Mortgage Broker in Columbia, SC

Belk is closing its longtime department store in Richland Mall ahead of a more than $100 million complete overhaul of the mall property that is slated for the coming years.

Company spokeswoman Jessica Rohlik noted the Belk store has been at the mall at 3400 Forest Drive in Forest Acres for a quarter-century.

“Belk has been proud to serve customers at our Richland Mall store since 1998,” Rohlik said in an email statement. “As redevelopment plans for the mall move forward, we will be closing our Richland Mall location in early September to focus on our other Columbia stores.”

Rohlik said the Richland Mall Belk will have items at 65% off, with clearance items running at 75% off, beginning Friday, Aug. 11.

“After store closing, we hope to welcome Richland Mall customers to our Columbiana Centre or the Village at Sandhill locations,” Rohlik said. “Customers are also able to shop for their favorite products on Belk.com or in the Belk app.”

When the coming redevelopment of the mall property was initially announced, officials indicated Belk would eventually relocate to another part of the site, in the former Parisian building. However, Rohlik said in a Wednesday afternoon email that there are no current plans for Belk to return to the redevelopment after the store closes.

After Belk’s coming closure, Barnes & Noble bookstore will be the last major tenant of the mall in its current form. The State has reached out to Barnes & Noble about its plans at the property.

Richland Mall, for years, struggled to maintain national tenants. But now there is a new plan taking shape to breathe life into the site.

The mall property had been owned by Century Capital LLC and Forest Holdings LLC. However, in January, Augusta development company Southeastern officially purchased the property. It has pledged to overhaul the 32-acre site with a more than $100 million plan that is set to include a 100,000-square-foot grocery store, more than 500 apartments, a public park, a brewery or taproom and more.

City officials have said the coming redevelopment of the mall site will be the largest single economic development investment in Forest Acres in nearly four decades.

City and development officials have said the redevelopment of the mall site will be a years-long process. The bulk of the current mall building ultimately will be demolished to make way for the overhaul.

Southeastern is no stranger to major developments. The company has numerous retail, residential, hospitality and other business developments in its portfolio, with projects across the South. Among it developments is the mixed-use Shelter Cove Towne Centre in Hilton Head.

This story was originally published August 9, 2023, 12:06 PM.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCSC) - Leaders in South Carolina’s energy sector say the state’s power capacity must expand.

If it does not, they warn the rolling blackouts that part of the state experienced last Christmas Eve — and which much of South Carolina narrowly avoided — could become a regular concern for years to come.

The state’s growth makes this call even more imperative.

In the last year, companies including Scout Motors, BMW, and Redwood Materials have announced they will be investing billions of dollars to build manufacturing facilities in South Carolina, particularly in the high-powered electric vehicle sector.

But those plants and others coming online, coupled with more people moving to the state and the anticipated proliferation of electric cars, means more power is going to be used.

“A lot of really good things are happening in South Carolina. But if you want it to come to a screeching halt, you just run out of generation,” Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative CEO Bob Paulling said.

That’s why Paulling said he is making this appeal now, for the state to urgently expand its power capacity, because solutions could still be years away.

“We don’t have time to wait,” he said.

Paulling believes nuclear energy is the best long-term solution, but he calls natural gas the bridge fuel to get there.

“The problem we have in South Carolina is we don’t have enough natural gas pipelines inside the state lines,” he said.

Paulling said retired coal plants like one formerly operated by then-SCE&G in Colleton County have the infrastructure to be converted into a natural gas plant.

But clearing the permitting, regulations, and construction processes isn’t quick.

“It takes years, even a decade to get this done, so we can’t wait any longer to get it going,” he said.

He hopes a new working group called Power SC, formed by Gov. Henry McMaster through a June executive order and made up of state agency representatives, is what can bring together the state’s utilities, environmental groups, and other stakeholders to advance these conversations.

That group met for the first time Thursday in Columbia.

“If you’re building a transmission line, if you’re expanding pipeline capacity, if you’re building a new generation plant, these are not just items that take place in 12 months. These are multiyear planning efforts,” Office of Regulatory Staff Director Nanette Edwards said. “So the reason the governor has asked us, in this working group, to convene now, is to prepare for the future and to make sure that we have reliable, affordable power for our citizens and for our economic growth and prosperity.”

The Power SC group — which brings together several state agencies, including the Departments of Commerce, Transportation, Employment and Workforce, and Natural Resources — hopes to have an initial set of recommendations to the governor by the end of this year.

It will also assist the Office of Regulatory Staff as it updates South Carolina’s statewide energy plan, which is expected to be a multiyear process.

“We need to solve this problem,” Paulling said. “We need to solve it presently. We need to solve it for our kids, our grandkids, in the future. But we’ve got a present crisis on our hands that we really need to solve.”

Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.

The votes have been tabulated and Camden defensive back Jo Jo Crim is the winner in The State’s Midlands high school football Player of the Week for Aug. 17-19.

Crim edged out Heathwood Hall’s Patrick Belk as more than 26,000 votes were cast. Thanks to everyone who voted for the poll. A new one will be out on Monday.

