City Council Eyes Timeless Design Vision for Historic Park Project

City Council for the City of Forest Acres held a special called meeting today with project landscape architects, Land Plan Group South, to review updated conceptual renderings for the future six-acre Mall Park and Amphitheater project.

The meeting focused on updated site engineering, architectural details, and the long-term vision for what leaders hope will become one of the Midlands’ signature public gathering spaces.

A Timeless Vision for Forest Acres

Council reviewed the overall design vision for the site, which focuses heavily on timeless character, placemaking, and creating a true community gathering space. Because Forest Acres does not have many historic buildings or preserved architectural landmarks, City leaders see this project as an opportunity to intentionally create that sense of history and character through design.

“This is the kind of project that can define a community for generations,” said Mayor Thomas Andrews. “We have the opportunity to create something that feels timeless and authentic to Forest Acres. We want people to walk into this space years from now and feel like it has always been here.”

The park concept includes weathered brick, classic southern architectural influences, iron detailing, bronze accents, and layered materials designed to give the site a rich, established feel from day one. The vision is to create the kind of civic space often found in historic downtowns and legacy communities across the South — warm, inviting, and built with the kind of character that only gets better with time.

Mayor Pro Tem and Councilman Haskell Kibler said the project is about creating long-term identity for the city.

“We want this park to feel timeless — like it has always been part of Forest Acres,” Kibler said. “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create the kind of place and character communities are remembered for.”

Updated Site Engineering and Amphitheater Design

Council also reviewed several minor site adjustments related to ongoing site engineering and floodplain analysis following the clearing of the property. As engineers gained a better understanding of the site layout, drainage patterns, and floodway requirements, a few structures were slightly reoriented and refined to better fit the landscape and overall design plan. One structure was shifted from a horizontal to vertical orientation to better accommodate the floodway, and two planned structures were combined into one building that will include restrooms and additional park amenities.

Council also reviewed an updated amphitheater roof design, which was changed from an oval-shaped concept to a more traditional amphitheater style. Kibler said the goal was to create a venue with its own distinct architectural identity while still fitting seamlessly into the overall timeless vision for the park.

“We wanted an amphitheater that fits the needs of today’s outdoor events while still feeling timeless and authentic to the character of the park,” Kibler said. “That thoughtful design approach is why elements like brick, iron detailing, and other classic materials were incorporated directly into the amphitheater itself.”

Officials said the changes are minor and do not change the overall vision or character of the project.

Richland Mall Redevelopment Moving Forward

Demolition at the 26-acre former Richland Mall site was officially completed this month. The City’s six-acre park will border the mixed-use redevelopment led by Southeastern Development Associates. The more than $100 million project will include retail, premier shopping and dining, apartments, and a Kroger Marketplace and fuel center.

As for the City’s park, the project is expected to go out for bid this fall. The City hopes to receive bids back in October and begin construction shortly after. Construction is expected to take approximately 12 to 18 months.

Officials said formal names for both the redevelopment and the park have not yet been finalized, but those identities will help complement the already strong Forest Acres brand while creating a destination recognized throughout the Midlands and across South Carolina for quality, character, and community.

Looking Ahead and Partnership Opportunities

As plans continue moving forward, the City will also begin exploring philanthropic partnerships and naming opportunities associated with the park and amphitheater. While Forest Acres operates with one of the Midlands’ smaller municipal budgets, City Council’s vision remains to deliver one of the region’s premier public gathering spaces.

“Projects like this do not happen often in a community our size,” Andrews said. “We know the kind of space we want to create for Forest Acres, and we’re committed to doing it the right way. We hope to partner with a family, foundation, or organization that sees the long-term value of creating something lasting for this community. This is an opportunity to help shape a place that families will enjoy for generations to come and to have their legacy forever connected to one of Forest Acres’ signature public spaces.”