The Equitable Arcade Mall on Columbia’s Main Street turns 100 years old next year. It has seen quite its share of history, but buried beneath its core is history known by few and value overlooked by most.
On a dark elevator ride underground, accessed from the main level inside, Property Manager Cindy Mirt apologizes, “I’m sorry we’ve been having problems with the lights so we might have trouble seeing.” The doors open to two white lights, each floating at the ends of the long L-shaped corridor. Uneven wood planks stretch down the worn passage, once lined with a thriving nightlife of themed pubs and restaurants in the early 70’s.
After only a glimpse of the forgotten spot named, Down Under, the flashlight dies. Mirt tries to find her way to the light switch guiding me in blackness with un-easing words, “I was showing this other girl around one time and we got trapped down here. She had a little camera phone but it went dead just like your flashlight. It was freaky. Nobody knew we were down here.”
However, that’s not as strange as how such a unique concept in a prime downtown location went awry after merely operating two fleeting years. The idea plummeted in 1974 when efforts to prevent drugs, prostitution, and tattoo parlors were unsuccessful. Both stairwell entrances on Main and Washington Streets were boarded up where they remain today.
Although, there has been potential client interest, Mirt says owner Ned Barnes is not actively pursuing a buyer because the main level of the 17,000sq ft. building is nearly full from others leasing the space. Those businesses join the new Mast General Store in the ongoing revitalization effort of New Main Street--an effort Mayor Steve Benjamin made personal when he was quoted last March making the goal to enliven the area within 2 years. Benjamin said if the goal isn’t met, he has failed his duty to Columbia.
Latest growth of the area partially stems from the Mayor’s Revitalization Program enacted this year, where the city helps business owners and leasers pay for exterior restorations. Some of the current tenants above Down Under include clothing store-Wish, Swanson’s Deli, four separate hair salons, and glass showrooms rented to artists looking to create a personal space they can share with the public.
Other businesses also geared toward the arts have been proposed for the Tapps building along with the future arrival of a new Nickelodeon Theatre on the 1600 Block. However, Columbia housing underground bars seems an irresistible idea to those just learning of the well-kept secret. Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse Manager Olivia Santos says:
“I work on Main Street and I never knew it was there but it could be a big hit! The White Mule next door gets a lot of business! We want Main Street back where it used to be and aim this business district around fine dining and people looking for cocktail hour after work.”
Undoubtedly, “renovation of the property would require deep pockets and someone who is willing to go as deep as it takes,” says Mirt. The obvious structural undertaking is a sole concern for investors, shunning any possible visions they have for rebirth. In addition, the building must stick to federal preservation regulations because it’s listed on the National Historic Registry
“In order to occupy Underground, the entire Arcade Mall must be purchased,” says Mirt. However, owner Ned Barnes could explore leasing the space a-la-carte, which was originally modeled after Atlanta’s underground and intended to be a high-end area for Downtown.
Located in the heart of the city, Main Street has significant potential for growth in retail, restaurants, bars, living, and office space. With the right venture capitalist, Columbia Down Under could help Main Street see the same success as famed hotspots, The Vista and Five Points. Until then, the forgotten treasure will continue collecting dust and remain inaccessible to the public.
