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Elmwood Park is a desirable neighborhood in downtown Columbia, SC that had a roller coaster ride to get to where it is today.  It got its start as Tickle Plantation owned by Mr. and Mrs. John Taylor. In 1842 the land was divided among the Taylor heirs.  Ten years later, 100 acres were donated to become the Historic Elmwood Cemetery.  The remaining land became home to the Fairgrounds and Race Track until 1903 when 24 acres were sold to the Richland Real Estate Co. The remainder of the property was sold to the same company in 1905. This is the formal establishment of Elmwood Park neighborhood and was annexed by the City of Columbia in 1907 to become the first expansion of the city boundaries.

By the 1970’s Elmwood Park had deteriorated and became a blighted area and was almost lost.  Parts were bought or taken by eminent domain by SC Transportation to extend Assembly Street.  Homes were demolished in preparation for the new extension. In 1974 Congress passed The Housing and Community Act to help blighted neighborhoods.  Elmwood park benefitted from this act and revitalization began.  The Elmwood Park Neighborhood Association was formed in 1977 and helped to stop the expansion of Assembly Street.  In 2013 Elmwood Park was named The Neighborhood of the Year for Physical Revitalization and Beautification of a Single Neighborhood by Neighborhoods USA.

With more than 40 years of revitalization, Elmwood Park has retained the original architectural charm of its beginnings.  The diverse styles that you see in the community from some of the earliest development in the neighborhood of Shotgun houses, Queen Anne, American Four Square, Gable Front, Colonial Revival, and American Craftsman to the Brick Bungalows from the 1920’s and 1930’s.

The Elmwood Park Neighborhood Association is still very active.  They award a yard of the month, they have held 32 Walking Tours, which have been a very popular event amongst Columbia residents and even people from other areas. They organize Halloween events and neighborhood participation of the National Night Out.  All the charm of this neighborhood makes it easy to see why it is a highly sought after place to live!

 

Debra Michaelson, REALTOR ®

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

566 Spears Creek Church Rd

Elgin, SC 29045

803.479.0415