COLUMBIA, S.C. — Two projects in Five Points will expand how folks live, work and eat in the district.
Developers are seeking to renovate and revitalize two buildings in the district that are almost 100 years old.
Thursday, they will present their plans to the City of Columbia Design/Development Review Commission.
One project, near Devine and Harden Streets, will be home to a new restaurant named Cocky Rooster. The Virginia-based chain specializes in chicken wings, sandwiches and fries.
On the company's website, they invite customers to “Cluck Around and Find Out.”
The new business will take over the storefronts of the former Sushi Yoshi restaurant and Carolina Barber Shop, which will become a dining room.
The other project is along Greene Street in the former Claussen’s Bakery building.
In 2019, Styx Co., the developer that owns the building, brought it back to life by constructing boutique shops and apartments on the east side of the building.
Now, the same company wants to renovate additional living units and a hair salon on the building’s west side.
Both projects are seeking tax abatements under a state law called the Bailey Bill. The law allows owners of historic buildings to keep their building’s assessed value at the same amount for 20 years, if the owners meet certain guidelines.
Frederick Richardson with Bang Back Pinball Lounge said he welcomes anything that encourages more visitors to Five Points.
“It’s really tough to get our friends from Irmo, or Lexington or even Forest Acres to come. It’s not competition, it’s 'rising tides lift all ships'. And if we can be a place that has great dining, we’ll get more traffic and more visitors. At the end of the day it’s about bringing traffic down here,” Richardson said.
Tzima Brown owns Sunrise Artisan Bath and Body and said she appreciates the variety of businesses in the district.
“I love the fact that we’re very eclectic. So, you can come to Five Points, and chances are you’re going to find something that you like. I love the fact that we have more restaurants coming in, because what follows restaurants? Retail. And what follows restaurants and retail? People,” she explained.