It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Saluda Factory gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in West Columbia, SC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“This is a company that truly cares about its employees and the seniors they care”
“Nice people to work with”
“Gina Berry takes time explaining why home care and Always Best Care is the best”
“I am a current client of this provider From a caretakers/daughters point of view: This service”
“Always Best Care is a great company to work for and if you are looking”
“The Staff, the care teams and the owners are one of a kind! They take”
“Nate took the time to meet with me and my family and help make sense”
“Hello to all of my Always Best Care friends, I'd like to wish you and your”
“I am a current client of this provider It is essential to us, he really needs”
“This is one of the best companies I’ve worked for in a long time. The”
“I am a current client of this provider It depends on who they hire for the”
“I am a current client of this provider I would have had to quit my job”
“I am a current client of this provider They have made it positive by being friendly”
“I am a current client of this provider The agency would have to make it a”
“I am a current client of this provider The caregiver has changed a lot for me”
“I am a current client of this provider They help with his personal care and the”
“I am a current client of this provider I don't have transportation so I rely on”
“I am a current client of this provider They are my mother's means with her transportation. My”
“I am a current client of this provider The help is very welcome and I have”
“I am a current client of this provider They cleaned the kitchen and the bathroom and”
“This is a company that truly cares about its employees and the seniors they care for! Nate and Melisa offer regular training for caregivers so they they can provide the best care possible!”
“Nice people to work with”
“Gina Berry takes time explaining why home care and Always Best Care is the best choice for your family’s needs. The Team at Always Best is thoughtful and supportive they go out of their way to make you feel heard and understood. They customize the care plan, care team and schedule. I recommend them to anyone considering aging in place.”
“I am a current client of this provider From a caretakers/daughters point of view: This service is a savior for me personally. It relieves me from having to miss a lot of work time to travel to my mothers appt, now I can meet her at the appt. and save this time. The care and service she is getting is TOP NOTCH! From how easy it is for my mother to schedule and the follow through is right on the money. From a person getting the services: Melissa is the best, she calls me weekly to remind me of my appointments coming up. I am very pleased with the services and absolutely pleased with the services provided. I know that this alone helps ease the mind of my daughter. Thank you to the team at Always Best Care!”
“Always Best Care is a great company to work for and if you are looking for care for a loved one, I highly recommend them. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable and supportive. I work in the senior industry and recommend Always Best Care to my clients that need extra support in their home or while family is away. Always Best Care will respond immediately and truly show compassion to others.”
“The Staff, the care teams and the owners are one of a kind! They take the time to ensure your care needs are met. Highly recommend giving them a call if you have senior care or senior living questions or concerns.”
“Nate took the time to meet with me and my family and help make sense of the questions we had when it came to the short and long term care of our loved one. When you have an elderly parent or a loved one with disabilities there are so many questions and so many emotions. It can be so confusing and it was hard for us to find one person or one company that has the knowledge and grasp of this industry that Nate has. We cannot thank him enough for guiding us through this process and his amazing bedside manner!”
“Hello to all of my Always Best Care friends, I'd like to wish you and your families a Merry, Blessed Christmas and a Happy, Prosperous New Year! My brother, my dad, and I really appreciate everything you did for us this year. You're amazing! All the best for the Christmas season and 2023,”
“I am a current client of this provider It is essential to us, he really needs assistance daily, and I work full time. I like their team approach.”
“This is one of the best companies I’ve worked for in a long time. The owners, Nate and Melisa, genuinely care about clients AND staff. They go above and beyond to support, encourage, and help everyone they work with. Their doors are always open, they’re generous with their time, and they truly want their staff to succeed. Donna in the billing department is fabulous, always available to answer questions or help in any way; Katrina in scheduling puts in so much time and effort to accommodate everyone’s needs and it’s amazing how well she handles everything; Angel works diligently on recruiting and training, making sure there’s plenty of staff to provide quality care; and Jackie is an incredible CHAMP, making sure clients are properly reassessed and care givers have the right tools and knowledge to do their job. ABC is a fantastic, compassionate, caring team I’m proud to be a part of, and I’m proud to serve our clients, too.”
“I am a current client of this provider It depends on who they hire for the job. The people they hire can improve.”
“I am a current client of this provider I would have had to quit my job if it wasn't for them and they go grocery shopping. They can have more guidance for the client and what to do for the client.”
“I am a current client of this provider They have made it positive by being friendly and courteous. I like that I do not have to worry about them; they are honest.”
“I am a current client of this provider The agency would have to make it a lot easier for me to find out about the caregiver coming out and having someone on backup. The agency could provide better scheduling and the caregivers would not come in on time.”
