A mid-century high-rise in the heart of University Hill
Senate Plaza, a 19-story condominium tower completed in 1965, stands as a prominent fixture in Columbia's University Hill neighborhood. With 158 units, this high-rise offers residents a blend of urban living and academic proximity. Located directly across from the University of South Carolina School of Law, Senate Plaza caters to a diverse community of students, professionals, and long-term residents seeking a central location in South Carolina's capital city.
Versatile layouts with panoramic city views
Senate Plaza offers a range of floor plans to suit various lifestyles, from cozy studios to spacious two-bedroom units. Studios, measuring between 462 and 479 square feet, provide efficient living spaces with one bathroom. One-bedroom units range from 441 to 800 square feet, some featuring an additional half bath, with recent sale prices around $120,000. The largest offerings are the two-bedroom units, spanning 1,045 to 1,600 square feet with up to two full bathrooms.
Many units have been thoughtfully updated, boasting modern finishes that complement the building's mid-century roots. Residents enjoy open-concept layouts, with some units featuring L-shaped kitchen islands, quartz countertops, and stainless steel appliances. Large windows and private balconies are common features, offering sweeping views of downtown Columbia, the USC campus, and even Williams-Brice Stadium from higher floors.
Recent renovations in select units have introduced luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring, custom-built closets, and barn doors for master bathrooms. Some apartments include in-unit washer and dryer combinations, while others have access to the building's laundry facilities. The diverse mix of original and updated units allows buyers to choose between move-in ready homes and opportunities for personalization.
Comprehensive amenities for comfort and convenience
Senate Plaza offers a suite of amenities designed to enhance residents' daily lives. The recently updated outdoor pool area serves as a social hub, complete with lounge chairs, tables, and a grill for summer gatherings. Fitness enthusiasts appreciate the on-site exercise room, which includes two saunas for post-workout relaxation.
For those who work from home or need meeting space, the building provides a conference room with a kitchen. A banquet room is available for larger gatherings or events. The building's lobby has been beautifully updated, creating a welcoming entrance for residents and guests alike.
Security and convenience are prioritized at Senate Plaza. A 24-hour doorman service and concierge ensure residents feel safe and attended to at all hours. The covered parking garage offers assigned spaces, solving the often-challenging downtown parking situation. Additional storage space is available for residents who need extra room beyond their units.
Senate Plaza's amenities extend to practical services as well. The building features a large laundry room, a mail room, and a package receiving area to accommodate modern delivery needs. On-site management and maintenance staff are available to address residents' concerns promptly.
One of the most attractive features of Senate Plaza is its all-inclusive HOA fee. This fee covers a wide range of utilities and services, including electricity, water, sewer, trash removal, cable television, and high-speed internet. This comprehensive package allows residents to simplify their monthly expenses and enjoy a worry-free living experience.
A vibrant blend of academic energy and urban convenience
Senate Plaza's location in University Hill places residents at the intersection of academic life and urban amenities. The neighborhood is characterized by tree-lined streets, historic homes, and the bustling energy of a college town. The University of South Carolina's presence shapes the area's character, providing a constant influx of cultural and educational opportunities.
Just steps from Senate Plaza, residents can explore the Five Points district, a popular area for dining and shopping. Here, eclectic eateries like Publico Kitchen & Tap offer Latin-Asian fusion cuisine, while the Flying Biscuit Cafe serves up all-day breakfast favorites. For those seeking entertainment, the Koger Center for the Arts hosts a variety of performances, including touring Broadway shows.
Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to several green spaces. Maxcy Gregg Park, less than a mile away, features walking trails, a garden, and an Olympic-sized swimming pool open to the public during summer months. The historic Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens offer a glimpse into Columbia's past, with beautifully maintained grounds perfect for a leisurely stroll.
For everyday needs, residents have easy access to a Food Lion supermarket within walking distance. The Main Street District, a short walk from Senate Plaza, is home to the Soda City Farmer's Market, held every Saturday morning. This popular event showcases local produce, artisanal goods, and live music, embodying the community spirit of Columbia.
The Vista, Columbia's arts and cultural district, is within easy reach, offering galleries, restaurants, and nightlife options. Sports fans can catch USC Gamecocks games at nearby venues, including Williams-Brice Stadium for football and Colonial Life Arena for basketball.
Senate Plaza's central location also puts residents close to essential services. The Prisma Health Richland Hospital, recognized for its high-performing specialties, is just over two miles north, ensuring quality healthcare is readily available.
Well-connected urban living with multiple transit options
Senate Plaza's downtown location provides residents with a variety of transportation choices. The area's walkable nature means many daily needs can be met on foot, with numerous amenities within a 15-minute walk. For those who prefer cycling, the neighborhood's relatively flat terrain and growing network of bike lanes make it a viable option for short trips.
Public transportation is readily accessible from Senate Plaza. Several bus stops are located within a five-minute walk of the building, serving multiple routes. The Soda Cap Connector, a downtown circulator with a nominal $1 fare, stops nearby and connects residents to popular destinations like the Main Street District, the Vista, and Segra Park. This affordable option is particularly convenient for students and professionals commuting within the downtown area.
For longer trips, Columbia's COMET bus system provides extensive coverage of the city and surrounding areas. Amtrak's Silver Star line, which runs from New York to Miami, has a stop in downtown Columbia, offering a convenient option for regional travel.
Residents who prefer to drive will find Senate Plaza's location advantageous. The building's proximity to major thoroughfares like Gervais Street and Assembly Street allows for easy navigation throughout Columbia. For air travel, Columbia Metropolitan Airport is approximately a 25-minute drive away, providing domestic flights to major U.S. cities.
Senate Plaza's central location in University Hill strikes a balance between walkability and transit access, making it possible for residents to enjoy city living with or without a car. The variety of transportation options caters to different lifestyles and preferences, enhancing the overall convenience of living in this downtown condominium.
Association fees include cable TV, common area maintenance, electric service, exterior maintenance, landscaping, pool, security, sewer, water, pest control
Cmm, Shellie Lewis HOA, Phone Number (803) 799-6145
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Quantarium
Current List Price
Sold Price
Area Factors
Moderate Crime
Crime Score®
6/ 10
Bikeable
Bike Score®
58/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
80/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
55/ 100
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Powered by CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks. Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Environmental risk data is provided by First Street Foundation® and is designed to approximate risk and not intended to include all possible scenarios.
Parks in this Area
A.C. Moore Garden
9 min walk
Picnic Area
Trails
Maxcy Gregg Park
13 min walk
Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens
15 min walk
M L King Park
2 min drive
Memorial Park
3 min drive
Picnic Area
Trails
Playground
Finlay Park
4 min drive
Lake
Picnic Area
Trails
Segra Park
4 min drive
Baseball/Softball
Events
Emily Douglas Park
4 min drive
Dog Park
Playground
Multi-Purpose Field
Pacific Park
4 min drive
Schools
Source:
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Disclaimer: Please note that this building may not be in these schools' attendance zones.
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