Palmetto Compress demolition process under way

COLUMBIA SC An early stage of demolition already has started at the historic Palmetto Compress warehouse even as preservationists rally to save the structure. And owners said Tuesday they arent counting out a student housing project on the site, despite an Ohio developer recently withdrawing plans for one.

Edwards Communities Development Co. last summer proposed a $40 million project that would house 800 students at the site at the corner of Blossom and Huger streets. Columbias Design Development Review Commission shot down the plan in December but had granted the company a rehearing that was supposed to happen Thursday.

Meanwhile, the company withdrew its application as preservationists mounted a campaign garnering more than 1,000 signatures on a change.org petition to save the building on the site from demolition.

That does not stop (Edwards Communities) from going back with perhaps either the same plan or a modified plan, said John Currie, a Columbia lawyer and one of the buildings owners. Its not like you only get one bite at the apple.

So, I think it overstates it to say that they have determined not to pursue a student housing project. I think it means that they simply withdrew that particular application.

Efforts to reach Edwards Communities officials about their plans Tuesday were unsuccessful.

Regardless, Currie was adamant that the nearly century-old, 320,000-square-foot warehouse that currently serves as a storage facility will be demolished.

We have a contract with a demolition company, he said. They have begun to do work in there. The building is being emptied, probably as we speak, as the tenants are moving out. Were moving forward with the demolition of the building. However, Mayor Steve Benjamin said Tuesday afternoon that hes confident the warehouse will be saved.

Were close to a resolution, Benjamin said, declining to provide specifics. I fully expect that this community will come together and work to keep our historic treasure.

Benjamin slowed the project last year when he interceded as a member of City Council to have the building declared a city landmark.

More here:
Palmetto Compress demolition process under way