Public Improvements
Public investment is a key economic driver in the Vista. The public commitment to the Vista development has helped transform the once unsightly streets and former railroad yards into beautiful buildings, such the Midlands Regional Convention Center, the Carolina Center, the new Hilton Convention Center Hotel, and the USC Wellness Center. Columbia's City Council is committed to public infrastructure improvements in the Vista, and many more improvements are in the works.
Lady Street Streetscape
Construction of a major street and pedestrian enhancement project on Lady Street, along with Wayne and Pulaski Streets in the heart of the Vista, will soon begin. The project will transform this industrial street into a pedestrian-friendly, tree-lined commercial corridor that is sure to encourage good retail locations. Lady Street will feature driver-friendly angled parking with the addition of over 100 parking spaces, beautiful landscaping, and wide sidewalks. The unsightly tangle of aboveground power lines will be replaced with underground service and new streetlights that mirror those on Gervais Street.
Vista Parking Improvements
Parking improvements for the Vista are vital for future economic development. Substantial changes in the parking system are slated in the future. The purchase of a key Lady Street parcel for a parking facility and a new parking garage at the Convention Center Hotel will provide additional street parking for customers during the day and night. A new hotel and condominiums will surround the parking garages. The Columbia Development Corporation, as the spokesperson for the City Council, solicited public input and support from the Vista, the Downtown, and the Five Points neighborhoods for the City Center Parking Study.
Way finding Sign System
Finding your way around the city will soon be a lot easier, thanks to a state-of-the-art way-finding system that the City Council has adopted. The signs will help locals and visitors find over 75 public buildings, shopping areas, attractions, and historic sites. The sign system will be installed prior to the opening of the Convention Center in late 2004. The Columbia Development Corporation was the City coordinator for the design of this project.
River Front Improvements
The 3 Rivers Greenway is luring people to the river. Columbia's Congaree River, one of the community's greatest assets, is becoming more accessible to everyone. Canal Front, now under construction, will offer miles and miles of lush greenways, leading visitors from the State Museum and EdVenture to the Riverbanks Zoo.
South Vista Infrastructure Project
Beautiful boulevards and landscaped corners line the entry to the Carolina Center and the new Midlands Convention Center. This area of Columbia often provides visitors their "first impression" to the city, and streets, lights, landscaping, and availability of public parking are all important amenities to ensure a positive impression. The South Vista Infrastructure project, slated for completion prior to the opening of the Convention Center in 2004, is critical to the continued vitality of the Vista, which has over seen over $150 million in investment during the last 10 years.
Gervais Street Streetscape
In 1982, when an article in National Geographic Magazine called Gervais Street one of the worst urban streets in America, the City Council committed to change this esteem-lowering designation. The resulting streetscape plan softened and cooled Gervais Street, which is US Highway 1, with trees, underground utilities, and a pedestrian-friendly streets. Completed in 1999, the Gervais Street Streescape led to millions of dollars in private investment and gave the vital Vista a major kick start.
Finlay Park
The first use of the Vista's Tax Increment District designation helped create Finlay Park, a former rail-switching yard, into one of the finest urban parks in the south. Finlay Park is now a community-gathering place, a soothing retreat that allows visitors to beat the sweltering summer heat and listen to outdoor concerts.
