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.
“Lisa helped my family understand the best options for my parents and the resources available.”
“Always Best Care has been a lifesaver for our family. We have worked with them”
“Thank you for the care you gave to my dad. He did not have any”
“Always Best Care provided excellent care when I was discharged from Atrium after surgery- the”
“Lisa and her team at Always Best Care have been a great partner and resource”
“Amazing staff and services. Much appreciated.”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care was just absolutely wonderful. I”
“I love working for this company.”
“I used this nursing service for my cousin Pat who had cancer. I can not”
“I love being able to work with this company, the owners are great people and”
“Services were geared according to need. We were looking at rehab and they were willing”
“I am a past client of this provider Services were geared according to need. We were”
“I am a past client of this provider I used this nursing service for my cousin”
“Chuck and his personnel are truly the best. They helped us with mom and always”
“Lisa helped my family understand the best options for my parents and the resources available. She has great contacts and helped guide us thru the process. We received wonderful service. Thanks!”
“Always Best Care has been a lifesaver for our family. We have worked with them twice, both in emergency situations and they have treated us as if we were their only clients. Within an hour of our first call, we had paperwork completed and a caregiver on the way – and that was a holiday weekend. When the second emergency occurred, we knew exactly who to contact. We truly appreciate everything that Lisa, Melissa and the entire team have done for our family.”
“Thank you for the care you gave to my dad. He did not have any family living close to him. My sister and I were relived to know he was well taken care of. The caregivers truly care about your loved ones.”
“Always Best Care provided excellent care when I was discharged from Atrium after surgery- the office staff and caregivers were professional and caring- would definitely recommend if you need care at home-”
“Lisa and her team at Always Best Care have been a great partner and resource in providing services to our patients!”
“Amazing staff and services. Much appreciated.”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care was just absolutely wonderful. I needed to qualify people who could deal with my sister with brain cancer. My sister would throw people in and out of her house; it was crazy. She died on December 5th. Always Best Care sent incredible people. I don't know where they came from, but they had one girl who was the only person my sister never attempted to throw out of the house. I'd never hear one bad word about this woman who was actually pulling double shifts at the end because my sister liked her so much. For some reason, this woman understood my sister and brain cancer. Brain cancer is hard to deal with because people could be pretty mean and abusive and they don't know what they're doing really. My sister was also going blind at the same time. It was not easy. I just wanted to say what wonderful care we received from Always Best Care. It was amazing. They were just coming and being there. My sister was crazy, and she didn't want anybody overnight, until she finally let me have someone come in overnight. On that night, she died. She got to die in her home, which is what I'm trying to do because that too was the most important thing of all. Always Best Care was able to staff at short notice and send really good people. I was impressed, and I would highly recommend them. They would help my sister get to the bathroom. She weighed 70 pounds when she died, but she was still able to walk. She had cancers on both her femurs, and her blood pressure was 80/47. They just helped with everything, like fixing her small meals, fixing coffee, and talking to her if she wanted to talk or not talking to her if she didn't want to talk. They were just very great with their help. My sister had brain cancer and she was belligerent. Always Best Care would find people within their staff. Also, it didn't take them long, I didn't have to wait. We had letters from others saying they don't have staff right now. With Always Best Care, I did it over the phone with a woman who was a Godsend. I think the caregiver was sent almost the first day and was there every day except on the weekend when they sent someone else. That person seemed to work out OK, too, which amazed me. For some reason, these people knew how to appease someone who is really crazy. It was the cancer; it was in my sister's head. You have to be tough-skinned and just realize that this is the disease talking to you and not a person. They were able to do that, and I feel very blessed.”
“I love working for this company.”
“I used this nursing service for my cousin Pat who had cancer. I can not express the level of care and compassion that was shown for her. The nurses felt like family! Especially Alicia. You treated my cousin as if she was your family and I can't thank you enough for that. You not only took care of her but us also. I would recommend this service 100%! We only used them for 1 month as my cousin passed quickly. I d not have a single negative remark. Thank you Chuck! Your nurses are amazing.”
“I love being able to work with this company, the owners are great people and support me daily! We have many calls to work on performance and continue to grow and learn!”
