Merrill Gardens at Columbia stands in the Bull Street District, a lively, growing neighborhood near downtown Columbia, South Carolina. The community's got 120 senior apartments with studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom layouts, each one coming with its own kitchen setup-stove, sink, dishwasher, and refrigerator-and in-unit laundry for added convenience. The building shows off a mix of traditional and modern style, bringing in plenty of natural light, so the spaces always feel warm and open, and folks often settle into well-lit gathering spaces or the cozy library for some quiet time or a good chat.
You'll find care options covering independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing, all under one roof, so residents can stay put even if their needs change. The staff, including housekeepers, kitchen workers, and managers, listen closely to residents' needs and requests. Dougal Kear, the licensed general manager, comes with years of experience in long-term care since 2006. There are always team members around, day or night, and the resident call system and daily check-ins make safety a top priority. If residents haven't pressed their check-in button by 11:00 am, staff will check in person for peace of mind.
Weekly housekeeping and regular maintenance-plus extra help for a fee-make life easier and low maintenance, and scheduled transportation helps residents get to shops, restaurants, arts venues, and healthcare nearby. Merrill Gardens at Columbia focuses on providing choice and independence, whether that means cooking for yourself or enjoying meals and snacks in restaurant-style dining rooms, joining Wednesday and Friday wine hours at 4 PM, or sampling bread-baking and ice cream socials.
The community offers all the expected comforts-like a gym, resident theater, beauty shop, open lobby and dining spaces, a rooftop lounge for city views, and a pet-friendly policy-alongside the extras, such as on-site skilled care, activities through the Active Living Program, and a calendar filled with outings, games, and classes. Residents can always find something to do, whether that's using the library, joining fitness classes, or attending community events in Columbia.
Merrill Gardens at Columbia welcomes people seeking independence, privacy, and personalized support as they age, making it possible to keep up with old friends and make new ones, all while enjoying the security and experience of a trusted, family-owned community.
