Columbia Planning Commission Will Review Housing Plans
The city will evaluate a new 80-unit residential proposal for the former Allen Benedict Court site on October 8.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Apartments
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The Columbia Planning Commission will meet on October 8, 2026, to review plans for Harmony at Horizon Village, a proposed 80-unit housing development. The project is slated for the 15-acre property at 1810 Allen Benedict Court, where a previous complex was demolished following a 2019 emergency evacuation.
Why it matters
The site holds a significant history in the local community following the 2019 closure of the original 1940-era housing complex due to extensive code violations. This review marks a critical step in the city's ongoing efforts to repurpose the land after a tragedy involving the deaths of two men from carbon monoxide poisoning.
The proposed site at 1810 Allen Benedict Court spans 15 acres. Following 2019 safety issues, Columbia Housing paid an $11,000 fine for code violations and a $2 million settlement to a victim's family.
The players
Columbia Planning Commission
This is the local city authority responsible for evaluating and approving development plans for municipal land use.
Columbia Housing
This organization manages public residential properties and is the lead entity behind the redevelopment proposal.
The details
The development plan for Harmony at Horizon Village replaces the former Allen Benedict Court complex, which was demolished in 2021. Columbia Housing is currently pursuing a mix of state and private funding sources to support the new construction project.
Timeline
The original housing complex at the site was built in 1940.
Over 400 residents were evacuated in 2019 after two men died.
Columbia Housing pleaded guilty to code violations in 2020.
The old complex was officially demolished in 2021.
The Planning Commission will review the new plans on October 8, 2026.
Culture Shift
The project represents a definitive break from the site's troubled past by shifting toward smaller-scale, modern residential development. This reflects a broader trend in municipal land management where cities prioritize complete site remediation over the maintenance of aging, high-density infrastructure.
Residents can monitor the upcoming public meeting to understand how the new development may influence local housing availability. The project's progression is a key indicator of how Columbia plans to address the long-term utility of this 15-acre plot for the community.
The takeaway
The move to redevelop this land demonstrates the city's commitment to modernizing its housing portfolio after previous safety failures. Residents should stay informed about the approval process to see how the new units will integrate into the existing local neighborhood.
What happens next
A final version of the Planning Commission meeting agenda is expected to be released closer to the October 8, 2026, meeting date.
Further reading
For more information on residential projects in the area, visit the Apartments section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Post and Courier.
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