(Columbia, SC) – On Sunday, May 22, 2022, over 100 people including elected officials and community leaders gathered on Atlas Road for a celebratory groundbreaking. The Midlands Community Development Corporation (MCDC) and Dominium, a leading affordable housing owner, developer, and manager have partnered to provide the first new affordable housing project for seniors in the state of South Carolina, Haven at Congaree Pointe. Haven at Congaree Point is directly across the street from the Bible Way Church of Atlas Road on what was formerly referred to by those in the Atlas Road community as Lover’s Lane.
The community will offer nearly 200 one and two-bedroom apartment homes available at 60% of the area median income to seniors aged 55 and older. Residents of Haven at Congaree Pointe will enjoy the community’s expansive courtyard and grilling area, a fitness center, theater room, salon, and community room with a kitchen. Units will be available once construction is completed in late 2023.
Dominium’s Senior Vice President and Project Partner Nick Anderson and several of Dominium’s key staff were present for Sunday’s ceremony. Also on the program were Mayor Daniel Rickenmann, Richland County Council Chairman Overture Walker, and Richland County Legislative Chairman Leon Howard. Senator Darrell Jackson himself spoke about the importance of projects and partnerships like this, partnerships that create growth and economic development in cities and states that have often been overlooked. “Dominium is known for creative solutions to unique and challenging development projects in the affordable housing space and property management expertise, and we are excited about the opportunity to work with them,” said Jackson! Jackson acknowledged the presence and support of numerous elected officials (past and present) who were also present for this momentous occasion, County Councilman Paul Livingston, County Councilwomen Cheryl English and Chakisse Newton, Deputy Treasurer Kendra Dove, as well as former County Council members Bernice G. Scott and Norman Jackson. Also present were SC Representative Jermaine Johnson and former Representative I.S. Leevy Johnson.
Jackson also thanked City of Columbia officials who have been working with him every step of the way on this project for the last three years. “We are extremely grateful to our friend, Mayor Rickenmann, said Jackson. “He began working with us on this project before he was even elected as Mayor, and he promised me that whether he became Mayor or not, he would remain committed to seeing this project to completion.” Jackson finished his remarks by recognizing former community leaders such as his father, the late Bishop Andrew C. Jackson, the late Burle Manning, and the late Laura Jefferson (Bible Way Church Mother), who always believed in the value of the land and the people of the Atlas Road community.