The nominees are listed below. Please note that these polls are not scientific and are meant to be just for fun.

? AJ Brand, QB, Irmo: Junior quarterback was 14-of-21 passing for 220 yards, two touchdown passes and carried it six times for 120 yards and a TD in the win over Chapin.

? Patrick Belk, QB, Heathwood Hall: Sophomore was 8-of-14 passing for 187 yards and three TDs, and carried it five times for 39 yards and two scores in a win over Great Falls.

? Sam Burks, WR/RB, Northside Christian: Burks carried the ball 17 times for 185 yards and four touchdowns, and also caught two passes for 68 yards and a TD in the win over First Baptist.

? Taevian Copney, RB/WR, Ben Lippen: Senior carried it 16 times for 168 yards and two TDs, and also caught five passes for 118 yards and three TDs in a win over Asheville Christian (N.C.).

? Jo Jo Crim, DB, Camden: Junior had three tackles and picked off two passes in a 43-0 win over Myrtle Beach.

? Jordon Gidron WR, Ridge View: Sophomore caught five passes for 115 yards and three TDs in win over Blythewood.

? Jamel Howse, WR, Newberry: Sophomore caught seven passes for 207 yards and four TDs in win over Union County.

? Avery Jones, WR, Airport: Junior had nine catches for 149 yards and four TDs in win over Swansea.

? BJ Montgomery, RB, Gray Collegiate: Junior carried it 15 times for 300 yards and four TDs in win over Christ Church.

? Caleb Pearson, QB, C.A. Johnson: Senior carried it 12 times for 172 yards, two touchdowns and also threw for 52 yards and two scores in win over Columbia.

? Braxton Rodgers, LB, Cardinal Newman: Senior had six tackles, one sack, a pass break-up and a highlight-reel interception that was returned for a touchdown in a win over Trinity Collegiate.

? Landon Sharpe, QB, White Knoll: Junior was 15-of-20 passing for 287 yards and three TDs in a win over Orangeburg-Wilkinson.

? Casey Shropshire, RB, North Central: Senior carried it 27 times for 201 yards and three TDs including the game-winner in a win over Johnsonville.

This story was originally published August 21, 2023, 2:05 PM.

Columbia might not have the beaches of Hilton Head or the rich, historic charm of Charleston, but it still has plenty to offer.

The Soda City is home to the state’s capital, the University of South Carolina, a tasty food scene and its own collection of historic sites. Often described as a big city with a small town feel, much of Columbia, particularly its downtown core, is extremely walkable, making it a regular gathering spot for various events and activities.

The nationwide publication Southern Living recently compiled a breakdown of what it considers the 20 best things to do in Columbia this year. Southern Living broke its list down by categories, including food, sporting events, culture and the outdoors.

Here are a few highlights from the list. For the full breakdown, click here.

Southern Living had several choices for the best foods and drinks to sample in Columbia. If you’re a coffee drinker, Southern Living suggested the best place to go is Drip in Five Points. Along with a healthy selection of drinks like espressos and matcha lattes, Drip offers quick breakfast and lunch options to grab on the go.

Southern Living also wrote that Columbia is no slouch when it comes to South Carolina barbecue and suggested Doc’s BBQ and Little Pigs Barbecue as two good options.

If you attend Columbia during football season, one of the best things you can do is attend a USC football game, Southern Living writes. The atmosphere of a Gamecocks night game at Williams-Brice Stadium is something to behold.

While strolling through Columbia’s Main Street on most days will offer plenty of places to shop and eat, Saturdays during the Soda City Market are the best, Southern Living writes. Each Saturday, Main Street is transformed into a lively street market filled with artists, food vendors and local farmers selling their latest produce.

Besides the market, one of the best things visitors to Columbia can do is schedule their visit around a festival, Southern Living adds. There’s the Rosewood Crawfish Festival in the spring, the Columbia Shrimp and Grits Fest in June and the South Carolina State Fair in the fall, just to name a few.

One of the best things about Columbia is, while it’s a bustling city, it’s near a wealth of outdoor splendor and activities. Southern Living suggests some of the best things to do include taking a boating or fishing trip on nearby Lake Murray or practice your golf swing on one of Columbia’s public courses, such as Oak Hills Golf Club and LinRick Golf Course.

And then there’s Congaree National Park, which is about 18 miles from downtown Columbia. The park features an old-growth bottomland hardwood forest and is filled with wildlife, from alligators to river otters. The park is also one of the few spots in the U.S. where visitors can watch a synchronous fireflies event each year —wherein countless male fireflies gather to put on a dazzling display in search for a mate.

This story was originally published August 7, 2023, 6:00 AM.

We can’t think of a better way to soak in Columbia’s greenspace than spending some time on the links. Whether you’re looking to connect outdoors with friends or you’re honing in on the perfect swing, here are 22 golf courses to make a tee time at around the Soda City.

