Photo Gallery | Urban Outfitters, new developments coming to the Vista

Urban Outfitters and other new developments are coming to the Vista, according to the Congaree Vista Guild.

The global retailer with a boutique approach is scheduled to open its first Midlands store in July 2013.

An 83-year-old building located at 912 Gervais Street will be the new home for the Philadelphia-based retailer.

“Urban Outfitters will be a great addition to the Vista’s unique and dynamic character. The retailer’s presence should encourage additional interest in the Vista from other quality regional and national retail brands,” said J.P. Scurry of Colliers International, who worked to attract Urban Outfitters and brokered the sale of the 15,050-square foot building to developer Crosland SE.

Urban Outfitters will hire about 25 employees.

Also other developments such as, Chipotle Mexican Grill and the University of South Carolina’s new alumni center  will arrive to the Vista soon.

According to a news release, Chipotle Mexican Grill is slated to open at the corner of Wayne and Gervais Streets.

“As home to many of our city’s art galleries, hotels, businesses, restaurants, museums and the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, growth in the Vista is always good for our city, making our neighborhood even more attractive for locals and out-of-town guests,” said Sarah Luadzers, executive director of the Vista Guild. “And, as always, the Vista Guild encourages development that nods to our neighborhood’s historic past, and we’ve been pleased to support and aid the growth we anticipate seeing this year.”

The Congaree Vista Guild estimates investments of at least $100 million within the neighborhood will take place within the next year.

In addition to new desirable restaurants, retailers and businesses in the neighborhood, the City of Columbia is making several streetscape improvements in the Vista, including pedestrian-friendly bumpouts designed to calm traffic and make street crossings safer for foot traffic.

“As we prepare to celebrate our past with the 25th anniversary of the Vista and Artista Vista, our annual gallery crawl, this spring, the Vista Guild is excited about what this growth means for Columbia,” said Luadzers.

The Congaree Vista’s hotels, restaurants and bars generate $110 million annually in hospitality tax from food and beverage sales. In addition to coming development, the Vista has seen several businesses including The Peanut Man, the Vista Marketplace and ByFarr, a graphic design and letterpress shop, open in recent months.