Five Points Continues Centennial Celebrations in 2016

Columba, SC, February 8, 2016 (Newswire.com) - ​Five Points’ 100th birthday initiatives have been so fruitful, and growth in the dining and retail sectors has been so notable, that the shopping and dining district – Columbia’s original village neighborhood – will continue Centennial festivities into 2016. The Five Points Association has released a documentary short video about the neighborhood and will be rolling out additional beautification projects, and the area will be featured in an upcoming episode of the national PBS television series, “Travels with Darley.”

Growing and Evolving

Five Points’ Centennial year saw the district of 140-plus small businesses – the largest collection of independently owned businesses in the city – grow in size, diversity and character, adding several new merchants in recent months. Rise Gourmet Goods and Bakeshop was opened in October 2015 by Columbia native Sarah Simmons, who owns N.Y.C. restaurant Birds & Bubbles and has been named one of 50 best chefs in New York City. Publico Kitchen & Tap joined the community with its fresh menu of fusion tacos, craft beer and cocktails. The beloved Goatfeathers was reopened as Goat’s by food and beverage aficionado Olando ‘Opie’ Patterson, and The Swept Yard, brainchild of former Hay Hill Garden Market creative director Jeffrey Hall, has brought a new genre of retail – landscape accessories – to the mix. The district is seeing a resurgence in young professional and business community happy hours, as well.

A Centennial Year

Established in 1915, Five Points commemorated its 100th year during 2015 with a complete brand refresh, including a new graphic identity, an updated website at http://www.FivePointsColumbia.com and a comprehensive Centennial version of the Five Points Visitors Guide. An array of beautification initiatives were put in place, including twinkling tree illumination along Harden St. and Saluda Ave.; fresh signage on neighborhood light poles, trash cans and electrical boxes; and more. The Five Points Association also hosted the Paint 5 Points art initiative, which sponsored local artists to create work inspired by the historic leisure district, culminating in the Paint 5 Points Champagne Bash & Art Auction held during the annual holiday event, A Starry Night.

What’s Next in 2016

In 2016, Five Points will continue to honor 100 years of shopping, dining and entertaining in its hospitality district by launching several new projects and initiatives.

The Five Points Video

As a way to capture the warmth and camaraderie felt throughout the neighborhood during its Centennial year, videographer Bill Grant of Cinema Couture created a short, documentary video about Five Points, featuring longtime residents and shop owners as well as new local business owners and other folks who have memorable ties to the area.

Beautification Initiatives for 2016

Five Points will launch new neighborhood improvement initiatives in 2016, including a makeover of the Blossom Street train trestle, transforming the space into a welcoming gateway; and the groundbreaking of the Centennial Plaza at Santee Ave. and Blossom St., including the unveiling of a brand new water feature.

Five Points in PBS Show “Travels with Darley” in February 2016

When the national PBS television show, “Travels with Darley,” came to Columbia for filming thanks to a partnership with the Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports and Tourism, they spent a full morning in Five Points soaking up all of its charm and vibrancy. The result is a significant segment on the neighborhood in the episode featuring the capital city, set to air on ETV statewide on Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. and Friday, Feb. 26, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. The episode also will be syndicated for international web audiences after airing on TV.

About Five Points

Five Points has served as downtown Columbia, S.C.’s original village neighborhood for shopping, dining, entertainment and personal services since 1915. Extending from the intersection of Santee Avenue, Harden and Devine Streets into the surrounding residential neighborhoods and the USC area, Five Points encompasses nearly 150 businesses, many of which are locally, independently owned. Five Points is celebrating its Centennial throughout 2015 with fresh community events, public initiatives and district enhancements. 

 

About the Five Points Association

The Five Points Association is a nonprofit organization whose principal task is ensuring that Five Points remains an integral and important part of the City of Columbia. The Association has accomplished many major infrastructure, development and beautification projects over the years. The Association hosts annual events, such as the Chili Cook-Off and St. Pat’s in Five Points, which continue to grow each year and entertain thousands of people within the City of Columbia, as well as visitors from around the state of South Carolina and beyond.