North Bay Properties Sues Over Sandhill Demolition

The owner seeks a federal ruling to demolish four vacant, decaying residential buildings at the Village at Sandhill.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Commercial

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a decaying, abandoned residential building silhouette, evoking the gravity of a legal property dispute. — North Bay Properties has filed a federal lawsuit against the Village at Sandhill Property Owners Association to secure demolition rights for four derelict buildings. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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North Bay Properties has filed a federal lawsuit against the Village at Sandhill Property Owners Association to secure demolition rights for four derelict residential buildings. The owner argues the structures are public hazards requiring immediate removal for future redevelopment.

Why it matters

The company aims to clear the crumbling structures to attract a buyer for a mixed-use redevelopment project on the land. The site has faced significant safety issues, including reported squatting and severe structural decay.

The complex consists of four buildings named Antigua, Monaco, Naples, and Portofino that were constructed in 2006. A 2024 engineering survey identified widespread issues including stucco cracking, water intrusion, mold, and rotted structural elements.

The players

North Bay Properties

This real estate entity owns the Promenade at Sandhill complex and is pursuing legal action to clear the site.

Village at Sandhill Property Owners Association

This association manages property interests and holds the authority currently contested by North Bay Properties regarding demolition.

Richland County Sheriff's Department

This local law enforcement agency previously investigated reports of individuals squatting within the vacant residential units.

The details

North Bay Properties discontinued 40-hour onsite security on October 1, 2026, following the buildings' vacancy. The Richland County Sheriff's Department previously identified squatting at the location, which remains under scrutiny due to the deteriorating conditions.

The buildings in the Promenade at Sandhill complex were originally constructed in 2006.
A previous lawsuit between North Bay Properties and the association was dismissed in March 2026.
North Bay Properties discontinued 40-hour security at the site on October 1, 2026.
The owner hopes to begin demolition of the four buildings in February 2027.

Culture Shift

This dispute reflects the broader trend of developers struggling with the long-term maintenance of mid-2000s era residential clusters. The legal action marks a continuation of the security and safety concerns documented by the 2024 Richland County Sheriff's Department investigation of site squatting.

Residents in the Columbia area may notice increased activity at the Village at Sandhill as the property owner seeks to move forward with demolition plans. The potential removal of these structures aims to improve public safety and facilitate future redevelopment of the site.

The takeaway

Property owners dealing with abandoned assets often face complex legal battles when attempting to repurpose land under existing association guidelines. Future development at the site remains pending until the court rules on the demolition rights.