News Release
For Immediate Release
News Release: City of West Columbia Responds to Local Businessman Joe Taylor, Jr.’s Death
West Columbia, SC (December 29, 2022, at 3:30pm)- City of West Columbia Responds to Local Businessman Joe E. Taylor, Jr.’s Death
The City of West Columbia is deeply saddened by the news of Joe E. Taylor, Jr.’s death. Mayor Tem Miles said, “On behalf of the City of West Columbia and City Council, we offer our deepest sympathies to Joe’s family. He will truly be missed.”
Joe Taylor has been a leading developer in the City of West Columbia and has developed multiple projects in the River District area and Triangle City. In 2011, Joe Taylor recognized the vision and momentum happening in the City of West Columbia. He renovated a 100-year-old building, while retaining its historical characteristics and moved his corporate offices to West Columbia. He was the first participant in the rehabilitation of historic properties tax program in West Columbia and encouraged other investors to use this valuable revitalization tool. He was a huge proponent of West Columbia’s façade grant and fats, oils, and grease grant to help off-set costs for small businesses. Joe Taylor was an advocate for small businesses and business-friendly policies.
Among his many West Columbia investments, Joe Taylor was a partner in the St. Ann’s Alley development, which is a 34-home residential development located in the River District of West Columbia. Joe Taylor also developed 508 Meeting Street as Class A office space and 1205 D Avenue in the Triangle City area. In 2021, Joe Taylor redeveloped a vacant warehouse located at 415 Meeting Street and was fundamental in recruiting the popular D’s Wings restaurant to West Columbia.
In addition to his redevelopment projects, he commissioned an artist to create the first-ever West Columbia food map that highlighted locally owned restaurants on the west side of the river. He funded and printed copies for distribution in local businesses and hotels. The original artwork of the West Columbia food map is proudly displayed in West Columbia City Hall.
Mayor Tem Miles said, “Joe has been a driving force in the revitalization and redevelopment of West Columbia. His redevelopment projects on State Street and Meeting Street helped to set the standards for future projects. Joe was a visionary, a keen businessman, and a good friend. West Columbia is incredibly thankful for his investment in the city, which has created new homes, businesses, and jobs for its citizens.”
