COLUMBIA, S.C. — Developers are proposing to tear down a building at the corner of Senate and Park streets to make way for new student housing.

The block to be demolished includes several restaurants and bars such as Five Guys, Monterrey’s and Republic Beer Garden.

Bella Shaw, a freshman at the University of South Carolina, said the area has already become a meaningful part of her college experience.

"I haven't been here long but I have lots of memories in Beer Garden," Shaw said.

The project would bring more housing closer to campus, but Shaw said she does not believe the location is the right fit.

"I would say no because there's so much nightlife around here. I think it would be noisy," Shaw said.

Some local business owners have a different outlook. They believe more student housin

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