News & Insights
Photo courtesy of: Greg Land
The State of South Carolina and the City of Columbia had a vision: to revitalize an urban area of the city once occupied by the South Carolina State Hospital, which operated from the mid-19th century until its closure in 1996. This vision began to take shape in 2010 through a public-private partnership with Hughes Development Corporation, aimed at transforming the 180-acre site into a vibrant mixed-use community known as the BullStreet District.
At its inception, the BullStreet District was envisioned as a walkable and connected community that would include residential, commercial and recreational spaces. Plans for the district 
included apartments, offices, and retail spaces, as well as parks and public gathering areas. A pivotal element was the return of minor league baseball to Columbia and the construction of a new ballpark. Now named Segra Park, it opened in 2016 to critical acclaim, including being named Baseball Digest’s Ballpark of the Year in 2016, and Ballpark of the Decade in 2019.
To help bring the vision of the BullStreet District to life, the City of Columbia engaged Brailsford & Dunlavey to provide advisory services. B&D focused on assessing the viability of constructing a minor league ballpark by analyzing market demand, financial performance, and the potential impacts on the local economy. The firm also offered valuable insights into the operational aspects of the stadium, including repair and maintenance planning strategies. This comprehensive approach ensured that the ballpark would not only serve as a venue for sporting events but also as a sustainable community asset.
In the spring of 2016, the 8,000-seat, $37 million Segra Park officially opened its doors, becoming the proud home of the Columbia Fireflies. Today, it serves as a key attraction within the BullStreet District, contributing to the area’s growth and vibrancy. Since its opening, Segra Park has averaged over 3,000 fans per game, significantly contributing to the success of the BullStreet District and helping drive economic growth and community engagement in the area.
Photo credit: MLB.com
