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New Restaurants and Bank Planned for Columbia County

Proposed development plans for new restaurants and a bank in Columbia County.

News Summary

Columbia County is set to welcome three new restaurants and a bank at the intersection of Washington and North Belair roads. The developments come after a property auction for the First Baptist Church of Evans, which has been a community staple since 1930. The plans include a bank and various dining options designed to enhance the area’s appeal. If zoning adjustments are approved, this location could become a bustling hub for residents and visitors alike.

Exciting Development Plans Unveiled in Columbia County

Columbia County is buzzing with news as developers are gearing up for some delightful additions to the area! Three new restaurants and a bank are in the works at the busy intersection of Washington and North Belair roads. This comes on the heels of a recent property auction for the long-standing First Baptist Church of Evans, which has been a cornerstone of the community since 1930, after merging with the First Baptist Church of Augusta in 2023.

A New Chapter for the Former Church Site

The new owners of the church property, Phillips Edison and Co. Inc., are excited about their plans. They also own the adjacent Evans Towne Centre shopping center, so this partnership could lead to some unique developments on this 3.01-acre site. The proposed development plans include:

A shiny 3,333-square-foot bank
A spacious 5,400-square-foot restaurant
A commercial strip featuring two retail suites of 1,200 square feet
Two additional restaurants that will be 2,400 and 2,800 square feet

However, there are a few hurdles to cross. Currently, Columbia County law restricts the installation of a drive-thru ATM on the bank’s side of Belair Road due to the site’s angled layout. The developers are seeking permission to implement an ATM that would cleverly be obscured from view through some well-planned landscaping.

Seeking Zoning Adjustments

Part of the proposal also includes standardizing the zoning designation for all parcels at this intersection to C-2 commercial. At present, one patch is still designated as C-1, which could complicate the development plans. Stay tuned as the Columbia County Planning Commission is set to review these zoning requests on April 17, promising to be a meeting filled with community interest.

Olive Garden and Chase Bank on the Horizon

In addition to the excitement at Washington and North Belair roads, another request has popped up for a new Olive Garden restaurant at 5136 Autumn Trail off Lewiston Road. If approved, this would mark the third Olive Garden to open in the Central Savannah River Area in just the last 15 months, sporting new locations in Aiken County and a relocation in Augusta.

This new Olive Garden aims to cover a generous 7,842 square feet and would offer easy access from Autumn Trail, making it a convenient dining destination. Additionally, there are rumblings of a potential Chase Bank branch popping up alongside it. With the Augusta area’s first Olive Garden opening back in 1988, it’s exciting to see such a beloved restaurant returning to the scene after the last location closed due to land acquisition efforts.

Bright Side for Bright Side Homes

Turning our attention to other developments in the county, the Columbia County Planning Commission has been considering a re-zoning proposal for Bright Side Homes. Plans for this project includes building over 123 cottage homes in Evans, with sizes ranging from 640 to 1,360 square feet. Promised amenities such as pools and fitness centers make this a versatile living environment for residents. However, the decision on this project was postponed to March 20 for further discussion, with representatives notably absent during the last zoning proposal meeting.

What’s Next for Columbia County?

As the Columbia County community watches these developments unfold, there’s a palpable sense of excitement in the air. Between new dining options and potential banking facilities, the intersection of Washington and North Belair roads could soon become a vibrant hub for residents. Stay tuned for more updates on these projects as they continue to move through the planning phases. Every addition counts in making Columbia County a place where everyone wants to be!