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Beautification project to add lighting, landscaping in Vista

Melinda Waldrop //August 17, 2021//

Beautification project to add lighting, landscaping in Vista

Melinda Waldrop //August 17, 2021//

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A Vista beautification project is adding lighting, landscaping, sidewalks and outdoor seating to Park Street between Gervais and Senate streets. (Rendering/Provided)

A beautification project in the Congaree Vista will add lighting, landscaping, sidewalks and outdoor seating areas on Park Street between Gervais and Senate streets. 

The project, now underway, is scheduled to be completed by fall, according to Kristen Puckett, construction coordinator for the city of Columbia.

 “This will be a delightful improvement for pedestrians in the area,” Rosie Craig, board member and founding member of The Congaree Vista Guild, said in a news release. “It’s a long-awaited project that has been in development for many years and is now going to happen. The city of Columbia staff have been incredibly helpful.”  

Nearby restaurants, including Oyster Bar Columbia, Republic Biergarten & Kitchen, Pearlz Oyster Bar, Pot Smoker BBQ and Monterrey Mexican Restaurant, are open during the construction.

Republic Biergarten & Kitchen opened last year in the space formerly occupied by Flying Saucer, a national bar chain headquartered in Texas. Flying Saucer was one of several businesses to leave the Vista since 2019, including Casual Pint, Newk's, Nonnah's, World of Beer and Carolina Strip Club steak restaurant. 

Area marketing and commercial real estate experts viewed the closings as part of normal ebb and flow and said increased residential density would support new business openings. Popular Rosewood wing spot Peebles opened a Vista location this spring and was joined on Gervais Street last weekend by a new sneaker store, Harlem's Closet.

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