City of Columbia, Core Spaces, Richland County Announce Transformative Municipal Complex Downtown Development

(Photo courtesy of city of Columbia)

Mayor Daniel J. Rickenmann, City Manager Teresa Wilson, Core Spaces Chief Development Officer Chad Matesi, Richland County Chairwoman Jesica Mackey, and Main Street District President and CEO Matt Kennel delivered remarks last month celebrating a transformative milestone in the heart of downtown Columbia.

Community leaders, partners, and residents gathered at the site of the future revitalized block at 1400 Main St. to receive updates on the redevelopment of 1401 Main Street into the city of Columbia’s new Municipal Complex and to welcome ōLiv Columbia, Core Spaces’ adjacent mixed-use development in the Main Street District.

Officials said the coordinated projects represent one of the most significant economic investments on Main Street in years.

Together, they will streamline public service delivery, attract private investment, expand housing and retail options, and further energize Columbia’s downtown experience in focus to creating ripple effects that support strategic economic development across the entire city, the officials said.

“The revitalization of this historic block of Main Street anchored by our new Municipal Complex and Core Spaces’ ōLiv Columbia, is a huge win for our residents and the future of downtown,” said Mayor Daniel Rickenmann. “We are not just improving how we deliver public services. We’re building a more livable, walkable urban core that offers more housing, new retail, and inviting community spaces. This project emphasizes this council’s commitment to strategic economic development and cultivating a downtown everyone can be proud of. And we are not done yet.”

The city of Columbia is transforming the 12-story building at 1401 Main Street into a centralized Municipal Services Complex to improve accessibility, streamline operations, and modernize public service delivery.

The $49.5 million renovation of 1401 Main Street includes structural upgrades, redesigned interiors, and a bold exterior with sleek paneling, reflective glass, updated signage, and a pedestrian-friendly Washington Street streetscape featuring trees, seating, and bike racks.

Officials said the enhancements reflect Columbia’s forward-thinking vision with modern workspaces, flexible collaboration areas, and a reimagined first-floor lobby that serves as a welcoming public hub with a café and spaces to support small businesses and community engagement.

Consolidating departments under one roof will enhance efficiency and free up downtown properties like 1136 Washington Street for future redevelopment, the officials said.

Aligned with projects such as the new Public Safety Complex at 400 Laurel Street, this initiative supports downtown growth, private investment, and Columbia’s long-term vision for a vibrant, connected city, the officials said.

“Consolidation of city services under one roof will encourage collaboration across departments and will ensure a customer focused experience in a modern and accessible facility for our citizens, business owners and visitors,” said City Manager Teresa Wilson.

Adjacent to the Municipal Complex, Core Spaces is developing ōLiv Columbia, a mixed-use project featuring modern housing, ground-floor retail, and hospitality-driven property management.

Officials said the project is designed to complement the Municipal Complex, enhance street-level activity, and increase residential density while expanding retail options in the Main Street District.

ConnectCRE, a commercial real estate industry news, information and marketing platform, said Core Spaces is bringing a 2,350-bed mixed-use development near the University of South Carolina, and expects to invest up to $225 million on the project.

It said the project is expected to bring 720 new apartments, both market-rate and student housing to Columbia’s Main Street District, at 401 Main St.

It also said the development will feature two towers, a 27-story market-rate apartment tower and a 22-story student housing tower, with a varied unit mix, top-of-the-line amenity package, ground-floor retail, and a 1,600-stall parking garage.

Construction is slated to begin this fall 2025 and be completed in summer 2028. Core is the owner/developer. Juneau Construction Company is the general contractor, and Dwell Design Studios is the architect.

Core Spaces previously developed The Hub, the student housing high-rise located across the street from the new site.

“Our ōLiv Columbia development is about far more than building a place to live — it’s about creating lasting, meaningful impact,” said Chad Matesi, chief development officer at Core Spaces. “Placemaking is at the heart of what we do at Core. By combining thoughtful design with the activation of Main Street, we’re committed to delivering an exceptional experience not only for residents, but for the broader Columbia community. We’re proud to partner with the City of Columbia and Richland County to bring this project to life.”

Officials said the transformative project reflects the power of regional collaboration between the city of Columbia, Richland County, and Core Spaces to drive economic growth and enhance the livability of downtown.

By aligning public investment with private development, the partners are creating a vibrant, walkable corridor that blends civic services, modern housing, and retail opportunities, the officials said.

They said this synergy not only strengthens Main Street as a hub for business and community life but also sets the stage for long-term economic development across the entire region.

“Bringing more energy, activity, and opportunity to our downtown will strengthen the entire Columbia and Midlands region—setting Richland County apart as a hub for job growth and future economic investment,” said Jesica Mackey, Richland County chairwoman. “People are drawn to vibrant, connected communities where they can build their lives both personally and professionally. Creating that kind of environment is key as Richland County and our new public private initiative, the Columbia Area Development Partnership, compete for the economic projects that will shape our county and region’s long-term success.”

Following the announcement, food trucks lined Main Street to showcase the energy and culinary variety that future development could bring to the area.

Guests were invited to enjoy local flavors from Bamboo Cottage, Bubblelicious Waffles, Carrie Vine’s Homemade Treats, Guy’s Hotdogs, and Hendrix The Bus Coffee, highlighting, officials said, the vibrant food culture that complements downtown’s evolving character.