“Services were geared according to need. We were looking at rehab and they were willing to see what was needed. Very flexible and focused needs of patient All caregivers were on time We had a great experience”
“I am a past client of this provider Services were geared according to need. We were looking at rehab and they were willing to see what was needed. Very flexible and focused needs of patient All caregivers were on time We had a great experience”
“I am a past client of this provider I used this nursing service for my cousin Pat who had cancer. I can not express the level of care and compassion that was shown for her. The nurses felt like family! Especially Alicia. You treated my cousin as if she was your family and I can't thank you enough for that. You not only took care of her but us also. I would recommend this service 100%! We only used them for 1 month as my cousin passed quickly. I d not have a single negative remark. Thank you Chuck! Your nurses are amazing. Donna O.”
“Chuck and his personnel are truly the best. They helped us with mom and always focused on the care and not a much of processes and forms. I would highly recommend them to all.”
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.
A Midlands restaurateur known for slinging Texas-style barbecue in an old treehouse cafe in West Columbia has been named a semifinalist by one of the country’s most prominent food awards.It’s the second year in a row Robbie Robinson, pitmaster of City Limits Barbeque, has been in the running for a James Beard Award in the Best Chef: Southeast category. If Robinson wins, his eatery would join the only other Columbia-area restaurant to win a James Beard award ...
A Midlands restaurateur known for slinging Texas-style barbecue in an old treehouse cafe in West Columbia has been named a semifinalist by one of the country’s most prominent food awards.
It’s the second year in a row Robbie Robinson, pitmaster of City Limits Barbeque, has been in the running for a James Beard Award in the Best Chef: Southeast category. If Robinson wins, his eatery would join the only other Columbia-area restaurant to win a James Beard award after Lula Drake Wine Parlour won the Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program honor last summer.
“Simply receiving attention from the James Beard Foundation speaks volumes about the level of culinary talent located in our region,” Bill Ellen, the CEO and President of Experience Columbia, said in a press release.
Robinson opened his barbecue joint, where he serves Texas-style brisket, pulled pork and an array of feel-good sides on weekends only, at 1119 Methodist Park Road in 2023 after spending more than seven years operating out of a food truck.
He’s since gained national recognition, both from prominent awards like the James Beards and from major media outlets like The New York Times and Texas Monthly magazine. In late September, City Limits was named one of the top 50 restaurants of the year by The New York Times.
The James Beard Foundation awards recognize culinary talent and excellence from across the country and are considered to be one of the most prestigious honors a restaurant or bar can receive. Columbia had largely been ignored by the awards, which were established in 1990, until two years ago when the foundation named three semi-finalists from the state’s capital – Jessica Shillato of Spotted Salamander, the culinary team behind City Grit Hospitality group, and Lula Drake.
Last year, Tim Gardner, the head sommelier and owner of Lula Drake, and his staff, brought home the city’s first honor during a June ceremony in Chicago. Robinson was nominated in the Best Chef: Southeast category last year. Chefs Tyrone and Kitwanda “Kiki” Cyrus, owners of Kiki’s Chicken and Waffles, were also named semifinalists last year.
If Robinson moves on to the nominee round, which will be announced April 2, he will compete against four other chefs from across the Southeast for the coveted award set to be announced June 16.
“I bought a tuxedo last year,” Robinson said, when asked if he hoped to attend this year’s ceremony. “The tuxedo and the shoes and the shirt, that’s in the closet ready to go. The accountant in me would really like to get a little bit more utilization out of that acquisition.”
Two other South Carolina restaurants, both in Charleston, were named semifinalists in this year’s awards – Chubby Fish, in the Outstanding Restaurant category, and Graft Wine Shop, in the Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service category.
This story was originally published January 22, 2025 at 11:24 AM.
Chef Robbie Robinson of City Limits Barbeque in West Columbia has been named a semifinalist for the prestigious 2025 James Beard Awards in the Best Chef Southeast category. This marks the second consecutive year Robinson has received the recognition.Robinson says it's "incredible" to be honored with this recognition again. "This is a validation for a tremendous amount of work and sacrifice not only by me, but also my crew and my family," Robinson said. "We work our tails off to do what we do."Robin...
Chef Robbie Robinson of City Limits Barbeque in West Columbia has been named a semifinalist for the prestigious 2025 James Beard Awards in the Best Chef Southeast category. This marks the second consecutive year Robinson has received the recognition.
Robinson says it's "incredible" to be honored with this recognition again. "This is a validation for a tremendous amount of work and sacrifice not only by me, but also my crew and my family," Robinson said. "We work our tails off to do what we do."
Robinson is one of the semifinalists from six states—Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia—being considered for the prestigious honor. As the only South Carolina chef named a semifinalist this year, Robinson sees the recognition as a positive reflection on the state's growing culinary scene.
"Being recognized is awesome not just for our community, it's great for the state of South Carolina," Robinson said.
