Adaptive reuse of properties gaining popularity.

With a limited number of properties available in Columbia, residential real estate developers are finding it easier to renovate existing properties rather than build from the ground up. Part of that decision is cost, but the other is location.

"They're not producing any more real estate, so there are fixed locations that you can go," said Allen Wilkerson, senior brokerage associate with Colliers International. "That's why we've seen a lot of adaptive reuse, especially in and around downtown Columbia."

Several existing properties are under renovation or recently have been completed in Columbia to make way for apartments.

"If you consider the buildings that have been adaptive reuse the Main Street Hub location, which is student housing, was SCANA's office building," Wilkerson said...