Village at Sandhill Building Demolition Lawsuit Filed
The owner seeks to demolish four derelict buildings at the Columbia shopping complex to clear the way for redevelopment.
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 clear the way for demolishing four derelict residential buildings in Columbia. The owner intends to clear the vacant site for potential redevelopment.
Why it matters
The outcome of this legal dispute will determine the timeline for removing structures deemed structurally unsafe and a public safety risk. For the local community, the potential redevelopment of this property could eventually impact regional real estate prospects near existing commercial hubs.
Four residential buildings out of a 160-unit complex are currently targeted for demolition due to structural deterioration. These structures have been vacant since 2024 following an engineering survey that identified widespread mold and water damage.
The players
North Bay Properties
The property owner and developer seeking to resolve a legal conflict over demolition rights to facilitate land redevelopment.
Village at Sandhill Property Owners Association
The governing body for the complex that currently holds the authority contested in the owner's federal lawsuit.
Richland County Sheriff's Department
The local law enforcement agency that previously conducted an investigation into reports of individuals squatting in the vacant buildings.
The details
North Bay Properties seeks a federal court order to bypass the Village at Sandhill Property Owners Association in its bid to raze the Antigua, Monaco, Naples, and Portofino buildings. The owner argues that the structures, which were built in 2006, have become a hazard after a 2024 engineering report confirmed severe rot and water intrusion. If the court rules that the association lacks authority to block the project, the owner plans to apply for county permits to begin leveling the site.
Timeline
The buildings were originally constructed in 2006.
A previous lawsuit between the parties was dismissed in March 2026.
North Bay Properties ended 40-hour onsite security on October 1, 2026.
The owner hopes to begin the demolition process in February 2027.
Money Landscape
This dispute highlights the complexities of navigating restrictive covenants when dealing with distressed commercial-residential assets. It follows a pattern of owners seeking legal remedies to clear properties of structural liabilities in order to attract new development capital.
Property owners near the Village at Sandhill should monitor the court's decision, as demolition may change the aesthetic and safety profile of the surrounding area. Consult with a qualified real estate professional to understand how local site redevelopment could influence nearby property valuations.
The takeaway
This litigation serves as a reminder that complex property associations can significantly dictate the pace of site remediation and urban renewal. Readers should track the February 2027 target date as a signal for potential permit activity at the location.
Further reading
Learn more about the local market in our Commercial section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Post and Courier.
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Should local governments prioritize the rapid demolition of dangerous, vacant buildings to allow for new development?
