City Council — Columbia, SC
Date: 2026-01-20
Time: 13:00

Columbia City Council Meeting Agenda Agenda
 Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 1:00 PM
  City Hall, Council Chambers, 1737 Main Street, 3rd Floor, Columbia, SC 29201
 City Clerk’s Office: (803)545-3045 or cityclerk@columbiasc.gov

 The Honorable Daniel J. Rickenmann, Mayor
  The Honorable Edward H. McDowell, Jr. • The Honorable William Brennan, Mayor Pro-
Tempore • The Honorable Tina N. Herbert • The Honorable Peter M. Brown • The Honorable
 Tyler D. Bailey • The Honorable Samuel P. Johnson

Call to Order

Invocation

Adoption of the Agenda

Presentations

 1. Update on the Lourie Center - Mr. Andrew Boozer, Executive Director
 /Senior Resources

 2. Redevelopment of the former I-277 Right-of-Way at North Main Street and
 River Drive - Mr. Justin Steinmann, Director / Planning & Development
 Services; Ms. Lucinda Statler, Planning Administrator / Planning and
 Development Services; Mr. Howard Kozloff, Founder and Principal / Agora
 Partners; and Mr. Ben Donsky, Principal / Agora Partners

Executive Session

 3. Discussion of matters relating to the proposed location, expansion, or
 provision of services encouraging location or expansion of industries or
 other businesses in the area served by the public body pursuant to S.C.
 Code §30-4-70(a)(5)

 • Former I-277 Right-of-Way at North Main Street and River Drive
 • BullStreet District


 4. Discussion of the employment of an employee pursuant to §30-4-70(a)(1)

 • Municipal Court Judges


 5. Discussion of negotiations incident to proposed contractual arrangements
 pursuant to S.C. Code §30-4-70(a)(2)

 • Busted Plug



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Adjournment




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Columbia City Council Meeting Agenda Agenda
 Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 1:00 PM
  City Hall, Council Chambers, 1737 Main Street, 3rd Floor, Columbia, SC 29201
 City Clerk’s Office: (803)545-3045 or cityclerk@columbiasc.gov

 The Honorable Daniel J. Rickenmann, Mayor
  The Honorable Edward H. McDowell, Jr. • The Honorable William Brennan, Mayor Pro-
Tempore • The Honorable Tina N. Herbert • The Honorable Peter M. Brown • The Honorable
 Tyler D. Bailey • The Honorable Samuel P. Johnson

Call to Order

Invocation

Adoption of the Agenda

Presentations

 1. Update on the Lourie Center - Mr. Andrew Boozer, Executive Director
 /Senior Resources

 2. Redevelopment of the former I-277 Right-of-Way at North Main Street and
 River Drive - Mr. Justin Steinmann, Director / Planning & Development
 Services; Ms. Lucinda Statler, Planning Administrator / Planning and
 Development Services; Mr. Howard Kozloff, Founder and Principal / Agora
 Partners; and Mr. Ben Donsky, Principal / Agora Partners

Executive Session

 3. Discussion of matters relating to the proposed location, expansion, or
 provision of services encouraging location or expansion of industries or
 other businesses in the area served by the public body pursuant to S.C.
 Code §30-4-70(a)(5)

 • Former I-277 Right-of-Way at North Main Street and River Drive
 • BullStreet District


 4. Discussion of the employment of an employee pursuant to §30-4-70(a)(1)

 • Municipal Court Judges


 5. Discussion of negotiations incident to proposed contractual arrangements
 pursuant to S.C. Code §30-4-70(a)(2)

 • Busted Plug



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Adjournment




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Page 5 of 39
Creating a Stronger
Senior Community




