COLUMBIA, S.C. — Columbia's downtown skyline could change as the city considers an amendment that would increase the building height limits.
On Wednesday, members of the public met with Columbian leaders during a work session to discuss the proposal. A week earlier, the Columbia City Council approved a measure that would remove a 75-foot maximum height requirement in the city's Innovista Design Overlay District.
Right now, any construction within 300 feet of a historic overlay or residential district is limited to 75 feet in height. The city wants to remove that requirement and allow construction above 75 feet, citing the city's need for more hotel space.
However, residents said they worry about the cascading impacts. Carolyn Leedecker, the Vista Neighborhood Association president, said that if this change happens and more hotels are approved for the area, the Vista will lose its historic and artistic atmosphere. She mentioned the recent construction of a hotel at the corner of Gervais and Huger streets.
"It's not a good look for Columbia; it really doesn't - other than providing some revenue for the city - it will not do anything to meet any of the goals that the city has set for itself to make them better competition with Charleston or Greenville," Leedecker said.
The city did not mention when a second reading would take place, but the first approval stated meetings with residents would be required before that reading happens.