“I am a current client of this provider The caregiver has changed a lot for me and has done errands for me. I would tell a friend that Donna is great.”
“I am a current client of this provider They help with his personal care and the cooking. They're very accommodating and the communication is very good.”
“I am a current client of this provider I don't have transportation so I rely on them to take me to my chance treatment. I like how they take control of who they have.”
“I am a current client of this provider They are my mother's means with her transportation. My mother enjoys her caregiver.”
“I am a current client of this provider The help is very welcome and I have a great caregiver. I don't like that they don't have much staff, but I do like my caregiver.”
“I am a current client of this provider They cleaned the kitchen and the bathroom and all areas and for safety reasons they help with the showering. Some things have improved because at one point they weren't communicating that someone was coming.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting West Columbia Riverwalk Park and Amphitheater with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Terra or visit Robert Mills House and Gardens, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in West Columbia, SC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in West Columbia, SC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in West Columbia, SC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
WEST COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - West Columbia’s Riverwalk will remain closed after the park experienced extensive flooding due to rising water levels following Helene.The Riverwalk fell victim to flooding from the Congaree River as water rose to just over 30 feet Monday.“I know folks are eager to get back out because it’s such a valuable asset, but it’s just not safe to get and we need a little bit of time to get it there,” said West Columbia Mayor Tem Miles.The water now is continuing to recede...
WEST COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - West Columbia’s Riverwalk will remain closed after the park experienced extensive flooding due to rising water levels following Helene.
The Riverwalk fell victim to flooding from the Congaree River as water rose to just over 30 feet Monday.
“I know folks are eager to get back out because it’s such a valuable asset, but it’s just not safe to get and we need a little bit of time to get it there,” said West Columbia Mayor Tem Miles.
The water now is continuing to recede making the Riverwalk visible once again.
The flooding left mud, water damage and a long list of repairs for the city; however, Miles said despite the significant damage, the park will reopen, though it will not be any time soon.
“At this point, it’s hard to tell exactly how much damage we have, we are expecting some significant damage,” Miles said. “We haven’t been able to complete inspections of the wooden bridges and that has to be done before we can open it up.”
The first step into beginning the rebuild began on Thursday and included cleaning all of the mud. Crews have been actively power-washing debris off the amphitheater and walking trails.
Following the clean-up, an assessment will be conducted to determine necessary repairs.
“If you go beyond where we are that’s already been cleaned it’s coated in mud, it’s slick, there’s debris everywhere, there are parts of light poles that are leaning, if you look back behind us there is a fence that’s made to prevent folks from falling and its leaning. It’s just not a safe environment right now,” Miles said.
Miles said light polls are knocked over, signage and benches need replacing, and water remains under some raised pathways.
The city said they plan to seek federal and state assistance to pay for the damages.
“We are always optimistic and hopeful that it’s not going to take a long time, but we have had periods after different flooding events where sections were closed down for a period of a time,” Miles said.
In the meantime, the city is asking residents to obey the no-trespassing signs and remain off the Riverwalk until it can re-open.were
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West Columbia’s Capitol Square shopping center is set for a major transformation after receiving approval from West Columbia’s planning commission this week. Jin Jin Chinese Restaurant, the last business open in the shopping center, closed l...
West Columbia’s Capitol Square shopping center is set for a major transformation after receiving approval from West Columbia’s planning commission this week. Jin Jin Chinese Restaurant, the last business open in the shopping center, closed last December.
Developer Baker Commercial Properties plans to redevelop the 13-acre site into a mixed-use community featuring a four-story, 224-unit residential complex, a 27,000-sqft grocery store, and additional retail and office spaces. The project, designed with pedestrians in mind, aims to reshape the area by adding public green spaces and improving walkability, connecting the new and growing areas of the River District.
One key concern — parking — has been addressed, with plans for a 171-space public lot and around 550-645 off-street parking spots to support both new businesses and local favorites like D’s Wings + Savage Craft Ale Works.
Capitol Square sits across Sunset Boulevard from the House of Raeford chicken plant, which has been the subject of public complaints for years. Despite earlier discussions about relocation, the plant remains operational and will continue to neighbor the redevelopment.
Capitol Square is part of a broader redevelopment trend in West Columbia, which includes the long-awaited pedestrian bridge over the Saluda River and ongoing improvements along Highway 1.
Nearby restaurant Al’s Upstairs closed after 44 years in late 2023, while Eggroll Station’s property changed hands around the same time. The owners of Eggroll Station were told they have about a year before needing to vacate, with both properties planned for redevelopment.
