Activity has slowed because of the coronavirus crisis, but some significant construction projects are moving forward in West Columbia.

“Development and progress have not stopped amid the coronavirus crisis,” said West Columbia Mayor Tem Miles. “From Ninth Street to State Street you’ll see we’re in the middle of a construction boom.”

Miles listed several build zones. Among them are: more than 30 single-family homes going up between Center Street and Augusta Street; Savage Craft Brewing on Center Street; an office building on Meeting Street; expansion of Still Hopes off of Ninth Street; and building is continuing at WECO Beer Garden.

The homes being built between Center Street and Augusta Street are a project of Developer Joe Taylor. The development is called St. Anne’s Alley.

“The first five foundations have been poured and we expect framing to begin this week and hopefully the first homes should be ready for their owners to move in this July,” said Taylor.

He has been impressed with the effort in uncertain times.

“The determination and work ethic of the tradesmen in South Carolina and this area has truly been on display with this project as the rainy weather has been more of an obstacle than the virus.  We do anticipate some slight delays in the actual construction as physical distancing only allows one sub-contractor to work on a home at a time. We have been very encouraged by sales in the last month and expect to start the next group of foundations in a week or so.”

Despite coronavirus requirements for workers, progress is also continuing on the two-story, 5,400-square-foot Class A office building being constructed at 508 Meeting Street. Taylor initiated the project, but Brian Boyer of Boyer Commercial Construction now owns it. He is the general contractor onsite. 

Boyer said the structure should be complete by mid-June. D’Alberto and Graham Attorneys and Advisors are set to move in when it’s finished.

“There has not been a slow-down,” said Boyer. “We’ve had no supply chain issues.”

Boyer also said the construction industry is good about following protocols, and workers on the Meeting Street site are sure to take all precautions to fight the spread of COVID-19.

“We’ve been very fortunate. Everybody has worked hard and they follow all protocols, using masks, gloves and sanitizer.”

The building is 50 percent completed, said Boyer, with the mechanical and electrical infrastructure roughed-in.

He said there has been a week delay on the delivery of some windows. As soon as the windows arrive and are installed, the brick veneer, which is on-site already, will be added. The sheetrock will be hung on the inside of the building.  “We have a clear path to finishing it,” said Boyer.

Boyer also renovated a former medical office building at 1205 D Avenue in Triangle City in West Columbia to create a new flex space.

Savage Craft Brewing is installing outdoor sound stages and work continues on the interior as the city’s old fire station and court house are renovated.

“When the coronavirus crisis is behind us, said Miles, West Columbia will be back out in full swing. There is a lot to forward to in West Columbia.”