Design commission approves 288‑unit mixed‑use project at Bull and Elmwood with conditions

The Design and Development Review Commission (DDRC) approved a certificate of design approval for a new mixed‑use development that occupies multiple parcels at Bull and Elmwood avenues in the City of Columbia. The commission voted unanimously to approve the project with conditions.

Staff told the commission the proposal is an eight‑story building approximately 85 feet tall containing 288 residential units (236 one‑bedroom, 33 two‑bedroom and 19 three‑bedroom), about 19,000 square feet of ground‑floor retail, and a structured parking facility with 376 spaces, of which roughly 57 are designated for retail visitors. The project includes ground‑level retail fronting Bull and Elmwood, resident amenities, a dog park, two courtyards (one with a pool), and extensive street trees around the perimeter.

The staff report found the façade proportions, storefront rhythm and open‑space elements generally conform to the City Center design guidelines, but identified two large unarticulated faces on the southern elevation (first and third stairwells) and recommended conditions. The commission’s approval requires the applicant to explore adding openings on the unadorned vertical faces of the southern ends of the Marion and Bull Street elevations, consider murals, canopies, or additional screened window openings to further activate the two lowest floors on the south elevation, and return signage for separate review. Staff also recommended any further design changes come back to staff for review.

Developer John Wofford, a partner at Astral Development, told the commission his family has deep ties to Columbia and said the team had reached out to neighborhood historic groups and neighborhood presidents to solicit feedback. “We hope that this will ultimately be a catalyst for the Bull and Elmwood quarters and to connect the Bull Street District with Main Street,” Wofford said.

Project architect Ryan Trimble of Axiom Architecture described design moves intended to break down scale: stepped façades above the ground floor, vertical window rhythms, recessed brick detailing, a roof terrace on the eighth floor and efforts to screen rooftop equipment. Trimble said the team is seeking to bury nearby power lines and emphasized landscaping, noting approximately 80 trees of eight species are proposed around the site.

Speakers from nearby neighborhood groups spoke in support. Denise Wellman, president of Cotton Town, said she and the neighborhood appreciate the developer’s outreach and “we would urge you to approve this project with the staff’s recommendations.” Elizabeth Marks, speaking on behalf of the Robert Mills Historic District, said the project improves on a prior use of the corner and praised the underbuilding of parking and screened trash facilities as helpful to the historic character of the surrounding homes.

The motion to approve the certificate and the staff conditions passed on a roll call of Miss Jayco, Miss Gallo, Mr. Greenberg, Mr. McKenzie, Mr. Salibi and Mr. Shelton (all voting yes). The commission noted signage will return for separate review and staff will handle follow‑up review of detailed design changes.

The commission’s decision is a design‑level approval; the staff report reminded commissioners that decisions may be appealed within 30 days to a court of competent jurisdiction.