Elmwood Park.  History ...

Throughout the economic downturn   that began in early 2007, Elmwood Park residents have continued to renovate and enhance their homes and gardens.  Interest in the community has continued to grow, as over the last few years, several dilapidated homes have been raised, and new upper-end homes have been built on their lots.

Elmwood Park is a residential neighborhood   in the heart of Columbia, South Carolina, founded in the early 1900's.  The Elmwood neighborhood contains one of the largest collections of homes built during this era that still remains in the capital city.

Formerly the site of the Old State Fair Grounds   until 1903, Elmwood Park was originally comprised of approximately 220 homes, and was at first referred to as a “suburban village.”   

Designed within the city’s first modern urban plan,   Elmwood Park boasts streets lined with looming shade trees and century old homes of Victorian, Queen Anne, American Four-square and narrow Shot-gun home styles.  Today, most of those original homes stand proudly renovated, with new matching homes scattered throughout, blending in quietly.

In its beginning, Elmwood Park property sold out quickly.  All lots were purchased during “The Great Event” Auction May 11 - 13, 1905, a three day land release.  Within the next seven years, the neighborhood was established and flourishing, and waiting for the neighboring Logan School to be built. 

The school, eventually completed in 1913,   finalizing the dream of its benefactor, Charles Logan.  Logan's Wife, Louisa, fulfilled Charles' wish when she delivered to the Board of Education the funds and land that her late husband bequeathed at his death; $40,000 and the four acres, for the school's construction.

The addition of the school   completed the concept of Elmwood Park.

Elmwood remained a prominent community   for the next 50 years, until decline found the neighborhood in the mid 1960’s.  Slowly as the homes fell into disrepair and abandonment, many residents began to ban together, working  diligently to resurrect Elmwood Park.

As a result of those efforts,   the late 1970’s brought rebirth to the neighborhood, with the early 80’s bearing witness to residents renovating and restoring homes, gardens and streetscapes back to their original glory.

Renovations continued to flourish   into the 1990’s, leading to the establishment of The Elmwood Park Historic District   on the National Register of Historic Places, in May of 1991.  Since then, new construction has become seldom seen as unsalvageable homes have long been removed, and most remaining desirable lots have been purchased and built upon.  Today, various homes still need renovation, though many new and renovated homes once again grace the streets of Elmwood Park, bringing back the century old character and charm.

Elmwood Park.  Today ...

New home constructions continue to compliment   the future of Elmwood Park, enforcing positive growth in the neighborhood.  Besides these new home constructions, one other such compliment is the establishment of the Workshop Theater practice stage near the corner of Elmwood Avenue and Gadsden Street. 

Another great and highly anticipated addition   is the Rails to Trails  bicycle and walking path project that will occupy the old Seaboard Railroad bed.  The first of several phases of the project, this section of path will allow Elmwood Park residents to walk, jog or ride a bicycle into the Columbia Vista, with area lighting, landscaping, security call boxes and park benches dotting the way.  A convenient and manageable mode of transportation for everyone nearby.

As time moves on,   public opinion shows that the residents of Elmwood Park love their neighborhood, and are passionate about its future.  This is reinforced by the strong activism and involvement of the Elmwood Park Neighborhood Association, and the popular Elmwood Park Tour of Homes and Gardens. 

Established in 1977,   the Elmwood Park Neighborhood Association   is one of Columbia’s most active and involved, supporting many community efforts and events throughout the years.

Meet the homes of Historic Elmwood Park. 

View the Photo Gallery below by clicking on the first thumbnail photo.  Scroll within the viewing window to see all photos.

Elmwood Park.  Decline & Rebirth ... 

Click here to be directed to The Elmwood Park Neighborhood Association website.

Columbia City Living & Elmwood Park ...

In recent years,   Columbia city living has transformed into more of a suburban/city setting, boasting many suburban amenities that have been missing from downtown life for many years. 

These added amenities   include chain grocery stores, sports gyms, chain restaurants, retail shopping and many new entertainment venues. 

Most of this growth   is due to the revitalization of the Columbia Vista, which provides city dwellers with convenience and sustainability within two miles of home. 

Adjacent to Elmwood Avenue and Interstate I-126,   Elmwood Park is literally at the front door to downtown Columbia.  Located within close proximity to Main Street and the Columbia Vista, Elmwood Park is inside a two mile radius containing dining, shopping, cultural arts, theaters, museums, The State Museum, movie houses, and the University of South Carolina.  Quick access to Interstates I-126, I-26, and I-77 is within a minute’s drive, as is Columbia’s medical district and award winning Palmetto Health hospitals.

Exercise and relaxation   are found minutes away from Elmwood Park.  Literally at the center of the city, Finley Park provides expansive grounds and views of the city, and plays host to numerous cultural events and festivals throughout the year.  Nearby Riverfront Park provides history and a lengthy path spanning the Columbia Canal and part of the Broad and Congaree Rivers, great for biking, running and walking in a natural setting.  Playgrounds?  Roy Lynch Park is found within Elmwood Park, on Lincoln Street.

Revitalization and preservation   is key in Columbia, as well as in historic Elmwood Park.  This effort is currently being furthered by the City’s aggressive plan to convert North Main Street into what shall be a three part district for pedestrian friendly shopping, dining, entertainment and business.  All of this redevelopment is within a short walking distance for Elmwood Park residents, most being immediately adjacent to the neighborhood.

Fountain at Finley Park.  Columbia, SC

Elmwood Park.   Yesterday ...   Today ...   Tomorrow.