After more than 23 years on Gervais Street, Bauknight Pietras & Stormer, P.A., (BPS) is relocating its rapidly growing public accounting and tax consulting firm to the TD Bank Building at 1501 Main Street. BPS will occupy the entire sixth floor of the seven-story Class A office building, a total of more than 20,000 square feet. The firm, which has nearly 50 CPAs and a total team of 70, has a tentative move date of July 15.

BPS Managing Shareholder Russell Bauknight said the firm, which is the largest CPA firm in the Midlands and among the premier public accounting and consulting firms in the Southeast, has experienced significant growth in the last several years. As a result, its current building had no room or parking for additional employees. Not only does the move to Columbia’s central business district make room for future growth, it also signals a confirmation of the city’s success in transforming the downtown area as the place to be to work, live, and enjoy life.

“When we began looking for a new office, the need for more space was obvious, but we were also excited about the opportunity to move to Main Street to join what we see as a renaissance of the city, a renaissance that has truly elevated the quality of life in Columbia,” Bauknight said. “Just steps from our new office are great restaurants, shops, services, the Columbia Museum of Art, the Vista, housing—all within walking distance. You can’t ask for a better employee recruiting and retention tool.”

BPS’ new office features floor-to-ceiling windows throughout, allowing for significant natural light as well as panoramic views of the city, a large training room, conference rooms, break room for meals and informal meetings, on-premises parking, and room for future growth. Employees can take advantage of the building’s complimentary onsite workout facility that offers cardio equipment, free weights, and men’s and women’s shower facilities.

Built in 1999, the seven-story TD Bank Building was among the first premium office buildings to be developed on Columbia’s Main Street in decades. Its distinctive architecture, lush landscaping, and central location—just blocks from the State House and minutes from major interstates and the Columbia Airport—have made it popular with professional firms.

Rob Lapin of Trinity Partners represented BPS on the deal.