Plus, The Bodega ghost kitchen

Hello Thursday.

April 03 2025

Between the early 1950s and 1970s, Columbia went through a rebirth of construction and modern architecture that defines the landscape of our city today.

Brutalist structures tower over areas of the city, with Capstone House often glowing garnet over Five Points + the Strom Thurmond Federal Building staunchly peering over Finlay Park and the Main Street District.

The style weighs heavy on the city, featuring exposed concrete and repeating angular geometric shapes.

Along with the Brutalist buildings, many of Cola’s most iconic structures are Mid-century modern buildings constructed in the same era, sharing many of the same characteristics.

The Rutledge Building is home to the SC Dept of Education | Photo by COLAtoday

Why?

In 1865, the City of Columbia was captured by General Sherman’s army and much of the city burned to the ground. Nearly 100 years later, this still left a blank canvas for new construction and a building boom within a seven-block radius of the SC Statehouse.

From the end of World War II through 1980, the University of South Carolina constructed over 30 buildings in the modern style, many designed by Columbia-based firm Lyles, Bissett, Carlisle, and Wolff architecture firm.

Jefferson Square is home to the Department of Health and Human Services | Photo by COLAtoday

🏢 A couple of notable buildings

Strom Thurmond Federal Building and United States Courthouse

Completed in 1979, the Strom Thurmond Building was the last design of famed architect Marcel Breuer and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. DYK — Marcel Breuer also designed the Wassily Chair, considered to be one of the most important chairs of the 20th century?

Thomas Cooper Library

Designed by Edward Durrell Stone, the same architect who designed The Kennedy Center, TCoop is an anchor of UofSC’s campus. DYK — its style is heavily influenced by the American Embassy in New Dehli.

Let us know how you feel about the Brutalist and Mid-century styles seen in the Soda City.

Use the buttons below to share this story with someone who wants to learn more about Cola's architectural history.

EVENTS

Today

Gamecock Baseball vs Gardner-Webb | Tues., March 15 | 7 p.m. | Founders Park | $5+ ⚾
Certified South Carolina Showcase | Tues, March 15 | 3:30 p.m. | Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, 1101 Lincoln St. | $15+

Wednesday

Food + Wine Pairing 101 | Wed., March 16 | 6-8:30 p.m. | 1501 Richland St | $40 🍷

Thursday

Drag Bingo | Thurs., March 17 | 7-9 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | $35 | Patti O’Furniture hosts an evening of laughs, prizes + more. 👑
St. Patrick’s Day | Thurs., March 17 | 6 p.m. | Tin Roof | Free 🍀
Ed Lemon + The Get Rights | Thurs., March 17 | 5-9 p.m. | Steel Hands Brewing Company | Free | Listen to live music during Steel Hands’ three-day Saint Patrick’s celebration. 🍻
Council Awards Banquet | Thurs., March 17 | 6 p.m. | Seawell’s, 1125 Rosewood Dr. | $27 | Attend a dinner that recognizes local Eagle Scouts + volunteers.
Dessert Meal Prep Class | Thurs., Mar. 17 | 6-8 p.m. | Good Life Cafe, 1614 Main St. | $25 | Chef Amber shares the dish on desserts in the final Meal Prep series class, where attendees get to take home their meals + recipes.*

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

MARCH EVENTS THIS WAY

Interested in a real estate career? DeWees Real Estate Group is currently recruiting licensed real estate agents to join their team in Cola. | Photo provided

If you…

Are looking to break out from a typical 9-5 work schedule
Need to enter into a new career quickly
Are searching for a career with unlimited income potential

…it may be time to consider a career switch to real estate.

