Beautification project to add lighting, landscaping in Vista.

A beautification project in the Congaree Vista will add lighting, landscaping, sidewalks and outdoor seating areas on Park Street between Gervais and Senate streets.

The project, now underway, is scheduled to be completed by fall, according to Kristen Puckett, construction coordinator for the city of Columbia.

"This will be a delightful improvement for pedestrians in the area," Rosie Craig, board member and founding member of The Congaree Vista Guild, said in a news release. "It's a long-awaited project that has been in development for many years and is now going to happen. The city of Columbia staff have been incredibly helpful."

Nearby restaurants, including Oyster Bar Columbia, Republic Biergarten & Kitchen, Pearlz Oyster Bar, Pot SmokerBBQ and Monterrey Mexican Restaurant, are open during the construction.

Republic Biergarten & Kitchen opened last year in the space formerly occupied by Flying...