Arcade Building — Attraction in Columbia

A historic mall located in the heart of downtown Columbia, South Carolina, featuring an array of local art studios, shops, hair salons, and offices.

Im a member and volunteer of Historic Columbia, go to their website for all the deets. Ive done a good review of Historic Columbia. They perserve the history of Columbia SC amongst other things in the city. Being a member has allowed me to attend behind the scenes of new projects and keep up with the new preservations of the city.

The event " Columbia Down Under" was well planned and open only to members. We met up at the restored Arcade Mall in the DT area in the city. Parking can be a task since DT has become more popular with all the happenings in town. Once we met up inside the Arcade Mall we were gven tickets for light snack food and two beverage ticket. There history slides on a projector explaining the past life under ground. We were given the low down of the evening from the guide, then we went downstairs for the beginning of the tour.

They had 3 groups, thankfully I was in the first to go under ground. The steps were a little steep, not to bad though. If you have any respiratory issues I would advice taking a mask with you. Its unfinished in its original state, untouched. For now they have no plans on restoring the "Under Ground". I actually learned quite a bit during this tour. The guide works for Historic Columbia and was very knowledgeable, he welcomed any questions for all us history buffs.

This was my first visit to The Arcade but not my last, the buildings architecture is absolutely gorgeous. Plenty of shops and spaces to add a business.

Its worth a visit if your...

This is undergroud Columbia. You can't find a real estate agent to tell you that and certainly not a retired or elected South Carolina politician OR lawyer (almost exclusively the same thing.) Blue Sky may tell you because he is actually a real living person and an artist. My daughter met him and that's all I ever need to know. But on the French Inspired ARCADE BUILDING - your journey properly begins at the back half of our newly constructed State House! Go to the far monument facing Williams Bryce Stadium. Read the engraved literature and get lost in the ancient architecture. As you make your way through the grounds and back to northern Main and back to the French ARCADE enjoy your view and reflect on the Vista looking down to the Congaree and realize you'll have to visit again. It gets cold on the mountain;...

Literally, a hidden gem! Who could've imagined a mall with beautifully quaint shops and wonderful eateries, even a bar! I love the fact that there are 2 entry ways ( Main street which has approximately 3 small stair steps to climb and on Washington Street which has no stairs). There is even a massage studio nestled in the building! There are also business offices located on the 2nd floor which there is an elevator located by the massage studio or stairs leading upstairs by the Washington Street entrance. Very nice use of antiquated space in the heart of downtown Columbia...