Historic Claussen’s building transformed into boutique studio apartments

June 12, 2019

Ribbon cutting with Mayor Benjamin held for new boutique studio apartments in the historic Five Points district

Styx Co. team with City of Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin and Five Points Association Executive Director Kelsey Desender at the Claussen’s ribbon cutting (left to right: David Tuttle, Julie Tuttle, Jesse Smith, Steve Benjamin, Ryan Hyler, Kelsey Desender)

The historic Claussen’s Bakery building has come back to life. The new Claussen’s features 29 freshly renovated, boutique studio apartments in the Five Points neighborhood in downtown Columbia, S.C., where Mayor Steve Benjamin, the Styx Co. development team, project partners and local leaders celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 11, 2019. Modern amenities and more are detailed here: www.liveatclaussens.com.

The transformed residential space highlights the building’s history and impact on the Five Points district, recently listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

City of Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin gives remarks at Claussen’s ribbon cutting

Styx Co. partners Jesse Smith, David Tuttle, Julie Tuttle and Ryan Hyler, a team of local developers committed to the growth of the community, worked with the architects at 1×1 Design and the construction team at Cohn Construction Services to repurpose the space. First Palmetto Bank provided financial services for the project.

The partners at Styx Co. were joined at the ribbon cutting by local business partners and Columbia city officials to celebrate the building’s next phase of its cultural significance. Remarks were given by Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin; Styx Co. partner Ryan Hyler; and the new executive director of the Five Points Association, Kelsey Desender. The event was held to commemorate the redevelopment of a historic institution that has brought value, presence, and service to Columbia’s original village neighborhood.

Styx Co. team in front of Claussen’s new boutique studio apartments (left to right: Ryan Hyler, Julie Tuttle, David Tuttle, Jesse Smith)

“We are excited to be a part of the continued resurgence of Five Points,” notes Ryan Hyler, partner at Styx Co., the developers of Claussen’s. “With the addition of new tenants such as Home Team BBQ and the White Mule, and additional development expected to occur along Harden Street, we believe that Five Points is at an all-time high.”

The ceremony was followed by a reception with refreshments by Mr. Friendly’s and Fat Beagle Catering. Guests were given an opportunity to explore a variety of apartments and community spaces, which include elements like exposed brick, steel trusses and windows from the original Claussen’s Bakery, built in 1928. Construction on Claussen’s boutique studio apartments started in August 2018.

Units are available for lease with typical rents at $1125 per month, which includes cable, internet, parking, valet trash pickup and more. Apartment interiors feature functional designs and trendsetting finishes on cabinetry, countertops, backsplashes and hardware in brand new kitchenettes and bathrooms.

The community lounge and co-work space was designed to capture an authentic and cozy “bakeshop” feel. Other amenities include a library, endless hot water from community tankless water heaters and an on-site fitness center with trending interactive exercise equipment.

Residents are within footsteps of any modern amenity and amongst some of the most iconic establishments in Columbia, including The Gourmet Shop, Drip Coffee, Goat’s, Baan Sawan, Saluda’s and Mr. Friendly’s, making Claussen’s a prime residential space to live, work and play.

Only a short walk from the University of South Carolina, the Olympic-sized pools at Maxcy Gregg Park and the shaded hills of Shandon and Wales Garden neighborhoods, the location of Claussen’s boutique studio apartments offers a convenient living experience for a variety of demographics.

Per Historic Columbia, the building was built by George Frederick Claussen, the grandson of a German immigrant who had previously established a steam bakery in Charleston. Through the first half of the 20th century, Claussen expanded his business to Greenville, as well as Augusta and Savannah, Georgia. Within a decade of its opening, Claussen’s put Columbia, S.C., on the map as an important center for bakery products and employed several hundred throughout the state.

“Besides its significance in Columbia’s industrial development, Claussen’s is an icon of a popular brand of corporate-style architecture that arose during its early years,” notes John Sherrer, Director of Cultural Resources at Historic Columbia. “Until it ceased operation in 1963, Claussen’s Bakery made significant contributions to the industrial and commercial development of Columbia.”

Connect with @liveatclaussens on Instagram, and learn more about Columbia’s newest downtown address for modern urban living at www.liveatclaussens.com.

 

About Claussen’s
Claussen’s, formerly Claussen’s Inn, are new boutique studio apartment homes, available for rent at market rates. Transformed from the original Claussen’s Bakery, the 29 studios (including studios with lofts) feature existing structures from the original bakery, built in 1928. Residents will enjoy the exposed brick walls, steel trusses, high ceilings and natural light of the historic building, as well as modern amenities and trendsetting finishes in both kitchenettes and bathrooms. Located in the Five Points neighborhood, next door to the fine dining restaurant Mr. Friendly’s, the apartment homes bring life and energy back to the iconic building and provide residents convenience to shopping, dining and more. Follow @liveatclaussens on Instagram and learn more at www.liveatclaussens.com.

About Styx Co.
Styx Co. partners David Tuttle, Ryan Hyler, Julie Tuttle, and Jesse Smith have worked in and around Columbia, S.C., for many years in the real estate development and financial sectors. Styx Co. partners with investors to grow financial portfolios through unique real estate and operating assets, achievable through intelligent design, effective financial structures, and keen marketing strategies.

About 1×1 Design
The architects at 1×1 Design aims to provide design and planning services for a range of residential and commercial clients, focusing on innovative design and delivery services, strong client relationships and the development of the professionals whom it employs. The team has completed a multitude of projects ranging from extensive interior renovations to ground-up construction projects, building masterplans to tenant upfits. www.1x1design.com

About Cohn Construction Services
Cohn Construction Services is a full-service design-build commercial general contractor founded in 1993. The team at Cohn Construction concentrates on the following key areas: manufacturing/industrial, adaptive re-use, healthcare, dental and general commercial. Cohn has a dedicated staff of qualified professionals whose capabilities and experience can handle any project. https://www.cohncorporation.com/

About First Palmetto Bank
First Palmetto Bank, one of South Carolina’s oldest financial institutions, is headquartered in the state’s oldest inland city of Camden. First Palmetto has grown to become one of the largest locally owned full-service financial institutions headquartered in South Carolina, with twenty-three branch locations across the state. https://www.firstpalmetto.com/