As an agent, you can set your own hours + work location. And in SC, you can become fully licensed in a matter of months, online. DeWees Real Estate Group can help you begin.*

LEARN MORE + APPLY

NEWS NOTES

Weather

71º | Mostly cloudy | 15% chance of rain

Sports

The University of South Carolina has parted ways with men’s basketball coach Frank Martin. In Coach Martin’s 10 seasons, he had an overall record of 171-147 + led the Gamecocks to the only men’s Final Four in school history. (The State)

The Gamecocks women’s basketball team earned the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA tournament and will play the opening-round games in Greensboro, NC. This is the second consecutive year they’ve earned the top overall seed. (Gamecocks Online)

Biz

Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) is partnering with the South Carolina Department of Transportation to bring potential business opportunities to Columbia residents. A Disadvantaged Business Enterprise certification workshop will be held on Thurs., March 24 from 9-11 a.m. at the airport. Registration is required + parking will be free for attendees. ✈️ (Cola Daily)

Open

Hook Fish & Chicken recently opened at 3600 River Dr., across the street from the former Edna's Drive-in location. The restaurant, which moved from its previous location on Broad Street in Sumter, serves a variety of fried seafood + chicken wings. 🎣 (The State)

Eat

Hector and Aida Sanchez recently opened a ghost kitchen called The Bodega at 2800 Rosewood Dr., inside the Philly Pretzel Factory storefront. Since opening, the eatery has been selling out of its signature Neapolitan pizzas and chopped cheese sandwiches. 🧀

Pets

Steel Hands Brewing Company is unleashing a new initiative benefitting public safety canine programs + local dog rescues. Steel Paws will launch on Sat., April 30 with an event featuring a special new brew, Steel Paws Wheat Ale. The event is free and will have live music, doggy demonstrations + more. 🐶

Civic

Columbia city government is considering an ordinance that would update the rules regarding short-term rentals in the city. The discussion surrounds rentals located in residential areas and are not commercially zoned. (The Post and Courier) 🏠

Edu

Thomas Slater was selected as a finalist for the State Teacher of the Year competition. The Chestnut Oaks Middle School music teacher has been an educator for 30 years. He was surprised by the superintendent this past Friday. The Teacher of the Year will be announced May 4. 🍎 (ABC Columbia)

Health

The Junior League of Columbia is hosting a Healthy Kids Fun Fair at Segra Park on April 2. The free event lasts from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and includes dental screenings, the chance to learn about healthy lifestyle choices, and the opportunity to interact with community mascots.

Stat

15%. That’s the percentage of couples in the US who will struggle to conceive. In this month’s installment of Prisma Health on Call, we’re connecting readers to the pros at Prisma Health's Fertility Center of the Carolinas to answer any questions you have. Ask yours here. 💬*

Shop

American Giant created the Classic Full Zip from the ground up to be a hoodie of exceptional quality + comfort, built to last, and made right here in the US. Pro tip: Use code 6AM at checkout for 20% off.*
Have you checked out our shop? Help point us in the right direction for merchandise by telling us what you love about our city in this quick survey. Bonus: We’ll be picking one lucky survey participant to win a $100 gift card to our shop.*

*This paid content, brought to you by our advertising partners, helps make this newsletter free.

Refer a friend, win a MacBook 👀

📸 @6AM City

Did you know that COLAtoday and our sister newsletters at 6AM City just hit 1 million subscribers? 🎉 We are pretty proud — but it’s all thanks to subscribers like you.

To thank you, we’re launching a referral giveaway now through Sun., March 20. How it works:

Refer friends to subscribe to COLAtoday using your unique referral link URL (linked in the button below) between March 14-20.

If your friend subscribes, you’ll automatically be entered to win a MacBook Air and a custom prize pack of Columbia swag from our online store, including a hoodie, t-shirt + hat.

Each successful referral you make during this time period equals one entry. (Multiple friends subscribing = multiple chances for you to win.) Our typical referral points system does not apply to referrals made during this time period.

Now — refer away. 📩

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THE WRAP

Editor's pick: Cottontown Art Crawl was cold and windy as I rode my bike around the neighborhood Saturday, but luckily the rain mostly held off. Did you happen to go and buy anything? If so, let me know.

Missed Friday's newsletter? Read about the cost of living in the Soda City.

Today's edition by:

David

COLAtoday Team

Editorial: Samantha Robertson,

David Stringer, Kaylee Holland, Jessalin Nagamoto

Sales: Lindsey Rhinesmith

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