COLUMBIA, S.C. — A Columbia bishop says he has a bold vision for one of the city’s most troubled properties. His plan for Dutch Square Center mall is a redevelopment project he believes could bring new life to the area.

Bishop Eric Davis calls the project IC Silicon South short for Innovation, Science, Education, and Entertainment.

“All of those components were wrapped into this 550,000 square foot initial facility but with hotels and restaurants being added on the perimeter,” Davis said.

The proposal includes convention space, animation studios, and a tech hub built around the 40-acre mall property. Davis says the project has already received backing from several organizations, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, universities, school districts, and local agencies.

“We had the U.S.

See Full Page