The West Columbia City Council will still need to review and approve key aspects of the project, such as zoning changes and the partial road closure before construction begins. If approved, Capitol Square will mark the latest step of redevelopment projects in West Columbia.
WEST COLUMBIA — A major mixed-use development at a prominent West Columbia intersection is moving forward, despite the nearby chicken plant.At a Sept. 23 meeting, the city’s Planning Commission voted in favor of plans for the Capitol Square development slated for the block bordered by Leaphart, Meeting and State streets and Sunset Boulevard.The plans offered more details for the project spawned by ...
WEST COLUMBIA — A major mixed-use development at a prominent West Columbia intersection is moving forward, despite the nearby chicken plant.
At a Sept. 23 meeting, the city’s Planning Commission voted in favor of plans for the Capitol Square development slated for the block bordered by Leaphart, Meeting and State streets and Sunset Boulevard.
The plans offered more details for the project spawned by a city-sponsored redevelopment study for the prominent location in the heart of West Columbia.
The project would see a multifamily apartment building and commercial space, including a grocery store, take over the lot, which is currently occupied by a vacant shopping center and several empty retail and light industrial spots.
Developer Ryan Maltba of Baker Commercial Properties, which owns the property, said the redevelopment will improve walkability and foot traffic in the busy corridor, which has seen significant redevelopment in recent years.
“(We’re) shifting the focus of that site towards Meeting Street, and aim to continue the development of Meeting Street and really connect with what’s going on on State Street on the other side of Meeting and bring that across and really incorporate our property so it feels consistent,” Maltba said at the meeting.
A new parking lot to be constructed on a plot on the other side of Leaphart will compensate for the loss of parking lots for the currently vacant spaces on the property, Maltba said.
Leaphart will ultimately be closed and rerouted to no longer intersect with Meeting Street, according to site plans. This was a request from the state Department of Transportation to remove the existing 45-degree angle where traffic from Leaphart meets the busy Meeting Street, Maltba said.
Along with the apartments and grocery store, plans for the project revealed at the meeting include five standalone retail or office buildings ranging from 2,000 to 7,000 square feet. There is also a public green space facing Meeting, according to site plans.
The multifamily building will have four stories and contain approximately 224 units, according to site plans. The grocery store component covers almost 27,000 square feet.
The plans will now move on to the October City Council meeting agenda for full approval. A public hearing on the partial road closure will take place in November, Maltba said.
The site was targeted by the city and the property owner in a strategic development plan for West Columbia at a May City Council meeting.
The partial closure of Leaphart was not included in the site plans published in May.
The apartments and retail space would sit across Sunset Boulevard from the House of Raeford poultry plant.
The plant has a history of complaints from both the public and the city, and there were reports it could close if Raeford was able to open a new plant in Aiken, but that proposed facility has stalled since Aiken city and county officials did not approve necessary tax agreements and water-and-sewer improvements.
A Raeford spokesperson told The Post and Courier in May the chicken plant had no plans to move anytime soon, regardless of any redevelopment plans across the road.
But the city's strategic plans also marked the site of the chicken plant as a spot for redevelopment. The plan recommends the city purchase the property if given the opportunity, as House of Raeford “consider(s) relocation options.”
“Redevelopment of this property at its highest and best use includes public open space,” the city said in the plan.
“This is another opportunity to expand the community’s access to and enjoyment of the river.”
The chicken plant site could be used for expanding water treatment facilities if acquired by West Columbia, according to city plans. The city could make use of brownfield grants, which provide federal government funding to remediate land containing hazardous waste, to develop the site, the plans said.
The Raeford plant is already neighbors with a housing development and apartment complex, not to mention the multiple apartment buildings recently constructed on nearby State Street and the planned Capital Square project.
The future of the chicken plant was not addressed by developers or Planning Commission members at the Sept. 23 meeting.
Plans for a new housing development across from West Columbia’s often-complained-about chicken processing plant are moving ahead.Baker Commercial Properties, which owns the vacant Capitol Square shopping center across from the House of Raeford slaughterhouse along Sunset Boulevard/U.S. 378, presented plans to redevelop the property to the city’s Planning Commission on Monday.If all goes as planned, the shopping centered will be torn down as Baker transforms roughly 13 acres bordered by Sunset and Meeting Street/U.S....
Plans for a new housing development across from West Columbia’s often-complained-about chicken processing plant are moving ahead.
Baker Commercial Properties, which owns the vacant Capitol Square shopping center across from the House of Raeford slaughterhouse along Sunset Boulevard/U.S. 378, presented plans to redevelop the property to the city’s Planning Commission on Monday.
