Developer Seeks to Demolish Village at Sandhill Buildings
North Bay Properties sues the association to begin clearing four vacant, deteriorating buildings in Columbia by February.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Commercial
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North Bay Properties has filed a federal lawsuit against the Village at Sandhill Property Owners Association to secure demolition rights for four derelict residential buildings in Columbia. The owner intends to level the structures to clear the site for future redevelopment.
Why it matters
The buildings have been vacant since 2024 and currently pose a public danger due to severe structural rot, water intrusion, and mold. Resolving the legal impasse over these properties is a necessary step to redevelop the land and mitigate ongoing neighborhood safety concerns.
A 2024 engineering survey confirmed critical failures in the four residential structures, including stucco cracking, water intrusion, and rotted structural elements. These buildings, which were constructed in 2006, have remained empty since 2024.
The players
North Bay Properties
The property owner and developer currently seeking federal court approval to demolish derelict assets at the Village at Sandhill.
Village at Sandhill Property Owners Association
The governing entity currently exercising authority over the residential site and contesting the proposed demolition plans.
Richland County Sheriff's Department
The local law enforcement agency tasked with investigating security and public safety concerns at the vacant residential complex.
The details
The owner, North Bay Properties, seeks to demolish the buildings to attract a buyer for mixed-use redevelopment of the land. Following the discontinuation of 24-hour security on October 1, 2026, the Richland County Sheriff's Department documented concerns regarding individuals squatting in the vacant structures. The lawsuit aims to override the Village at Sandhill Property Owners Association's current block on demolition, allowing for the application of county permits.
Timeline
2006: The buildings at The Promenade at Sandhill were originally constructed.
March 2026: A previous lawsuit between North Bay Properties and the association was dismissed.
October 1, 2026: The site's 40-hour security detail was discontinued.
February 2027: Planned start date for the building demolition.
The Home Front
This dispute highlights the complex intersection of private property rights and homeowners association governance in managing derelict assets. The litigation follows a pattern set by the 2024 Richland County Sheriff's Department investigations into unauthorized property occupancy, which highlighted safety risks at the site.
Local property owners should keep an eye on court developments that define the extent of association oversight in managing derelict residential structures. Monitoring for future county demolition permit filings is the best way to track when site cleanup operations might commence.
The takeaway
Resolving the legal status of vacant residential structures is essential for maintaining site security and ensuring neighborhood property standards. Residents near the complex should report any unauthorized access to the site to local authorities until demolition proceeds.
Further reading
For additional context on local development projects, visit Columbia Commercial.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Post and Courier.
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