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BETTER TOGETHER




 Est. Est.
 1967 1995




 Unified August
 2023


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REVITALIZATION IN ACTION



$450,000
Invested by the City of Columbia

$700,000+
In additional funding leveraged
beyond City investment

17,000 sq ft
Of renovated facilities to
enable programmatic growth




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REVITALIZATION




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PROGRAMS & CLASSES

3x
More class offerings

Extended Hours
Lourie Nights supported by the
Department of Aging

Increased Access
Renovated gym space available
to all members
New scholarship opportunities



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MEMBERSHIP


263% +
Increase in membership since 2023

287
City of Columbia (free) members
since 2024

2,681
Community attendees at events,
meetings, and voting (past six
months)




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Page 12 of 39
LOOKING AHEAD

 OUR AGING COMMUNITY IS GROWING
• 65+ population in Richland County will more than double by 2040
 (37,541 in 2010 → 88,710 projected)
• Demand for services, connection, and wellness will continue to rise
• Our work must grow intentionally to meet this need




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THE LOURIE CENTER IS A PLACE FOR
CONNECTION, PURPOSE, AND BELONGING


• Social isolation and loneliness are growing challenges for older adults
• Connection is as critical as healthcare in supporting healthy aging
• Isolation impacts mental health, brain health, physical health, and quality of life




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VISION: EXPANDING IMPACT ACROSS COLUMBIA


• Reach more older adults with opportunities for connection
• Emphasize healthy living to improve health outcomes
• Position the Lourie Center as a welcoming hub




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CONTINUING OUR PARTNERSHIP

• Collaboration with City of Columbia departments and initiatives
• Identify financial resources for sustainability
• Continue to make the City of Columbia a great place to age




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Thank you!




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TO: Mayor and City Council members

FROM: Justin Steinmann, Director of Planning and Development Services
 Ryan Coleman, Economic Development Director
 Lucinda Statler, Planning Administrator

CC: Teresa Wilson, City Manager
 Jeff Palen, CFO, ACM for Finance & Development
 Kent Davis, Procurement Manager II- Strategy
 Greg Williams, Economic Development Operations Manager
 Tristan Kercher, Urban Design Planner

DATE: January 20, 2026

RE: River Drive at North Main, former I-277 property development update


In partnership with Economic Development, Planning and Development Services have
been working with two consultants to assist with the process of planning for the
development of the former I-277 SCDOT right-of-way at River Drive and North Main,
along the alignment of the future Vista Greenway.

Toole Design led a three-day community design workshop in May 2025, with nearly
100 participants. A final report documents the three organizing concepts generated
by the process, which have distinctive characteristics and some common themes.

Agora Partners has assisted in defining the real estate strategy by evaluating the
development potential of the site. Initially they provided a high-level real estate
analysis, which provided a general framework for the design workshop to ensure the
concepts were realistic. After the workshop, they used the concepts to refine the
analysis to include proposed land uses, density, timeline, and a high-level financial
overview. They have prepared an outline to inform the City’s future Request for
Qualifications (RFQu), which is the recommended approach to solicit a development
partner.



The RFQ approach is recommended due to the unique complexity of this project.
Several factors warrant a qualifications-based process that evaluates developer
capabilities before detailed proposals:

 • Property size and configuration: The site’s irregular shape—a legacy of
 piecemeal right-of-way acquisition from the late 1970s through early 1980s—



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 and its proximity to both the downtown grid and historic neighborhoods creates
 development challenges that require demonstrated expertise.
 • Bisected by River Drive: The property is divided by an active thoroughfare,
 creating distinct development parcels that must be planned cohesively while
 potentially proceeding independently.
 • No designated zoning: As former right-of-way, the property currently takes
 on adjacent zoning and will require rezoning prior to development. A qualified
 partner must understand how to work collaboratively through this process.
 • Multiple development types anticipated: The three organizing concepts
 from the charrette contemplate a mix of uses—residential, commercial, and
 civic—that will likely require phased implementation and varied expertise.
 • Potential for multiple development teams: Given the site’s characteristics,
 the City may ultimately work with multiple developers or partnership
 structures. An RFQ allows evaluation of how teams might collaborate or
 operate across different portions of the site.
 • Greenway integration: Development must incorporate the Vista Greenway
 extension as a central amenity, requiring experience with public-private
 coordination on multimodal infrastructure.
 • High community interest: Nearly 100 participants engaged in the May 2025
 design workshop. A qualified developer must demonstrate capacity for
 meaningful community engagement and responsiveness to neighborhood input
 throughout the development process.



