The renaissance of the central business district

[Growingup15]

Originally Posted by Woodlands

So, by this short video it appears that they are planning to keep the existing tenants. Will the existing tenants want to stay will remain to be seen depending on their confidence in the new landlord and/or the landlords plans for the site and how it may impact or enhance their business. I think it does represents a new opportunity for the site to be redeveloped as the church may actively seek partners as opposed to the current owner who may just want to collect rent. If done right, the church could leverage the 40 acres to lure developers and use the proceeds from redevelopment to build a new santuary elsewhere on the site. They will likely have to build a more urban site with parking garages and mid rise building to maximize the site.

I like this model Metrocenter at Owings Mills here in MD. First off.. dont pay any attention to the fact that is attached to a subway station and the huge parking garage that supports it. I want to emphasize the mix..residential, retail, small hotel, and institutional uses (library and branch of the technical college).. Its not a large development but those components especially on the institutional side could be replicated here. If not with County uses other human service related ones.

https://metrocentreom.com

Institutional component

https://metrocentreom.com/education/

This is exactly what I envision when I said that a Mixed Used development around the mall will instantly bring in the tenants and revive the mall and the area as the pastor claims he wants to do. He has to be willing to even put forth such an idea because the land is cheap and easy to sell off to build. This would be an opportunity for the St Andrews area to get it's identity and own little Hub similar to Sandhills or Harbison but better.

[Woodlands]

Originally Posted by Growingup15

This is exactly what I envision when I said that a Mixed Used development around the mall will instantly bring in the tenants and revive the mall and the area as the pastor claims he wants to do. He has to be willing to even put forth such an idea because the land is cheap and easy to sell off to build. This would be an opportunity for the St Andrews area to get it's identity and own little Hub similar to Sandhills or Harbison but better.

So I just realized that this church has sanctuary nearby so this may strictly be a community/economic development project as they may not need/want a new sanctuary. That is good news for the existing tenants.

All of that being said... lets dream a little bit full disclosure that I dont know anything about what any of these institutions. But since there is a certain aspect of community development where the church's interest in providing community services exist. It could dovetail nicely in with some of the public services aspect put forth by the City and County....What if?

1) Midlands Tech decides to sell or lease its Harbison Campus to Richland Lexington 5 for their usage and agrees to lease new or existing space in Dutch Square for a new Campus and continues to focus on workforce development etc. Its accessible to bus and highway though regrettably further from the NW. Is it also an opportunity for another SC institution of higher education to co locate classes here using some of the same classrooms/facilities as Midlands Tech? (SCSU? USC? Clemson?)

2) Richland County moves the St Andrews Branch of the Library into this complex into an existing building

3) Part of the site could be set aside for that "super stop" proposed by the County several years ago and even if the City fails to build a true transit center. one could be placed on the corner of this property for COMET, Megabus and Greyhound as it is very accessible for commuters and for interstate bus travel. Buses could be set up to connect with the various schools mentioned above in #1 if that comes into fruition.

4) Pursue the mixed use development with retail office and residential. Carve out space for pop up short term businesses and host a St Andrews Marketplace to allow these businesess to obtain inexpensive short term leases to operate.

5) Provide a nice out public space for the entire community and to support events activities outlined above. (This could be funded by the County if the space is given to the County or an easement given/dollar lease for 100yrs in exchange for allowing its construction and maintenance on site. There is no "destination park" in St. Andrews or this section of town that I can recall.


If I were the pastor I would look at each of these areas as.. if you want public money or public support.. weaving these items in may be a way to get it as opposed to asking for direct aid.. it could come indirectly through these areas and be a clear public benefit

[Growingup15]

Originally Posted by Woodlands

So I just realized that this church has sanctuary nearby so this may strictly be a community/economic development project as they may not need/want a new sanctuary. That is good news for the existing tenants.

All of that being said... lets dream a little bit full disclosure that I dont know anything about what any of these institutions. But since there is a certain aspect of community development where the church's interest in providing community services exist. It could dovetail nicely in with some of the public services aspect put forth by the City and County....What if?

1) Midlands Tech decides to sell or lease its Harbison Campus to Richland Lexington 5 for their usage and agrees to lease new or existing space in Dutch Square for a new Campus and continues to focus on workforce development etc. Its accessible to bus and highway though regrettably further from the NW. Is it also an opportunity for another SC institution of higher education to co locate classes here using some of the same classrooms/facilities as Midlands Tech? (SCSU? USC? Clemson?)

2) Richland County moves the St Andrews Branch of the Library into this complex into an existing building

3) Part of the site could be set aside for that "super stop" proposed by the County several years ago and even if the City fails to build a true transit center. one could be placed on the corner of this property for COMET, Megabus and Greyhound as it is very accessible for commuters and for interstate bus travel. Buses could be set up to connect with the various schools mentioned above in #1 if that comes into fruition.

4) Pursue the mixed use development with retail office and residential. Carve out space for pop up short term businesses and host a St Andrews Marketplace to allow these businesess to obtain inexpensive short term leases to operate.

5) Provide a nice out public space for the entire community and to support events activities outlined above. (This could be funded by the County if the space is given to the County or an easement given/dollar lease for 100yrs in exchange for allowing its construction and maintenance on site. There is no "destination park" in St. Andrews or this section of town that I can recall.


If I were the pastor I would look at each of these areas as.. if you want public money or public support.. weaving these items in may be a way to get it as opposed to asking for direct aid.. it could come indirectly through these areas and be a clear public benefit

all of these are amazing ideas. That could easily being so much life to this area and benefit the nearby communities. They would definitely have to work with the County and City to make some collaborative plans