICS
With major insurance companies already headquartered in Columbia, the city is a fast-growing hub for insurance, technology and services such as: BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, Seibels, Capgemini, Aflac, Colonial Life, and American Specialty Health.
More than 50 companies have relocated to our area in the last five years. With operations such as PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Edens, UCI Medical Affiliates, Verizon as well as being home to many large law firms, there’s a growing demand for business services of every kind.
A highly educated workforce, a city that appeals to millennials and a track record for technology innovation makes Columbia a go-to city for software and IT service companies, as well as entrepreneurship and startup activity.
With uniquely appealing business districts that are busy day and night, a downtown convention center, and a culinary scene buzzing with new and exciting restaurants popping up all the time, this friendly southern city is bustling with opportunities.
With more than 35 facilities in the Columbia region, this is one of our fastest growing business clusters and includes pharmaceutical and bio-technology companies plus related businesses in robotics, insurance and IT.
In Columbia, you’re within 24 hours of two-thirds of the U.S. market. Our central location is served by an interstate network that includes I-20, I-26, I-77 and I-95. We’re also less than 2 hours from one of the country’s most active deep water ports, can provide outstanding air cargo service via UPS Air HUB at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport, and have rail service from both CSX and Norfolk Southern.
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TOURISM/ THINGS TO DO Columbia is the Real Southern Hot Spot with an excellent variety of attractions in a temperate climate that compels year-round enjoyment. The area offers an ideal mix of city entertainment such as museums, historic tours, boutique shopping, art galleries, fine and traditional dining, concerts, and performances, as well as outdoor recreation like rafting, kayaking, boating, fishing, golf, and hiking at the area’s beautiful scenic parks, rivers, and lakes. • Take a free guided tour of the State House and stroll through its pristine grounds to view its many statues. • Tour a historic home, including the Robert Mills House, Woodrow Wilson House, or Hampton-Preston Mansion. • Take the family to the Edventure Children’s Museum or Riverbanks Zoo & Botanical Gardens for a day of hands-on learning & exploration. • Catch a concert, ballet, or theatrical performance at one of many area entertainment venues, including the Koger Center for the Arts, The Senate, Trustus Theater, or Township Auditorium. • Join thousands every Saturday at the Soda City Market on Main Street to shop for locally produced artisanal goods such as food, produce, art, and handmade crafts. • Get an adrenaline rush with whitewater rafting, or relax with a nice paddle or float down one of our many beautiful rivers. • Cheer your new favorite team to victory at a Columbia Fireflies minor league baseball game.
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WE’VE GOT TALENT - SEVEN INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION The Columbia area boasts seven diverse institutions of higher education, more than any other region in the state. These institutions range in size from the University of South Carolina, a large public research institution with a variety of graduate programs, to Columbia College, a small liberal-arts women’s college. Allen University and Benedict College are two of our longest standing institutions of higher learning and are both Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Midlands Technical College provides both education and professional development as a nationally renowned technical college system and we are also home to two seminaries and a junior college of business with an ABA-approved Paralegal Studies Program.
COLU MBIA ECONOM IC D E VE LOP M E NT C H O O S EC O LU MBIAS C.C O M 803 .7 3 4. 2700