COLUMBIA, S.C. — We’re learning more about a new shopping center under construction in Red Bank.
According to developers, Platt Springs Crossing is bringing many new businesses to the area and could begin to welcome customers as soon as March of next year.
Ben Kelly, a partner with commercial real estate company NAI Columbia, said the project spans over 50 acres.
“It's a 57-acre mixed-use development, to include a Lowes Foods store, a number of outparcels, of which Chipotle is under construction. A medical building is under construction, Whataburger is under construction, and Big Blue Marble daycare will be under construction next week," said Kelly.
Kelly said that in addition to the new restaurants, daycare, and grocery store, the development includes additional housing units.
“We’ll have 145 townhouses in another phase and that should start within six months on the vertical (work)," Kelly explained.
According to NAI Columbia partner Patrick Chambers, residents won’t have to wait too long before the new businesses open.
“The ones that will probably be first will be Chipotle, Whataburger, possibly Panda Express and the Big Blue Marble. All those should be (open) sometime first quarter of 2025. Lowes Foods will likely be third quarter 2025,” Chambers said.
Both developers say that the increase in population across Red Bank makes the Platt Springs area more desirable for commercial builders.
“The overall growth of the area, I think, is a major factor as to what’s driving this retail activity. The intersection there at Highway Six and Platt Springs (Road), have proven to be a node for all the major grocers and major retailers, probably more so than a lot of places in town. So, I think the residential growth, the rooftop growth, coupled with the synergies of the other retail is what’s driving it,” Chambers explained.
Many residents were concerned about bringing additional traffic to Platt Springs Road.
Brandi Ijames of Red Bank said, “The growth will be good for Red Bank and it will create more job opportunities and help stimulate that. So, the growth is good for the opportunity here, but the traffic will be, you know, hectic, but that’s normal.”
“No, I’m not worried about it a bit. It’s a good thing," Murray Wilson, another Red Bank resident, added. "You know, I can remember when there was no Walmart. It can only be good for us. It really can. And I’m happy about it.”
In addition to Lowes Foods, Chipotle, Panda Express and Whataburger, Planet Fitness, Harbor Freight, Tidal Wave Car Wash, a bank and a Firestone tire store are also slated to open at Platt Springs Crossing.