Completion of Urban Green Space in Downtown Columbia Announced

October 24, 2007

COLUMBIA, SC – October 24, 2007 – Columbia, SC based First Citizens Bancorporation announced the completion of a landscaped urban “oasis,” complete with palm trees and a bricked walkway. The green space, located on Lady and Main, replaces a vacant gravel lot. “First Citizens is pleased to offer the community an appealing, park-like environment for local businesses and residents to enjoy,” said Jim Apple, chairman and CEO of First Citizens.

“We are delighted to have this very attractive new green space in the middle of downtown Columbia,” said Mayor Bob Coble. “Developing green space is a pressing need for downtown revitalization efforts in Columbia, and in urban communities across the nation.”

“This oasis of trees, shrubs and lawn is very much in the spirit of my recent resolution to address climate change and ‘green’ our city,” said Mayor Coble.

The concept for the area originated during the construction of the First Citizens Center, located adjacent to the green space. There are no immediate plans to further develop the property.


About First Citizens

First Citizens Bancorporation, Inc., is the parent company of First Citizens Bank and Trust Company, Inc., and The Exchange Bank of South Carolina, Inc. First Citizens Bank offers services in commercial and retail banking through its 166 offices in South Carolina and Georgia. As of Sept. 30, 2007, First Citizens Bancorporation had total consolidated assets of $6.02 billion. For more information, visit the First Citizens web site at www.firstcitizensonline.com .