If all goes as planned, the shopping centered will be torn down as Baker transforms roughly 13 acres bordered by Sunset and Meeting Street/U.S. Highway 1, centered on a four-story living complex with 224 multi-family units. Plans also include a separate 27,000-square-foot grocery store, with the exact tenant to be announced, along with 18,000 square feet of retail and/or office space and 4,800 square feet in outparcels designated for retail.
Also included among the spaces detailed on potential maps for the development is a 5,000-square-foot restaurant space.
“We have identified a national grocer and are in continuing discussions with adjacent landowners, retailers, and commercial real estate professionals to solidify the eventual scope of the project,” Baker’s proposal to the city details, adding that the development is being design to “retain the character of the surrounding neighborhood while promoting pedestrian connectivity, and retail and commercial services desirable to the community, all centrally located.”
Preliminary details of the project were revealed earlier this year as part of an update made earlier this year to West Columbia’s redevelopment plan, and how the project would impact parking in the city’s burgeoning River District was among the unknowns. Capitol Square currently provides about 200 public parking spots used as critical overflow for visitors to such popular destinations as D’s Wings and Savage Craft Ale Works, which sit across a Meeting Street crosswalk from the empty shopping center.
The updated plans reveal that the city won’t lose much when it comes to public parking, as a 171-spot public parking lot along Leaphart Street would be included. Overall, the project is set to include somewhere between 550 and roughly 645 off-street parking spaces.
The development also calls for a large, landscaped open space directly across from D’s, Savage Craft and the pavilion used for the city’s Meeting Street Artisan Market.
“The Capitol Square redevelopment will be designed as a centrally located gathering place to facilitate further growth and expansion of the Riverfront District and West Columbia, using innovative design techniques and modern development approaches while honoring the existing architectural, cultural, and social context surrounding the site,” the proposal states.
Parking and two retail buildings are included where Chinese restaurant Eggroll Station has operated since 1990. The owners confirmed this summer that their building would be torn down as part of the redevelopment project, saying they had been told they had somewhere between a year and a year and a half from July to vacate the space.
The Planning Commission voted to recommend the requested zoning for the project, with West Columbia City Council set to consider it next month.
Capitol Square Shopping Center in West Columbia
Leaflet | © OpenStreetMap contributors
This story was originally published September 24, 2024, 3:47 PM.
A Midlands barbecue joint once again has found itself in the national spotlight.City Limits Barbeque, located at 1119 Methodist Park Road in West Columbia, was listed Monday on The New York Times 2024 Restaurant List, an annual affair that tallies 50 of the paper’s favorite restaurants in the U.S. City Limits was the only Midlands restaurant to make this year’s list. The only other South Carolina rest...
A Midlands barbecue joint once again has found itself in the national spotlight.
City Limits Barbeque, located at 1119 Methodist Park Road in West Columbia, was listed Monday on The New York Times 2024 Restaurant List, an annual affair that tallies 50 of the paper’s favorite restaurants in the U.S. City Limits was the only Midlands restaurant to make this year’s list. The only other South Carolina restaurant that made the cut was Lost Isle in Johns Island.
“(Pitmaster Robbie Robinson’s) vinegary South Carolina-style chopped pork sandwich is a master class, with crisp bits of cracklings mixed into the luscious meat, at its best topped with a proper scoop of slightly creamy, finely chopped coleslaw,” Kim Severson writes in the New York Times Restaurant List entry for City Limits. “He veers expertly into Texas territory, too. Snappy Hill Country sausages and meaty beef ribs sell out early. Don’t sleep on the warm peach cobbler, either.”
Robinson started City Limits as a food truck back in 2016. Then, in 2023, City Limits found a more permanent, brick-and-mortar location on Methodist Park Road in West Columbia. Known for its Texas-style brisket, Carolina-style pulled pork and decadent side dishes, the restaurant received national acclaim earlier this year, as Robinson was a finalist for Best Chef-Southeast at the heralded James Beard Foundation Awards. And in August, it was listed at No. 4 on Southern Living’s Best New BBQ Joints list.
Robinson shared an Instagram story on Tuesday morning from the restaurant, expressing gratitude for his family, employees and friends amid the continued acclaim the restaurant has received.
“When we get a little attention, I’m thankful,” Robinson said on the social media video. “I’m so thankful. ... We are not going to stop grinding away and trying to do what we do. ... I’m going to wake up every day, grind, and serve y’all the best bite of food that I can.”
On the local front, City Limits is listed on The State’s restaurant guide of 50 essential eateries in the Midlands. The restaurant is typically only open on Saturdays and Sundays.
This story was originally published September 24, 2024, 11:44 AM.
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