Richland County 911 Center

Project Summary

The former 2-story retail space at Columbia Place Mall (originally constructed by M. B. Kahn in 1977) has been transformed through a creative, cost-effective adaptive reuse and commercial renovation project designed to meet the evolving needs of Richland County. This large-scale mall redevelopment demonstrates how existing structures can be repurposed into modern, mission-critical facilities that support community growth while driving economic revitalization and future mixed-use development.

Working closely with the Architect/Engineering team at LS3P early in the planning process, M. B. Kahn developed strategic solutions for equipment logistics, backup power generation, and building footprint constraints to successfully convert the former retail environment into a high-performing government facility. The renovation included a complete HVAC system replacement, upgraded security and video surveillance systems, enhanced building controls, new LED lighting, and modern interior finishes and flooring throughout. Existing on-site parking infrastructure also provided a cost-effective advantage for the redevelopment.

As part of the revitalization effort, M. B. Kahn also completed renovations for Richland County’s Voter Registration and Elections Office and continues to support the adaptive reuse of additional retail spaces for government and community services. The project will provide facilities for the South Carolina Department of Probation, Department of Health and Human Services, Pardon and Parole Services, the Department of Juvenile Justice, and a new Family Services Center, scheduled to open in 2027. The center will occupy the former Sears and Belk spaces and will house multiple state agencies along with United Way’s dental and vision clinic.

This project highlights M. B. Kahn’s expertise in adaptive reuse construction, commercial renovations, government facility upgrades, mall redevelopment, and transforming underutilized properties into functional, sustainable community assets. This project won the Construction Management Association's 2026 Project Achievement Award for the government sector and was featured in an article for Columbia Business Monthly.