In the coming weeks, a team of anonymous judges will visit West Columbia, along with the cities of all other semifinalist restaurants, to evaluate and compare the nominees. In the coming weeks, a team of anonymous judges will visit West Columbia, along with the cities of all other semifinalist restaurants, to evaluate and compare the nominees. After touring each location, the judges will announce the finalists.
The official nominees will be announced on April 2, and the winners will be revealed at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on June 16 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
The 2025 James Beard Awards celebrate 35 years of recognizing exceptional talent in the culinary and food media industries. The awards honor semifinalists in 25 categories, including the Best Chef: Southeast category, in which Robinson is a contender.
For more information about the James Beard Awards, visit www.jamesbeard.org.
The Columbia region has seen growing recognition in the culinary world, with previous honorees including Chef Jessica Shillato, who was nominated in 2023 for Best Chef: Southeast, as well as Lula Drake in the Outstanding Hospitality category. City Limits Barbeque also joins a list of previous nominees, including Chefs Kitwanda “Kiki” Cyrus and Tyrone Cyrus, and Robinson himself, who were all recognized last year in the Best Chef: Southeast category.
The Columbia area made history last year with its first-ever James Beard Award win when Lula Drake took home the Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program award. The region’s growing recognition is a testament to the vibrant culinary scene, according to Bill Ellen, President and CEO of Experience Columbia SC.
“Simply receiving attention from the James Beard Foundation speaks volumes about the level of culinary talent located in our region,” Ellen said. “To have a roster of former semifinalists, finalists, and a winner, along with our current recognition, brings us closer to being considered a foodie destination. We are proud of all our past recognized chefs and establishments, and we are excited for City Limits Barbeque to receive this coveted attention as well.”
Home>Real Estate - Commercial>Big Lots-anchored West Columbia retail center sells for $4.2MA West Columbia retail center anchored by a Big Lots store is under new ownership.Commercial real estate brokerage firm Marcus & Millichap has sold Woodberry Plaza, a six-suite retail strip property located in West Columbia, for ...
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Big Lots-anchored West Columbia retail center sells for $4.2M
A West Columbia retail center anchored by a Big Lots store is under new ownership.
Commercial real estate brokerage firm Marcus & Millichap has sold Woodberry Plaza, a six-suite retail strip property located in West Columbia, for $4.2 million, according to a news release.
Woodberry Plaza is located on 13.48 acres at 3230-3260 Augusta Road, according to the release. The 84,110-square-foot shopping center is fully leased and has been without a vacancy for more than four years.
The property is just off Interstate 26, situated in the primary retail corridor of the West Columbia submarket, with nearby retailers including Walmart, Lowe’s, Aldi and others, the release stated.
“Our client already had a presence in the Columbia MSA and was looking to expand his holdings further in the market,” said Allyssa Paragano, associate at Marcus & Millichap, in the release. “We identified Woodberry Plaza as an opportunity for him in terms of long-term growth, not only in the tenant mix but also with the additional acreage included in the deal.”
Paragano and Ani Paulson, investment specialists in Marcus & Millichap’s Charleston and Atlanta offices, procured the buyer, an affiliate of Nova Management.
Discount retail giant Big Lots announced it would close all its stores after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in September. However, in late December, Big Lots reached a deal that will keep hundreds of its stores and distribution centers open.
Related: Iconic Vista building in Columbia undergoing multimillion-dollar transformation
Related: Historic Columbia fire station being transformed into boutique hotel
Big Lots said it will be sold to Gordon Brothers Retail Partners, a firm that specializes in distressed companies. Gordon Brothers will then transfer Big Lots’ stores, distribution centers and other assets to other retailers.
Variety Wholesalers Inc., which owns more than 400 discount stores in the U.S. Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, plans to acquire between 200 and 400 Big Lots stores and operate them under the Big Lots brand.
“Despite the negative press surrounding Big Lots store closures, our client remained undeterred,” said Paulson, first vice president of investments, in the release. “He was prepared to assume the vacancy if Big Lots had decided to vacate, but fortunately, it appears the store will remain open for the time being, as it is one of their top performers in the state. With retail vacancy rates staying low, it’s helping some buyers feel more confident about taking such risks.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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WEST COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - As many people across the Midlands are concerned about Friday’s upcoming winter storm, residents at one senior living facility have an additional stress.Dozens of seniors who live at Jenni Lynn Assisted Living were told this week they need to leave the facility within the next 30 days.“It was so much of a shock,” resident Paul Bor...
