Last updated November 2026

Senate Plaza — Columbia, South Carolina

Senate Plaza is a high-rise condominium at 1520 Senate Street in downtown Columbia, South Carolina (ZIP 29201), inside the City of Columbia in Richland County. Its management company, CMM Realty, places it across the street from the University of South Carolina School of Law, within walking distance of the Capitol, USC, and Five Points.

Richland County public property records list 158 Senate Plaza condo unit parcels, plus a common-area parcel owned by Senate Plaza Homeowners Association, Inc. County building records list the tower as built in 1965 with 19 stories. Recorded county sales of $50,000 or more from 2024 through November 10, 2026, ranged from $115,000 to $260,000.

Senate Plaza at a glance

  • Address: 1520 Senate Street, Columbia, SC 29201
  • Type: High-rise condominium (horizontal property regime), 158 units
  • Built: 1965; 19 stories; designed by architect Maynard Pearlstine
  • Floor plans: Studio, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom
  • Regime fee covers: water, sewer, all utilities, high-speed internet, cable TV, 24/7 door staff, and more (confirm the current amount for the specific unit)
  • Parking: one assigned space per unit
  • Rentals: Rentals of less than 30 days are prohibited (Master Deed, per the association's Rules); confirm other leasing terms in the Master Deed.
  • Pets: dogs are prohibited; a homeowner may keep one cat
  • In-unit washers and dryers: may not be installed (association guideline as of September 20, 2022)
  • Recorded sale range (2024–November 10, 2026): $115,000–$260,000

The Patrick O'Connor Team publishes Senate Plaza information and updates, and we work with home buyers and sellers in Columbia and across the Midlands of South Carolina. Our team has helped over 1,800 families, with over $600 million in career sales volume. Questions about a specific condo? Call us at 803-243-0224.

About Senate Plaza

Senate Plaza is a 158-unit condominium tower at 1520 Senate Street, Columbia, SC 29201, in the area Historic Columbia covers in its University Hill tour. The association is Senate Plaza Homeowners Association, Inc., managed by CMM Realty, with an on-site property manager and door staff at the main entrance around the clock.

CMM Realty describes the building as across the street from the USC School of Law and within walking distance of the Capitol, USC, and Five Points, with the Vista nearby. The association's FAQ describes 24/7 doorperson staffing, key-fob entry, one parking space per unit, guest parking in front of the building, a reservable service elevator, and a package room near the front door.

What sets Senate Plaza apart from the Lake Murray condo and townhome communities we cover is the downtown high-rise setting and the way the monthly fee works. The association says the regime fee covers water, sewer, all utilities, high-speed internet, and cable TV, so several bills that are separate in most homes are part of one payment here.

History and architecture

Historic Columbia's University Hill tour identifies the building as the Senate Plaza Apartments at 1520 Senate Street, designed by Maynard Pearlstine, 1965. Historic Columbia counts Pearlstine among the architects responsible for Columbia's post-World War II growth; his portfolio included shopping centers, office buildings, high-rise apartments, suburban residences, and commissions for the University of South Carolina. The same tour notes that the site was earlier the Kohn family residence.

Wikipedia's list of the tallest buildings in Columbia shows Senate Plaza Apartments at 241 feet and 19 floors, completed in 1965.

Floors and unit numbers

Richland County records show units on floors 2 through 12 and 14 through 20, with nine units on most floors and five on floor 20. There is no floor 13 in the numbering, so the top floor is labeled 20 even though the building is listed at 19 stories. The first floor is association common area.

County records identify units by floor and letter (for example, 17-B). The same unit can appear in other records as a number (17-B as "172"), so if you are searching for a specific condo, try both forms.

Name and records check: county records use the neighborhood name SENATE PLAZA CONDOS and legal descriptions such as Senate Plaza Horizontal Property Regime. Senate Plaza is a different property from other CMM-managed Columbia buildings such as The Heritage at 1829 Senate Street.

Homes for Sale in Senate Plaza

Homes for sale in Senate Plaza are condominium units in a single high-rise at 1520 Senate Street, Columbia, SC 29201. CMM Realty lists studio, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom floor plans.

