COLUMBIA, S.C. — Columbia's Design/Development Review Commission approved a certificate of design for developers looking to put up a new apartment complex in Columbia.
Developers are celebrating tonight as the proposed 250-unit apartment complex just got one step closer to becoming a reality. A small crowd gathered inside the Columbia city hall to discuss updates to the development proposal and recommendations from the city.
Seth Mendelsohn with the Silver Hills Development Group spoke to the public about the project, the area's plans, and updates to construction plans.
"We don't have total control over utility space but whether it's trees, or where we hide transformers is also a concern of the city's," Mendelsohn said. "If it's a concern of the city's, it concern of ours."
Silver Hills said the complex would include units not aimed at college students, like some of the neighboring apartment buildings. According to the group's proposal, a parking garage will be connected to the apartments.
Amongst the staff comments was a list of design requests, including setback changes and modifications to the outside of the building.
"We don't have any objections to any of them at an overall scale, and a few of them we actually would prefer to be in the plans even," Mendelsohn said.
Commission member Charles Leedecker voiced his concern for the outward image of the building.
"I do have concerns with the amount of just bare concrete though, raw concrete, no texture, no detail, and the material is really not seen in any of the historic buildings in the Vista," Leedecker said. "So, I would encourage you to go put some texture on it."
Members of the public also voiced support for the project, so long as it fits in the historic design of the Vista.
"It looks like anywhere USA. I don't know how long those vinyl windows are going to last because there is a fierce wind that comes off of the Congaree," Columbia resident Rosie Craig said. "I trust they'll get it right or I certainly hope they will."
Developers say all public comments will be considered during the finalization of their design. They denied our request for an interview but said the next step is to work with Columbia staff on ironing out specifics before starting construction.