COLUMBIA, SC (WLTX)- Next time you drive down Bull Street, take a good look.
Ryan Coleman, director of Columbia economic development, says you won't recognize it before long.
"It’s an area that’s been undeveloped in Columbia for years, decades even," he said Tuesday. "What we had here was a tremendous opportunity where you have 180 acres that’s all undeveloped so its really a blank canvas."
A canvas that's about to be painted, with 85 storefronts, 275 apartments, a 150-room boutique hotel, 15 cafes and restaurants, office space, a 10-screen luxury movie theater, public parks, and more.
"It really is a huge undertaking but it’s going to have a huge impact on the community," Coleman said. "It’s the true definition of a place you can live work and play."
Of course, it all started with the Columbia Fireflies deciding to build their stadium there.
"You know really it exciting to be a part of it, and an honor really to be the first ones up and running here," said Fireflies president John Katz. "It’s a success for the community, for the city of Columbia, and for the midlands region."
The Bull Street area will also feature high speed internet, making it the first "urban gigabit" community in the whole state.
Hughes Development Corporation is heading up the projects.