What usually separates one Senate Plaza listing from another:

  • Floor level and which side of the building the unit faces
  • Size and plan type, from studios to 3-bedroom plans
  • Renovated versus original condition in a 1965 building
  • The unit's current regime fee
  • Where the unit's assigned parking space is located

Before you write an offer, confirm the current regime fee for that unit, what it covers, and the location of its parking space.

Ask us for current listings and listing alerts. Public listing websites also show asking prices; treat those as portal displays, not MLS statistics.

Our sold story for 1520 Senate Street, Unit 12H has more background on a Senate Plaza condo our team sold.

Market Data as of November 10, 2026

Recorded Senate Plaza sales of $50,000 or more ranged from $115,000 to $260,000 from 2024 through November 10, 2026, across 43 recorded sales. These figures come from Richland County public property records, not MLS statistics, and they are a recorded range, not a median.

  • Recent recorded sales (prices of $50,000 or more; nominal $5–$15 transfers and the association's common parcel excluded):
  • 2026 through November 10: 11 sales, $124,000 to $215,000, including unit 9E at $215,000 (April 2026) and unit 17C at $124,000 (August 2026)
  • 2025: 16 sales, $125,000 to $260,000, including unit 20C at $260,000 (September 2025) and unit 3C at $125,000 (March 2025)
  • 2024: 16 sales, $115,000 to $225,000, including unit 14E at $225,000 (June 2024) and unit 12C at $115,000 (September 2024)
  • In 2023, unit 20D recorded a sale at $308,000 (March 2023; county records show 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,635 square feet)
  • Comparing homes: Compare similar bedroom counts, square footage, floor level, view, and renovation level. A studio, a mid-floor 1-bedroom, and a top-floor 2-bedroom are different products.
  • Total monthly cost: Because the regime fee covers utilities, internet, and cable TV, compare Senate Plaza with other homes on total monthly cost, not on price or fee alone.

No single sale defines a typical Senate Plaza price. Thinking about a specific condo? Call 803-243-0224 for a current comparative market analysis built from the most similar recent sales.

Types of Homes

Senate Plaza homes are condominium units in one high-rise building. CMM Realty lists four floor-plan types:

  • Studio
  • 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
  • 2 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom
  • 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom

Richland County unit cards we checked show 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom units at about 669 to 855 square feet; 2-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom units at about 1,134 to 1,136 square feet; a 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom unit on floor 20 at 1,635 square feet; and a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom unit on floor 20 at 1,661 square feet. Confirm the size of the specific unit; we can pull the county card for any unit you are considering.

Where a unit has a balcony, the association's rules treat the balcony as a limited common element: owners may not alter it, storage on balconies is not allowed, and grills on balconies are prohibited.

Under the association's Unit Alterations Guidelines, washers and dryers cannot be installed in units as of September 20, 2022. Ask how this applies to any specific unit you are considering.

Renovation work goes through the association's architectural review (see Buying a Home in Senate Plaza below).

Neighborhood Amenities

Senate Plaza's amenities include 24/7 door staff, a pool, a fitness room and sauna, a reservable Terrace Room, and one assigned parking space per unit, according to CMM Realty and the association's FAQ and Rules and Regulations.

  • Door staff and access: A doorperson staffs the main entrance 24/7, and residents use key fobs at the building's exterior doors. The FAQ notes approximately eight surveillance cameras with 24/7 recording covering many parts of the grounds.
  • Pool and patio: The pool is open in the warmer months, weather permitting, with swimming from 10:00 a.m. until dusk. The patio has a gas grill and a gas fire pit, which the door person on duty lights on request.
  • Fitness room and sauna: For residents and their guests; the exercise room is open 24 hours.
  • Terrace Room: Residents can reserve it for meetings, parties, and social functions, with capacity of approximately 50 people.
  • Package room: Front desk staff accept packages and place them in a package room near the front door.
  • Service elevator: Reservable in 4-hour blocks through the on-site property manager; moves take place through the rear entrance between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
  • Storage and bikes: Basement storage bins can be rented monthly, and there is a bike rack in the recycling area.
  • Trash chutes on each floor.
  • Internet and cable TV: Spectrum equipment is set up through Spectrum's bulk customer care line.
  • Pest control: Included in the regime fee; the building is serviced on the second Tuesday of each month.
  • Skyline views: CMM Realty lists skyline views among the building's features; views vary by unit.

