Event venue, mixed-use project coming to Columbia’s BullStreet district

A historic building in Columbia’s BullStreet district is being transformed into an event space and mixed-use development.

Extensive renovations are nearing completion to restore the Laundry Building, the oldest surviving service building in the historic BullStreet District campus, according to a news release from Avant Holdings LLC.

Avant, the property’s developer, is transforming the landmark into a 15,700-square-foot mixed-use development that will feature an event venue, green space, and opportunities for future restaurants, retail and/or creative offices, according to the release.

The Laundry event venue, set to be the flagship of the building’s tenant mix, will be available for weddings and other rentals starting in December 2024, the release stated.

“Restoring the Laundry Building has been a labor of love, and we’ve worked meticulously to bring this historic building back to life — transforming it into a unique mixed-use development that honors its past while integrating modern amenities,” said Todd Avant, managing partner of Avant Holdings, in the release. “We’re excited to be part of Columbia’s continued progress and to soon welcome events to The Laundry, as well as future businesses that will occupy the available spaces within the development.”

The Laundry: Downtown Columbia’s newest event venue

The Laundry, a new venue located at 2046 Talley St., boasts 7,000-square-feet of indoor event space, featuring the main and upper levels, along with an expansive greenspace known as The Grove, the release stated. The Laundry will accommodate a wide range of special occasions from weddings, rehearsal dinners, corporate events, fundraisers and birthdays, to intimate cocktail receptions. The Laundry’s rental options include:

• Main Level: The 4,326-square-foot main level features a bridal suite, a dedicated catering room, a large brick archway and views of the iconic Babcock Building. The open layout features exposed brick and sleek concrete floors.
• Upper Level: The 2,716-square-foot room is ideal for a wedding ceremony, dinner, meeting or party, featuring vaulted, accent-lit ceilings. Architectural features include a large historic clerestory, original steel sash windows, and restored exterior steel staircase overlooking the historic Bakery, Segra Park and “Steam Tunnel Green.” Steam Tunnel Green is a nod to the old steam tunnel that runs under the Laundry Building and once served the building’s initial use as a steam plant.
• The Grove: Guests can step out of the main level onto The Grove, one of downtown Columbia’s largest event venue green spaces, with views of the iconic Babcock Building, the release stated.

Rich in history, under the tree canopies in The Grove once sat at Camp Asylum, a prison camp for Union soldiers during the waning months of the Civil War, the release stated. During the Civil War, the “Asylum” hosted a variety of visitors, including partygoers, prisoners and refugees.

“We are thrilled to welcome The Laundry as the newest addition to BullStreet,” said Robert Hughes, president of Hughes Development Corp., the master developer of the BullStreet District, in the release. “This adaptive reuse project not only preserves the rich history of the Laundry Building but also creates an exciting space for events and future retail and commercial opportunities. We look forward to seeing The Laundry become a hub for community gatherings and a catalyst for continued growth in BullStreet.”

In addition to the event venue, Avant Holdings has announced leasing opportunities in the Laundry Building, designed to appeal to restaurateurs, retailers and creative office tenants, the release stated. With 7,059 square feet of available space, including flexible configurations for a variety of uses, the building’s tenant mix will reflect the broader vision of the BullStreet District as an urban destination.

“Combined with the BullStreet District’s proximity to downtown Columbia and its ongoing development into a vibrant neighborhood, we believe these leasing opportunities will become some of the most sought-after spaces in the city,” said Avant in the release.

Preserving the historic Laundry Building

Located steps from Segra Park and directly behind the historic Babcock Building, the Laundry Building is an Italianate-influenced building dating back to 1883, according to the release. It is adjacent to other historic service buildings, like the Bakery, which were part of the hive of industry supporting the mental asylum. Avant Holdings has worked closely with architect Studio 2LR during the restoration process. Studio 2LR was the architect for the renovations to the historic Ensor and Parker Annex buildings.

The Avant family has deep roots in Columbia and throughout South Carolina, according to the release. Dan Avant, who retired from Edens & Avant many years ago, maintains a long-standing stock ownership position in the successor EDENS entity. EDENS boasts a leading real estate portfolio of over 100 open-air retail and mixed-use places in high-growth markets nationwide, including notable local holdings such as Trenholm Plaza and Cross Hill Market.