Members only

Columbia Country Club, 135 Columbia Club Dr., Blythewood | This club offers a championship golf course, dining, swimming, and various sports programs. Home of the 121st U.S. Women’s Amateur Champion Jensen Castle.

The Country Club of Lexington, 1066 Barr Rd., Lexington | Recently awarded “Club of the Year” by the SCGA, this top-ranked course offers a full-service driving range, short game practice facility, two putting greens, an Olympic-size swimming pool, seven tennis courts, and banquet/meeting rooms.

Forest Lake Club, 340 Country Club Dr., Columbia, SC | Established in 1923, this 18-hole course offers 6,385 yards of golf, tennis courts, swimming pools, and dining venues.

Solina Golf, 200 Indian River Dr. | Solina (SOuth caroLINA) Golf course is currently being renovated and is accepting membership applications. This course was a public course named Indian River.

Spring Valley Country Club, 300 Spring Valley Rd., Columbia | PGA accredited golf professionals and full practice facilities including unlimited range balls, large practice green, short game area, private teaching tee, and multi-tiered range tee.

The WildeWood Club, 90 Mallet Hill Rd. | A neighborhood club offering not only a beautiful golf course, but a tennis facility with lighted clay + hard courts, and a seasonal swimming facility.

The Woodcreek Club, 301 Club Ridge Rd., TKTKTK | This is a Tom Fazio-designed course with features that include a two-tier tee setup and top-quality practice facilities.

The Woodlands Country Club, 100 Norse Way, Columbia | This is a Russell Breeden-designed 18-hole Championship Golf Course that opened in 1974. The course is situated on 188 total acres. The course has hosted notable events and offers individual instruction, clinics, and various tournaments throughout the year.

Public courses

Charwood, 222 Clubhouse Dr. #2589, West Columbia | Rates — $35+ for 18 holes. The course takes full advantage of its location along a 15-mile sand strip with naturally sandy “waste areas” that create a unique challenge for players.

Cobblestone, 1298 University Pkwy., Blythewood | Rates — $70+ for 18 holes. Golfers will find rolling hills, panoramic views, and oak and pine trees on this 27-hole course.

Fort Jackson Golf Club, Fort Jackson, Columbia | Military facility managed by U.S. Army Morale, Welfare and Recreation, featuring two golf courses including the 18-hole “Old Hickory” course with 6,624 and the wildcat course playing 5,426 yards.

Golden Hills Golf and Country Club, 100 Scotland Dr., Lexington | Set in the heart of Lexington, this 18-hole championship course offers beautiful trees and lakes, four lighted tennis courts, an outdoor Junior Olympic pool, children’s wading pool, driving range, chipping area, putting green, and a clubhouse with banquet facilities, Scottish tavern, golf shop, and locker rooms.

Hidden Valley, 147 State Rd. S-32-1144, Gaston | Situated just outside Columbia, this public 18-hole par 72 course offers a fair challenge and a premier experience with 6,800 yards of secluded layout.

Linrick, 356 Camp Ground Rd., Columbia | Columbia’s municipal golf course features eight ponds and rolling hills on 257 acres.

The Spur at Northwoods, 201 Powell Rd, Columbia | Designed by P.B. Dye, son of world-famous architect Pete Dye, the course winds through wooded areas with several ponds.

Oak Hills, 7629 Fairfield Rd., Columbia | Located on a 160-acre tract of land outside with gently rolling hills surrounded by oak, pine, and dogwood trees.

Timberlake Country Club, 222 Timberlake Dr., Chapin | Located on Lake Murray, Timberlake is a scenic and challenging 18-hole course.

The Windermere Club, 1101 Longtown Rd. E., Blythewoood | Designed by Pete Dye, this course offers a challenging golfing experience with different tee positions, subtle elevation changes, and fairways bordered by hardwood trees and water hazards throughout.

Just puttin’ around

Par Tee + Par 3 Course, 3209 Charleston Hwy., West Columbia | Experience a scenic driving range overlooking the Cola skyline with mini-golf, lessons, club fitting, and a unique 3-hole Par 3 Loop

James Clyburn Golf Center, 2091 Slighs Ave., Columbia | A full-service golf practice facility and learning center located off Harden Street in downtown Columbia

LJ’s Par And Grill, 381 Pilgrim Church Rd., Lexington | Enjoy a lighted golf driving range and putting green, offering tasty food, ice-cold beer, live music, and an ice cream parlor. It’s a perfect place to enjoy golf and entertainment.

Riverside Golf Center, 1600 Garner Ln., Columbia| The 9-hole riverside par-3 course features 1,100 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 27 and a driving range with an automated ball dispenser.

Take it indoors

Player’s Club Academy, 1626 Main St. STE 300 | An indoor golf facility with cutting-edge simulators, offering virtual courses, membership benefits, and a relaxing bar + lounge.

Pro Swing, 105 Snapdragon Ct., Chapin | Pro Swing features Golfzon’s Two Vision golf simulators, providing golfers with a realistic experience. Play and compete on famous courses, take lessons from experienced instructors, or host an event in a climate-controlled environment.