WEST COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - As many people across the Midlands are concerned about Friday’s upcoming winter storm, residents at one senior living facility have an additional stress.
Dozens of seniors who live at Jenni Lynn Assisted Living were told this week they need to leave the facility within the next 30 days.
“It was so much of a shock,” resident Paul Bornemann said in an exclusive interview Thursday.
After providing services to the West Columbia community for decades, the owner of Jenni Lynn sold the property.
Bornemann, a 73-year-old veteran, has been living there for four years and feels that the elderly residents desperately need more time.
“That is very minimal to almost insufficient time,” he said. “It takes two weeks just to adjust to this whole thing.”
Bornemann told WIS that he is a bit of a reclusive, quiet person, and hoped to live out his retirement in peace until he received an eviction letter and his peace was disturbed.
The letter from the community’s executive director announced the impending closure on Feb. 7.
“These are trying times and we will strive to keep the needs of residents in the center of attention,” the letter reads.
Jenni Lynn’s management company Premier Senior Living said the facility is following all state requirements by giving this notice to residents. The company also said it will work with its seniors to find new homes.
That could include transportation to tour other communities, referrals and possibly engaging moving companies.
But for residents at Jenni Lynn, it is still a daunting task.
“I came here to settle down, and settle in, and that was going fine for 4 years, and now somebody grasps the rug and pulls it right out from under me,” Bornemann said. “It’s a nightmare. I can’t eat, can’t sleep. It’s affecting me personally.”
Bornemann said he had been enjoying his time at the facility.
“This complex I love,” he said. “The staff are magnificent, the facilities are beyond reproach.”
Management at Premier Senior Living said ownership is supposed to change hands around March 1. The property will be a different business altogether under that new ownership.
No residents will be able to stay in their current homes past the Feb. 7 deadline.
Experts on elder care and assisting living issues said seniors can seek out other placement by using the search tool on the S.C. Department of Aging’s website.
They also recommend reaching out to the state’s Ombudsman’s office, which has been informed of the closure, to see if they are offering any assistance or resources during the relocation process.
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WEST COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — Gray Collegiate Academy on Leaphart Road in West Columbia will open a new satellite campus on Koon Road in Irmo this August.Principal Brian Newsome says the extension will temporarily house three modulars with 24 classrooms for 6th through 10th graders.“The capacity will be around 650 kids in those modulars, but within those 1st or 2nd years we’re going to build the main campus in front of those modulars, so we can get up to 1,100 or 1,200 students. And continue to expand in capacity...
WEST COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — Gray Collegiate Academy on Leaphart Road in West Columbia will open a new satellite campus on Koon Road in Irmo this August.
Principal Brian Newsome says the extension will temporarily house three modulars with 24 classrooms for 6th through 10th graders.
“The capacity will be around 650 kids in those modulars, but within those 1st or 2nd years we’re going to build the main campus in front of those modulars, so we can get up to 1,100 or 1,200 students. And continue to expand in capacity. We can also expand to eleventh and twelfth grade when we get that front building there,” says Newsome.
Each campus will have alternate course offerings, with students encouraged to take courses in both Irmo and West Columbia if scheduling and transportation allow.
For now, the new Irmo location will offer two additional courses in architecture and engineering — those courses currently not available in West Columbia.
“How do we take what has been very successful in West Columbia and reach out and reach more children across the state of SC, so I think this is one of those great opportunities where everything just kind of lined up with capacity, desire, and then the marketplace because families are wanting to come here. There are already hundreds and hundreds of students already on the waiting list of this campus, so this campus we expect will be full on day one,” says Cameron Runyan, Superintendent of Charter Institute at Erskine.
And while all athletic practices and events will remain at the West Columbia location, a shuttle will run between both campuses every afternoon to transport student athletes to their practices.
“We are very, very excited to serve the kids! And that’s a big deal. Any opportunity that we can bring a nonprofit school or a charter school to the Town of Irmo is a positive. It gives more benefits and more advantages to our community!” Says Town of Irmo Mayor Bill Danielson.
Applications for both campuses are available in the front office at the West Columbia location or online at https://www.graycollegiateacademy.org/admissions. GCA will be hosting informational sessions about the Irmo campus for prospective families at the Northwest Family YMCA (1501 Kennerly Rd., Irmo, SC 29063) on the following dates:
To sign up for a session, email [email protected].
Interested candidates can access more information about job opportunities here: https://www.graycollegiateacademy.org/employment.
843-640-0129
