The Arnold Cos. and Monarch Ventures are planning to build a 600-bed student housing complex at the corner of Huger and Blossom streets in Columbia. (Image/Studio Four PLLC)

By James T. Hammond
jhammond@scbiznews.com
Published July 3, 2012

Columbia developer Ben Arnold plans to build a 600-bed student housing complex at the corner of Huger and Blossom streets.

Arnold’s rental apartment plans, which he has named Monarch at USC, will be presented before the city of Columbia’s Design/Development Review Commission at a meeting 4 p.m. July 12 at the Eau Claire Print Building, 3907 Ensor Ave.

The project only requires a single vote of approval from the commission, since the city block bounded by Huger, Blossom, Pulaski and Wheat streets already has the required zoning for the project.

Arnold, president of Arnold Cos., said the project is a joint venture between the Arnold Cos. and Monarch Ventures of Charlotte.

“This is going to be the nicest premier project in Columbia,” Arnold said. “My family has held this property for more than 50 years, waiting for the right project for this prime location.”

The proposal comprises a parking garage in the center of the block, which will be rimmed by the apartment buildings. The structures will be four stories tall at the corner of Huger and Blossom streets, rising to seven stories at Pulaski Street.

Architectural drawings by Studio Four PLLC of Charlotte show a steel-framed structure faced with brick and hardi-plank trim. The main entrance would be on Huger Street. The plans state that the structures would include 610 parking spaces and one-, two- and four-bedroom apartments.

Plans for the project also include a rooftop pool, tanning beds, a fitness center, sports lounge and a rooftop outdoor courtyard.

The proposal states that construction would begin in the fall of this year, and that the complex would be completed by the beginning of the fall school term in 2013.

The average size of an apartment is 1,180 square feet, according to the proposal.

The section of Pulaski Street adjacent to the project is not currently an open street, and use of that street for access still must be resolved, planning commission staff said.