Columbia’s mayor recently announced a series of major infrastructure projects aimed at revitalizing the city’s downtown, improving flood resilience, and expanding public access to natural areas. These projects reflect the city’s commitment to economic growth, sustainability, and enhanced quality of life for residents.
Downtown Redevelopment and Municipal Complex
An ambitious $50 million redevelopment is underway to transform Columbia’s downtown core. This includes a new municipal complex at 1401 Main Street, consolidating city departments for more efficient services and creating adjacent mixed-use spaces that will bring new housing, retail, and shared community areas to the Main Street District. Mayor Daniel Rickenmann emphasized that this plan will foster livable neighborhoods and spark private investment, making Columbia’s urban center more walkable and dynamic.
Riverfront Gateways Expansion
A $21 million project, the Williams Street Extension, is launching to improve access to Columbia’s riverfront between the Gervais and Blossom street bridges. Features of this initiative include new roadways, sidewalks, electric car charging stations, and bike share locations, all designed to stimulate downtown connectivity and economic development. Regional partnerships and state funds are supporting rapid progress, with construction set for spring 2025.
Flood Repair and Resilience
Columbia is beginning a $15 million flood recovery and upgrade project focused on bolstering drainage and barriers, especially in areas impacted by historical flooding like Twelve Mile Creek. The program uses federal grants and local contractors to enhance infrastructure, applying lessons from the city’s 2015 flood event. The goal is to protect residents and ensure future environmental security, with work scheduled to start within the next month.
Additional Improvements
Other notable projects include:
The rehabilitation of sewer lines in the Crane Creek sub-basin—$18.2 million investment scheduled for fall 2025.
Core Spaces’ development of ōLiv Columbia, a new mixed-use residential and retail complex adjacent to the municipal overhaul, boosting housing and urban amenities.
Expanded greenway networks, upgrades for outdoor recreation, and improved stormwater management as part of city and state initiatives.
Columbia’s 2025 infrastructure rollout is comprehensive, increasing resilience, transportation access, and community vibrancy through coordinated local and state investment.
SOURCES
[1](https://columbiabusinessreport.com/columbia-downtown-revitalization-50m-project/)
[2](https://columbiabusinessreport.com/columbia-launches-first-phase-of-21m-riverfront-gateways-infrastructure-project/)
[3](https://www.herecolumbia.com/columbia-sc-flood-repair-project/)
[4](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyzG2yj-UD0)
[5](https://www.columbiabusinessmonthly.com/2025/08/04/541765/city-of-columbia-core-spaces-richland-county-announce-transformative-municipal-complex-downtown-development)
