The New Brookland Mill Village is West Columbia’s most historic residential neighborhood. The first houses in the Mill Village were built in 1894. The houses there are where the workers of the Columbia Duck Mill, the building which is now the SC State Museum.

New Brookland Mill Village has grown with the times, and is now known for its unique, historic houses and family-friendly quality. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the River District surrounding it is a popular destination for antique shoppers and features restaurants, coffee shops and specialty stores along Meeting and State Streets.  New development in the area also includes new apartments.

The City of West Columbia is in the process of upgrading the infrastructure. Improvements  include water, storm water, and street work at a cost estimated at $15 million. The goal of the  project is to replace aging water infrastructure, improve storm drainage, enhance travel routes, provide on-street parking, and enhance walkability throughout the area. Click here for updates  Construction is scheduled to begin in January of 2026.

“The project is a combination of drainage upgrades, water system improvements, new sidewalks, and paving,” said Anna Huffman, Director of Public Affairs, Community Engagement and Business Development. “The improvements will enhance storm drainage performance and reduce flooding risk during heavy rain events.”

“All streets located between State Street and Alexander Road, and between Augusta Street and Court Avenue, are included in the project,” she said.

The work will be planned to minimize the impact on residents 

Soon, residents in the project area will see construction crews working throughout the Mill Village. The work will be sequenced to minimize impacts to residents and visitors to the maximum extent possible.
The project is being completed within the public rights-of-way, except in locations where permission from property owners has been granted.
These area of the project includes:

• Riverwalk Circle along Alexander Road Intersection with Augusta Street
• Alexander Road
• Oliver/Court Avenue
• Sortwell
• Alley Ways (North/South)
• Alley beginning at Augusta Street and ending at State Street
• Augusta Street
• Norfolk Street
• Hudson Street
• Oliver Street
• Carpenter Street
• Augusta Street (State Street to 9th Street)

The City will keep residents and businesses in the affected areas informed and notified through the following methods:

• Postcards and Mailers
• Social Media
• Association Meetings
• Website and Email Alerts
• Link To City Of West Columbia Updates Page

It’s an exciting time for the New Brookland Mill Village with all the positive improvements the City of West Columbia is planning. And there will be even more news regarding the River District in 2026.