Some additional contextual considerations regarding the project/site:

 • City of Columbia Engineering team has designed the Vista Greenway from Park
 Street all the way to Bull Street at Colonial Drive. They are currently working
 to get the required easements for the section to connect the existing greenway
 (which currently terminates at Elmwood viaduct) to Park Street.
 • Richland County’s 2024 Penny Sales tax referendum includes funding for
 several sections of greenways, including the Vista Greenway from Elmwood
 avenue to the Bull Street District
 • Having funding for the “shovel-ready” section is not only critical for
 connectivity for north Columbia neighborhoods, Bull Street, and Downtown, as
 it also intersects with the newly installed River Drive bicycle lanes, and will be
 a critical piece of the development scenario for this property.
 • The SCDOT will be replacing the River Drive railroad bridge, immediately
 adjacent to this property; anticipated construction in 2027 (public meeting was
 held summer 2023).




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Agora Partners

City Council Work Session January 20, 2026



GREENWAY-ADJACENT DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES, Columbia, SC



 • Purpose
 o Identify development opportunities near Columbia Vista Greenway
 o Generate revenue, foster development, enhance public amenities
 o Support entrepreneurial planning and city-building goals
 • Strategy Overview
 o Leverage City-owned parcels
 o Use long-term ground leases/P3s
 o Create sustained funding and neighborhood revitalization
 • Site Characteristics – Why This Project Is Unique
 o ~12 acres of irregular parcels from piecemeal 1970s–80s ROW acquisition
 o Bisected by River Drive (active thoroughfare)
 o No designated zoning – inherits adjacent, requires rezoning
 o Vista Greenway integration required as central amenity
 o Adjacent to SCDOT railroad bridge replacement (construction 2027)
 o Proximity to Bull Street District and downtown grid
 o Topography challenges and community sensitivity to development
 • Market Snapshot
 o Strong rental demand ($1,340–$1,500/month)
 o Vacancy ~7–10%
 o Workforce, USC, and urban infill driving housing absorption
 • Community-Informed Conceptual Master Plan
 o Toole Design three-day community workshop (May 2025, ~100
 participants)
 o Three options with different ideas, but common approach
 o Engagement with Greenway, walkable, density, activation
 • Development-Greenway Synergy
 o Development and greenway mutually reinforce success
 o Atlanta BeltLine, Charlotte greenways as comparable models
 o Activated greenway edges create value for residential and retail
 • Residential Types
 o High: 5–6 stories, Type III (80–95 units/acre)
 o Medium: 3–4 stories (20–50 units/acre)
 o Low: Townhomes/small lots
 o Target users: students, professionals, downsizers
 • Recommended Density
 o ~80 units/acre
 o Higher density boosts land value, walkability, and supports small-scale retail




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Agora Partners

City Council Work Session January 20, 2026

 • Construction Costs
 o ~$200k hard cost per unit
 o 20% soft costs + 10% contingency
 o ~$260k per unit total
 • Comparable Project
 o Bennet at Bull Street
 o Average rent ~$2.72/sf
 o Demonstrates market appetite for walkable mixed-use




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River Drive at North Main
 (former I-277 right-of-way)
 Property Development


 City Council work session
 January 20, 2026

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North Main
 I-277




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Vista Greenway Real Estate Strategy
COUNCIL PRESENTATION
JANUARY 20, 2026