What the regime fee covers

The association's FAQ says current regime fees cover water, sewer, all utilities, high-speed internet, cable TV, common-area maintenance and custodial services, 24/7 doorperson staff, the property manager and maintenance staff, property and general liability insurance for the common areas, debt service payments, and a transfer to the reserve account. CMM Realty's building page lists power, cable TV, internet, and water as included utilities.

Fees are due on the 1st of each month and are late after the 10th. The association sends owners the board-approved operating budget for the coming year on or before December 1.

The association's public documents do not list fee amounts. Confirm the current fee for the specific unit with the association or CMM Realty before you write an offer.

Parking

Each unit is assigned one parking space. The association's Rules and Regulations explain that, through arrangements with the University of South Carolina, the spaces are in the Pendleton Street Parking Garage directly behind Senate Plaza and in the open lot on the east side of the building, under the parking and traffic rules USC publishes each year. New residents register their vehicle with the head doorperson to receive a parking permit.

The Rules separately designate the east side of the building as a fire and rescue area that must be kept clear, and say the spaces on that side of the building are for visitors only. Ask the property manager exactly where the unit's assigned space is.

Guest parking is in front of the building. The FAQ says overnight guests must register their vehicle with the doorperson on duty, and the Rules say visitors staying longer than 24 hours, or visiting multiple times in a 30-day period, should not use the front spaces. Commercial vehicles, campers, boats, and trailers may not be parked on the property.

Ask which space is assigned to the unit you are considering, garage or surface lot.

Pet policy

Dogs are prohibited on the property for owners, tenants, and guests. A homeowner (not a tenant) may keep one cat. The Rules also allow parakeets, canaries, and aquariums of 50 gallons or less. Requests for an assistance animal are handled as reasonable-accommodation requests under the Fair Housing Act, separate from pet rules; ask the association about its process. Confirm current pet rules in the governing documents before you write an offer.

Shopping, Dining & Recreation

CMM Realty describes Senate Plaza as within walking distance of the Capitol, the University of South Carolina, and Five Points, with the Vista's restaurants, cafes, live music, and cultural attractions nearby.

  • Soda City Market: Columbia's weekly Saturday market on the 1300 to 1700 blocks of Main Street, about 0.9 miles by mapped route to the 1500 block.
  • Arts: The Koger Center for the Arts on Greene Street is about 1.0 mile by mapped route.
  • History: Historic Columbia's Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens is about 0.8 miles by mapped route.
  • Sports and arenas: CMM lists the Carolina Coliseum at less than 1 mile, Colonial Life Arena at 1.0 mile, and Williams-Brice Stadium at 2.6 miles.
  • Air travel: CMM lists Columbia Metropolitan Airport at 7.6 miles.

Mapped distances are driving-route estimates; walk and drive times vary with route, traffic, and pace.

Contact The Patrick O'Connor Team

The Patrick O'Connor Team at Coldwell Banker Realty

Patrick O'Connor, Realtor and Team Lead

Phone: 803-243-0224

Email: patrick.russell.oconnor@gmail.com

Office: 607 Columbia Avenue, Lexington, SC 29072

Home Prices in Senate Plaza

Senate Plaza condos recorded sale prices from $115,000 to $260,000 between 2024 and November 10, 2026, in Richland County public records (43 recorded sales of $50,000 or more). Examples include unit 20C at $260,000 in September 2025 and unit 9E at $215,000 in April 2026. A 2023 sale of top-floor unit 20D recorded $308,000.

These are Richland County public property records, not MLS statistics or a median. Size, floor, condition, and view pull prices lower or higher within the same building, and nominal low-dollar deed recordings were excluded from this range.

Price is one part of the cost of owning here. Add the unit's monthly regime fee (which covers utilities, internet, and cable TV), property taxes, and an HO-6 condo insurance policy when you compare Senate Plaza with other homes.

