Latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Midlands

COLUMBIA (WACH) -- Mark Plessinger knew he wasn’t seeing things when he opened Frame of Mind on Main Street nearly four years ago.

“This was a corridor that had a lot of potential to turn into something big,” Plessinger says.

The view of Downtown Columbia is changing as old buildings become new businesses.

“We have sort of been encouraging developers and brokers to go after businesses that you can't find out in the suburbs or in the surrounding communities,” according to Matt Kennell, CEO of City Center Partnership, which is helping to develop Main Street.

The Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse will soon move into old Kress building and is expected to start serving diners this summer.

“It is the kind of restaurant that only exists in a couple of other places in South Carolina, Kennell adds.

At the historic Lourie's building, construction continues on the Mast General Store.  The much-anticipated shop opens Wednesday.

“I was very, very, very happy to hear about Mast General Store moving in,” Plessinger said.  “I think they are going to be somebody who brings in a tremendous amount of attention.”

By the end of the year, the Nickelodeon will settle into its renovated space at the former Fox Theatre next to Mast General Store.

Although these places can survive on their own, officials and business owners believe blending the past with the present will make a lasting impression to visitors of Main Street.

Leave us a comment about the new additions.  Do you think developments are the start of Main Street's long-awaited revitalization?