Re-energizing Eau Claire/North Columbia’s commercial center is an ongoing priority. New business structures like the North Main Plaza, which houses several small businesses and restaurants along Eau Claire/North Columbia’s central artery, brings fresh economic life to the area. The positive effects of such new commerce, as well as the longtime economic impact of existing businesses and industries, will drive Eau Claire/North Columbia’s commercial success toward the future.

Just minutes from downtown Columbia, we urge residents and visitors to stop and explore the businesses of North Main Plaza. From good eats to sweet feet, the Plaza has something for everyone. Businesses include:

     1. First Choice Rehabilitation and Wellness Center
     2. The Flemming Group, Inc.
     3. Natural Escape Day Spa
     4. New Look Barber & Beauty Salon
     5. Papa John's Pizza
     6. RC's Celebrations

The North Main Plaza consists of two multi-use commercial structures of approximately 18,000 sq. ft., and 2.35 acres of undeveloped potential and is located on North Main Street in North Columbia, South Carolina.

Conveniently located 2.5 miles north of the State House and near Palmetto Health Richland Campus, the North Main Plaza is nestled within the historic Eau Claire community, encompassing 25 organized neighborhood associations and approximately +/4,200 acres. Nearby, guests can find a variety of parks that house disc golf, walking trails, ball fields, doggie parks and gymnasiums. Additionally, the area is proud of their two schools of higher education, Columbia College and Lutheran Seminary, where over 1,700 students are enrolled.  

The bustling North Columbia corridor helps transport approximately 13,000 commuters to and from downtown Columbia each day. Specifically, North Main Street is a four lane commercial roadway bounded between Interstate 20 to the north, the City’s Central Business District to the south, Farrow Road and Interstate 277 to the east and Broad River Road and Interstate 26 to the west.

The Columbia Empowerment Zone, Inc. (CEZ, Inc.), a non-profit corporation, was formed by the City of Columbia in April 2008 to sustain economic development initiatives and promote job creation by providing opportunities for small businesses to mature and expand.   

Making North Main Plaza a catalyst for urban revitalization is a critical activity for CEZ, Inc. Our core operating strategy to realizing the long-term potential of this real estate is to present as many varied and compelling partnerships as possible. We consider this to be a partnership opportunity and we utilize this and other opportunities in as many economically viable and productive ways a possible. 

As a non-profit entity, however, CEZ, Inc. is always mindful that the organization must generate economic returns to support the substantial financial investment in these facilities; and to sustain community development activities that focus on job creation.

Thus CEZ, Inc. staff and board members take pride in being able to spur economic development by assisting small businesses who bring jobs to the community. We see our investment in the North Main Plaza as a great opportunity for the community to partner and help cultivate that growth.  

VISION: A socially and economically vibrant community with sustainable jobs and thriving small businesses.

MISSION: To create and support economic development opportunities in the City of Columbia.