EDENS knows that when people come together, they feel a part of something bigger than themselves and prosperity follows: economically, socially, culturally and soulfully. The company’s lasting impact is more than real estate, its core focus is the business of humanity. Loneliness, isolation and depression are some of the worst epidemics facing this country today. A lack of routine social interaction is proven to be as destructive to our health as smoking, alcoholism or obesity. Understanding the bigger role EDENS plays in bringing community together, places are designed to achieve 3.5 trips per week and five hours of dwell time—equally convenient for a quick trip to the store or a longer visit for catching up with neighbors or friends.
EDENS is a real estate owner, operator, and developer of a $6.5 billion portfolio that totals 110 assets and 14 million square feet across the United States. Its nationally leading portfolio is highly diversified into major markets including Boston; New York; Washington, D.C.; Charlotte; Charleston; Atlanta; Miami; Dallas; Houston; Austin; Denver; San Diego; Los Angeles; San Francisco; San Jose and Seattle. Founded in Columbia, SC, in 1966, the company still has deep roots to this place that has always been called home, with three prominent retail centers here: Trenholm Plaza, Cross Hill Market and Columbiana Station, as well as Freshfields Village in Kiawah.
Anchored in the value of community, the EDENS history is far more than the places it has built; the EDENS story is one of diverse people, neighborhoods, and places served. EDENS is more than just an owner of its assets; rather, it is a steward, carefully tending to each development. EDENS designs its retail centers to be the “living room” of the community, and their Columbia assets provide perfect examples of this ethos. Trenholm Plaza, a beloved Columbia shopping center in Forest Acres built in the 1960s, was one of the first EDENS retail assets. It was purchased in 1984. Trenholm Plaza remains an emotional epicenter of Forest Acres today. EDENS also developed Cross Hill Market, bringing the first and only Whole Foods to Columbia. All retailers within this center are original to Columbia, filling the need to bring new retail to the Capital City. EDENS also brought Columbiana Station to the Midlands community, providing a dominant grocer and center in the Harbison market.
Establishing an emotional connection between the people and the retail center is at the core of the EDENS design. The open-air structures, accessible sidewalks and green landscaping allow for outdoor dining, flexible gathering spaces, outdoor fitness, and public art displays. EDENS drives further engagement with the community through these retail centers by hosting events to foster connection and fellowship. The annual holiday event at Trenholm Plaza, hosted in December, as well as partnerships with local retailers and fitness experts to host classes in front of lululemon, are examples of the hospitable EDENS outreach to the Columbia community. EDENS also hosts an annual 5K race with Jamie Scott Fitness at Cross Hill Market to raise funds for a local charitable organization. This year’s race in March benefited Sistercare, involving retailers from both Trenholm Plaza and Cross Hill Market.
