Council approves sale and development agreements for multiple downtown properties

Columbia City Council voted to approve several land‑use and property transactions on Jan. 6, including a sale of the Washington Square office building and associated parking and retail to Kessler Enterprise Inc., an encroachment agreement for sidewalk work on Garner's Ferry Road and related streets, and an estoppel certificate with Core Columbia Hampton LLC.

City staff framed the Washington Square sale as part of a broader strategy to return city‑owned properties to private ownership and put them back on the tax rolls while seeking development partners that align with the city’s vision. The city manager explained the standard process—appraisal by a licensed South Carolina certified general real estate appraiser, surplus designation, and engagement of a commercial broker—and said the city code (referenced in the meeting) authorizes these disposal methods. "It's about that vibe and that vision... we're trying to put properties back on the tax rolls," staff said.

Separately, council approved ordinance 2026‑0001 granting an encroachment to Columbia Garner's Ferry DB LLC to permit sidewalk installation and maintenance at specified rights of way and authorized the city manager to execute an estoppel certificate and agreement with Core Columbia Hampton LLC.

All actions passed by roll call vote.