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Key OPPORTUNITIES
• Catalyze housing +
  activation using
  the Vista
  Greenway
• City-owned land as
  development lever
• Ground leases
  build revenue +
  control
 2
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Key GOALS
• Identify development opportunities near Columbia Vista Greenway
• Generate revenue + foster investment
• Support entrepreneurial planning and city
 -building goals




 3
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STRATEGY OVERVIEW
• Leverage City-owned parcels
• Use long-term ground leases / P3s
• Create sustained funding + revitalization




 4
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SITE CHARACTERISTICS – WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE?
• +/- 12acres of irregular parcels, ROW
  assembly
• Bisected by River Drive (active corridor)
• Requires rezoning (inherits adjacent uses)
• Integrated Greenway amenity
• Adjacent SCDOT bridge replacement (2027)
• Near Bull Street + downtown grid
• Topo + community sensitivity

 5
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 Toole Design
MARKET SNAPSHOT
• Strong rental demand ($1,340
 –$1,500/month)
• Vacancy7–10%
• Workforce, USC, infill market drivers




 6
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COMMUNITY-INFORMED MASTER PLANNING

• Toole Design -3day
  workshop (~100
  participants, May 2025)
• Three conceptual
  options
• Common themes:
  density, walkability,
  activation
 Toole Design
 7
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DEVELOPMENT + GREENWAY SYNERGY
• Development and Greenway mutually  reinforce experience
• Comparable lessons:BeltLine, Charlotte, Dallasgreenways
• Activated edges increase residential + retail value




 Atlanta Charlotte Dallas 8
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RESIDENTIAL PRODUCT TYPES
• Target users: students, professionals,
 5 units/acre



  downsizers
 15 units/acre

• Low-scale: townhomes + cottage
 lots

• Mid: 3–4 stories (20– 50 units/acre) 25 units/acre




• High: 5–6 stories (80–95 units/acre
 )
 100 units/acre

 9
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RECOMMENDED DENSITY

• Target80 units/acre
• Supports walkability
  + local retail
• Maximizes land
  value capture for
  City



 10
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CONSTRUCTION COST BENCHMARK

 Hard cost ≈ $200k/unit




 Soft + contingency ≈ $60k/unit




 Total ≈ $260k/unit


 11
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COMPARABLE PROJECT
• Bennet at Bull Street
• Avg rent ≈ $2.72/sf
• Confirms market appetite
  for walkable mixed-use




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COLUMBIA CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2026


CALL TO ORDER

The Columbia City Council conducted a Work Session on Tuesday, January 20, 2026
at City Hall (Mayor’s Conference Room), 1737 Main Street, Columbia, South Carolina
29201. The Honorable Daniel J. Rickenmann, Mayor called the meeting to order at
1:03 p.m. and the following members were present: The Honorable Edward H.
McDowell, Jr., The Honorable Will Brennan, Mayor Pro-Tempore, The Honorable Tina
N. Herbert, The Honorable Peter M. Brown, The Honorable Tyler D. Bailey, and The
Honorable Samuel P. Johnson. Also present were Ms. Teresa Wilson, City Manager
and Ms. Erika D. Moore Hammond, City Clerk. This meeting was advertised in
accordance with the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act.

INVOCATION

The Honorable Edward H. McDowell, Jr. offered the invocation.

ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

Upon a motion made by Mr. Brennan and seconded by Mr. Brown, Council voted
unanimously to adopt the agenda as presented.

PRESENTATIONS

1. Update on the Lourie Center - Mr. Andrew Boozer, Executive Director / Senior
 Resources - Received as information.

Mr. Andrew Boozer, Executive Director / Senior Resources provided a two-year
update on the Lourie Center, since the August 2023 merger that created a one-stop
senior services hub. He reported that a $450,000 city investment leveraged over
$700,000 in additional funding, fully renovated the 17,000-square-foot facility,
reduced administrative costs by more than 30%, and produced a balanced budget
for the first time in over a decade. He highlighted expanded programming, Medicare
Advantage revenue, over 2,200 class sessions, a fully utilized gym, and a 263%
increase in memberships. He added that the organization is working to close a
remaining $75,000 funding gap to maintain a balanced budget in the next fiscal year.




