Berkshire Hathaway launches new development division in Columbia

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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Midlands Real Estate is launching Raising Columbia SC, a new residential real estate development division. Columbia native Shayla Riley will lead the effort, joining the team as president of new construction sales and development, according to a news release.

Riley will work with Andrea Reynolds, owner and broker of BHHS Midlands Real Estate, to reimagine the framework of urban development through the new division.

“The culmination of my career has led to this incredible opportunity,” Riley said. “Our focus on cultivating community intends to breathe new life into urban residential development, and I am thankful for this chance to enhance and give back to the community that raised my entire family and me.”

Raising Columbia SC’s mission is to increase homeownership opportunities in the Columbia area by developing multifamily and single-family residences that prioritize access, density and innovating living experiences to maximize economic impact, the release said.

The new division will place an emphasis on encouraging multifamily ownership opportunities in under-utilized and underdeveloped areas.

“There is demand and necessity for vertical developments in Columbia,” Reynolds said. “Our community is ready for more multifamily housing and ownership with access to the great amenities that are here. I am thrilled to have Shayla on our team to expand BHHS Midlands’ offerings in bringing new and creative developments to the area. Her passion and drive make her a fantastic fit to take charge of this effort.”

Riley has more than 20 years of experience in residential home sales, new construction lease-up management, vertical and multifamily residential development and traditional new home construction sales. She has spearheaded the success of two downtown residential buildings, Land Bank Lofts and Pulaski Square, and assisted with the conversion and leasing of historic buildings into multifamily housing communities geared toward professionals and students.

She serves on the board of the Contemporaries of the Columbia Museum of Art and is a member of the City of Columbia’s Affordable Housing Task Force and Leadership Columbia 2023.

“Increasing home ownership enhances attachment to the community,” Riley said. “I look forward to passing along my passion for the community to future homebuyers while reimagining what defines a home. A home means more than a single-family structure, and multifamily ownership is the indicator of a progressive city.”