Business & Finance
MacKenzie Scott’s 2020 Gift Fuels Columbia’s Grand Village Affordable Housing Project
Six years after philanthropist MacKenzie Scott donated $10 million to the United Way of the Midlands, part of that money is now funding the Grand Village affordable‑housing development in Columbia, South Carolina. The $12.8 million project, managed by nonprofit Homeless No More, will transform a former motel site into 30 rental homes for families with a range of incomes. Groundbreaking took place on October 13. The site, once occupied by the 1950s‑era Grand Motel at Two Notch Road and West Beltline Boulevard, has deteriorated over time. The new development will replace most of the old property, but will renovate two existing two‑storey buildings and preserve the motel’s historic sign.
The homes will include one, two and three‑bedroom units. Some will be reserved for households earning about 30 % of the area’s median income, while others will be available to those earning 50 %, 70 % or 80 % of that figure, allowing accommodation for a broad spectrum of families. Homeless No More President and CEO Lila Anna Sauls noted that nearly half of South Carolina renters spend more than 30 % of their income on housing.
The $12.8 million budget is supported by several partners, including the South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority, Richland County, the SC Community Loan Fund, Dominion Energy, First Citizens Bank and the Central Carolina Community Foundation. The decision to combine new construction with renovation helped secure $11 million from two state housing authority programs.
During the ceremony, State Senator Tameika Isaac Devine highlighted the state’s growing population and the need for affordable housing near workplaces, and discussed potential government actions such as zoning and building regulation reforms.
Grand Village will also feature a community centre named the James E Christopher Community Center, in memory of former Homeless No More board member Jim Christopher, who died in 2023. The centre will host local events, after‑school activities and mentoring programs for children in the nearby Belvedere community.
Construction of the 30 homes is expected to take about 12 months, with the community centre adding another four to six months. Homeless No More, which began developing affordable homes for working families in 2015, already operates emergency and transitional housing services and has built dozens of units along the Two Notch Road corridor. Additional projects include a former hotel in Lexington County, Edgewood Village and Andrew’s Village.
Frequently asked questions
How much of MacKenzie Scott's donation is being used for the Grand Village project?
Part of the $10 million donation to the United Way of the Midlands is funding the $12.8 million Grand Village affordable‑housing development.
How many homes will Grand Village provide and what income levels are targeted?
The project will build 30 rental homes with one, two, and three‑bedroom units, some reserved for households earning 30 % of the area’s median income and others for 50 %, 70 % or 80 % of that figure.
What partners are supporting the $12.8 million budget?
Partners include the South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority, Richland County, the SC Community Loan Fund, Dominion Energy, First Citizens Bank and the Central Carolina Community Foundation.