The progress of new projects in West Columbia’s River District is attracting interest from investors and it will lead to more development.

“We are meeting with restaurateurs who are interested in coming to West Columbia and we expect several new residential projects to materialize,” said West Columbia Mayor Tem Miles.

What is fueling the interest?

The Carraway Children’s Park is open across from Riverwalk, and so is the Interactive Art Park on Meeting Street.  A year ago, both parks were just part of a vision to enhance a portion of West Columbia from the Congaree River to Triangle City. It is known as The River District.

“A lot has changed in the last year,” said Miles. “We’ve made a lot of progress on our vision.” 

Miles said hundreds of new parking spaces have been added. Near Riverwalk, a dirt space between Alexander Road and Carpenter Street, is being transformed into more parking. A sidewalk is also being installed along Alexander Road. The sidewalk leads to the new spaces on Carpenter. 

“We expect the parking spaces there to be finished in the next two weeks,” said Miles. 

Those new spaces are in addition to dozens of new spots in the lot of the Carraway Children’s Park that has an Oliver Street entrance.

A new public parking garage, with a Court Avenue entrance, has opened under the Brookland development, in the last year.

Also, as the spring of 2020 transpires, the total renovation of the Old Brookland City Hall and Fire Station, into Savage Craft Ale Works, becomes closer to reality with each passing day.

“We’re making great progress on the upcoming Savage Craft Ale Works,” is the message from the managers of the project. The new outdoor stage and a new beer garden restroom are “coming along nicely. Soon we all will hear the music.”

Work on the site on Center Street has resulted in a foot-thick concrete floor that has been placed over what was a dirt foundation. A new staircase, leading up to the second floor of the 95-year old structure, has been built.

On the back of the building, large steel beams have been put in place. It’s where the rooftop bar will sit, and it’s the space where the on-site brewing will occur. That business is on a loop that connects it to State Street and the Interactive Art Park.

“It will all tie in,” said Miles. He said the City of West Columbia has received a grant that will allow for the installation of a sidewalk down Center Street from State Street to the Old City Hall, or soon-to-be Savage Craft Ale Works. A pedestrian easement will lead from the ale works to the Interactive Art Park. The outdoor stage is along that way. 

Also, on that path are murals that are part of the Interactive Art Park. The Artisan Market in the art park opens on June 15.

Another recent addition to The River District is several directional signs that point to the parks, dining opportunities and attractions. They are on Meeting and State streets. 

“There is so much happening,” said Miles. “It’s very exciting to see it all taking place. These are very positive and lasting changes. It’s a very good time for West Columbia.”