COLUMBIA – On July 29, city and county leaders gathered with community members to celebrate a major milestone in downtown Columbia’s revitalization: the redevelopment of 1401 Main Street into a state-of-the-art Municipal Complex and the debut of ōLiv Columbia, a mixed-use project by Core Spaces.
Hosted at 1400 Main Street, the event drew local leaders, business partners, and residents eager to hear updates on this transformative public-private initiative designed to breathe new life into the Main Street District.
“This revitalization—anchored by our new Municipal Complex and Core Spaces’ ōLiv Columbia—is a huge win for our residents and for the future of downtown,” said Mayor Daniel Rickenmann. “We’re not just improving how we deliver services—we’re creating a livable, walkable urban core with new housing, retail, and gathering spaces. And we are not done yet.”
A Modern Municipal Complex for Columbia
The City of Columbia is investing $49.5 million to renovate the 12-story building at 1401 Main Street. Once complete, it will centralize key city departments, making public services more accessible and efficient. Upgrades include structural enhancements, reimagined interior workspaces, a modernized façade with reflective glass, and an inviting streetscape on Washington Street with trees, seating, and bike racks.
Inside, visitors will find collaborative work areas, a public lobby hub, a café, and space to support small businesses and community programming. The project is also expected to free up existing downtown properties—such as 1136 Washington Street—for future redevelopment.
“Consolidating city services under one roof will ensure a more customer-focused, modern experience for citizens, business owners, and visitors,” said City Manager Teresa Wilson.
ōLiv Columbia: More Than Just a Place to Live
Next door, Core Spaces is developing ōLiv Columbia—a mixed-use community combining modern housing, ground-floor retail, and hospitality-driven property management. Designed to complement the Municipal Complex, ōLiv Columbia will bring more energy, vibrancy, and residential density to the area.
“Placemaking is at the heart of what we do at Core,” said Chad Matesi, Chief Development Officer. “We’re proud to partner with the City of Columbia and Richland County to deliver an exceptional experience not just for our residents, but for the entire community.”
A Regional Vision for Growth
The project aligns with a broader downtown revitalization strategy that includes the upcoming Public Safety Complex at 400 Laurel Street and Columbia’s long-term economic development goals.
“Bringing more energy, activity, and opportunity to our downtown will strengthen the entire Midlands region,” said Richland County Council Chair Jesica Mackey. “We’re creating connected communities that attract both residents and job creators.”
The event concluded with a celebration of Columbia’s diverse food scene, as local food trucks lined Main Street offering favorites from Bamboo Cottage, Bubblelicious Waffles, Guy’s Hotdogs, Carrie Vine’s Homemade Treats, and Hendrix The Bus Coffee.
As Columbia continues its transformation, the 1400 block of Main Street stands as a symbol of what’s possible when government, business, and community come together to build a bold future.
