US Development retains Elliott Davis as corporate CPA

US Development, USD, a Columbia-based company specializing in mixed-use and infill redevelopment, has selected Elliott Davis, LLC, to serve as its accountant and business advisor.
David M. Bryant, USD president, says, “Tom, Jeff and I took our time and did quite a bit of research before retaining Elliott Davis. It was essential to choose a firm with the credentials and vision to complement our goals and objectives. Ultimately, we went with Elliott Davis because they best fit our needs and future direction.” Bryant and Tom and Jeff Prioreschi are the founders and principals of USD.
USD, which was formed in January 2009, focuses on historical landmark renovations and center-city properties in the Southeastern region of the country. Its first acquisition – on Lady St. in Columbia – was announced several months ago and will be converted into independent living, luxury apartments called The Dakota.
Elliott Davis has been in business since 1925 and has garnered an outstanding reputation for its accounting, tax and consulting services. The firm has 50 shareholders and 400 employees in 10 offices throughout the Southeast. Elliott Davis is the largest accounting firm in the state.
“USD plans to have offices in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia, along with our corporate operations here in Columbia,” says Bryant. “Another plus for Elliott Davis is the firm is geographically located in our strategic markets, and the firm’s reputation is nationally recognized for outstanding service to its clients.”
Through its acquisitions, US Development is redeveloping properties for adaptive reuse, making way for both residential living and commercial businesses. The company plans to maintain a building’s existing historical significance, while preserving original construction materials and structural integrity. The residential component of the projects will have extensive modern amenities.

Fall Main Street Marketplace is back this Friday

If you have not been in the past or you are just moving in to the neighborhood, the Main Street Marketplace is a weekly occasion not to be missed. Many will remember its occurrence during the summer and may not be aware of its re-emergence in the fall. The market takes place every Friday during September and October at Boyd Plaza in front of the Columbia Museum of Art.

It is open from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and features everything from fresh produce to arts and crafts. You can browse through the jewelry and handbags or pick up an interesting read. This is certainly an attractive way to spend your lunch break and get some fresh air.

City Center Partnership offers a free shuttle service that runs all the way from Gervais to Elmwood and from Assembly to Marion Streets. This is certainly a service to be utilized at other times and the Downtown Hospitality Teams have proven to be extremely helpful. You can reach them during the day at 803-233-0620 or in the evening at 803-309-7758. Feel free to check out City Center Partnership’s website at citycentercolumbia.sc to keep in touch with the downtown area.

While you are in vicinity of the Columbia Museum of Art, be sure to stop in and catch Cleve Gray: Man and Nature before it ends on September 27, 2009. New residents can take advantage of their free passes provided in their lease packets. If they are expired, you can pick up new ones at our leasing office. Sundays offer free admission into the museum provided by Blue Cross BlueShield of South Carolina. The museum is open Wednesdays - Saturdays 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. as well as the first Friday of every month from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. (until 5 p.m. in December), and Sundays from noon- 5 p.m. For more information visit their website at columbiamuseum.org.