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 COLUMBIA CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2026


There was discussion regarding the rising senior population; Medicare data; Richland
County annual funding; financial pipelines for surrounding counties; transportation
partnership with The COMET; and eligibility criteria for services beginning at age 50

Ms. Sandra Berger praised the facility renovations, expanded programming, noting
improved scheduling, higher attendance, and strong member response. She also
highlighted a successful partnership with The Nickelodeon Theatre that led to sold-
out documentary screenings and increased downtown activity.

Ms. Mahi Abedin shared that the Lourie Center helped her heal and reconnect after
losing her husband and provided socialization, exercise, and community. She
described the Center as her happiest place and credited it with improving her mental
and physical well-being.

Mr. Joseph Adams shared that he joined the Lourie Center after struggling to find a
gym that worked for him. He felt welcomes and supported. Through regular
participation, healthier habits, and consistent exercise, he has experienced significant
weight loss and major improvements in his health.

2. Redevelopment of the former I-277 Right-of-Way at North Main Street and
 River Drive - Mr. Justin Steinmann, Director / Planning & Development
 Services; Ms. Lucinda Statler, Planning Administrator / Planning and
 Development Services; Mr. Howard Kozloff, Founder and Principal / Agora
 Partners; and Mr. Ben Donsky, Principal / Agora Partners – Received as
 information.

Mr. Justin Steinmann, Director / Planning & Development Services, described the
project as an opportunity to reclaim former freeway land, reconnect neighborhoods,
and improve health and mobility through greenway infrastructure. On average,
greenway projects in the Southeast generate a strong return on investment. For
every dollar the public invests in a greenway, about eight to ten dollars of private
development typically follows nearby. Homes located along a greenway also tend to
be worth significantly more, with property values increasing by as much as 40
percent.




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 COLUMBIA CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2026


Ms. Lucinda Statler, Planning Administrator / Planning & Development Services
explained that the City acquired 31.32 acres from SCDOT in 2022, with the project
focusing on 19 acres originally condemned for I-277. She noted that a May 2025
community design workshop hosted by Councilwoman Herbert drew nearly 100
participants and produced shared priorities, including integrating the Vista Greenway,
preserving open space, balancing density with neighborhood scale, and reconnecting
surrounding neighborhoods.

There was discussion about the recommendation of the additional football fields from
the workshop.

Mr. Howard Kozloff, Founder and Principal of Agora Partners discussed the importance
of defining and maximizing the value of public spaces while creating strong place
identity and revenue-generating opportunities for the City. He explained that the
project approach is grounded in community-informed master planning, combining
public workshops, multiple conceptual development options, and shared themes
identified through community input. He also presented a market snapshot and
construction cost benchmarks to help frame the project’s economic feasibility and
development potential.

There was discussion about clarifying ongoing operating costs; recommended density
levels; zoning considerations; use of a development agreement or a request for
qualifications; and opportunities for home ownership.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Upon a motion made by Mr. Brennan and seconded by Mr. Bailey, Council voted
unanimously to enter into Executive Session at 2: 16 p.m. for the discussion of Items
3 through 5.

3. Discussion of matters relating to the proposed location, expansion, or provision
 of services encouraging location or expansion of industries or other businesses
 in the area served by the public body pursuant to S.C. Code §30-4-70(a)(5)

 • Former I-277 Right-of-Way at North Main Street and River Drive
 • BullStreet District

4. Discussion of negotiations incident to proposed contractual arrangements
 pursuant to S.C. Code §30-4-70(a)(2)

 • Busted Plug


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 COLUMBIA CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2026



5. Discussion of the employment of an employee pursuant to §30-4-70(a)(1)

 • Municipal Court Judges

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 4:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:



Erika D. Moore Hammond, MMC, CPM
City Clerk




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