Quick Facts

  • Location: Senate Plaza, 1520 Senate Street, Columbia, SC 29201
  • City / county: City of Columbia, Richland County (tax district 1CC)
  • Setting: Downtown Columbia, across the street from the USC School of Law (CMM Realty)
  • Home type: High-rise condominium / horizontal property regime
  • Units: 158 condo unit parcels, plus 1 association common-area parcel (Richland County public property records, November 10, 2026)
  • Built: 1965, as the Senate Plaza Apartments; architect Maynard Pearlstine (Historic Columbia)
  • Stories / height: 19 stories (Richland County records); 241 feet (Wikipedia list of tallest buildings in Columbia)
  • Floors with units: 2–12 and 14–20 (no floor 13 in the numbering); nine units on most floors, five on floor 20
  • Floor plans: Studio, 1 bed / 1 bath, 2 bed / 1.5 bath, and 3 bed / 2 bath (CMM Realty)
  • Association: Senate Plaza Homeowners Association, Inc., managed by CMM Realty; on-site property manager 803-799-6145
  • Regime fee: Amount not published — confirm the current fee for the specific unit. Covers water, sewer, all utilities, high-speed internet, cable TV, common-area upkeep, 24/7 door staff, common-area insurance, debt service, and reserves (association FAQ)
  • Access: 24/7 doorperson and key-fob entry (association FAQ)
  • Parking: One assigned space per unit, in the USC Pendleton Street Parking Garage behind the building or the open lot on the east side; guest parking in front (association Rules and FAQ)
  • Rentals: Rentals of less than 30 days are prohibited (Master Deed, per the association's Rules); confirm other leasing terms in the Master Deed.
  • Pets: Dogs prohibited; a homeowner may keep one cat
  • Washers and dryers: May not be installed in units as of September 20, 2022 (Unit Alterations Guidelines)
  • Schools: Richland School District One — confirm the assignment for the exact address with the district
  • Utilities: City water and city sewer (county records); utilities, internet, and cable TV are covered by the regime fee (association FAQ)

Location & Commute

Senate Plaza is at 1520 Senate Street, Columbia, SC 29201, across the street from the USC School of Law and, per CMM Realty, within walking distance of the Capitol, USC, and Five Points.

Driving-route distance estimates from the building's county map point, mapped November 10, 2026 (OpenStreetMap routing):

  • USC School of Law: across the street (CMM Realty)
  • USC Horseshoe: about 0.4 miles
  • South Carolina State House: about 0.6 miles
  • Five Points: about 0.9 miles
  • The Vista (Gervais and Lincoln Streets): about 0.9 miles
  • Carolina Coliseum: about 1.2 miles (CMM lists less than 1 mile)
  • Colonial Life Arena: about 1.3 miles (CMM lists 1.0 mile)
  • Williams-Brice Stadium: about 2.8 miles (CMM lists 2.6 miles)
  • Columbia Metropolitan Airport: about 8.7 miles (CMM lists 7.6 miles)

Walk and drive times vary with traffic, route, and pace. We're happy to map your own commute.

Nearby Neighborhoods to Compare

Senate Plaza is a downtown Columbia high-rise condominium, so it is a different product from the Lake Murray condo and townhome communities we cover. Buyers sometimes still compare fees, upkeep, and price range with:

Other downtown Columbia condominium buildings exist near Senate Plaza, including The Heritage at 1829 Senate Street, which is also managed by CMM Realty. Ask us for a side-by-side of fees, parking, and recent sales.

Browse more Midlands communities in our Neighborhoods section.

Buying a Home in Senate Plaza

Buying at Senate Plaza means buying into a condominium association, so review the unit, the fee, and the building's documents together. Here is what we check with buyers:

  • Regime fee: Confirm the current monthly fee for the specific unit and what it covers. Ask for the current operating budget, the reserve balance, the debt service included in the budget, and whether any special assessment is pending or planned. The FAQ explains that special assessments are charged by each unit's pro-rata share of common-area ownership in the master deed.
  • Financing: Ask your lender early about its condominium project review. Requirements differ by loan type.
  • Insurance: Ask for the association's master policy and plan for your own HO-6 policy. The FAQ tells owners to consult their insurance agent and mortgage company.
  • Documents: Review the master deed and bylaws, the Rules and Regulations, and the Unit Alterations Guidelines, all posted on CMM Realty's Senate Plaza page.
  • Parking: Confirm which space is assigned to the unit (USC Pendleton Street Parking Garage or the east surface lot) and how guest parking works.
  • Rentals: If you may rent the condo later, rentals under 30 days are prohibited, and the Rules require owners to follow local licensing law and register rentals with the Columbia Police Department annually. Confirm the full leasing terms in the master deed.
  • Pets: Dogs are prohibited. A homeowner may keep one cat.
  • Laundry: Washers and dryers cannot be installed in units as of September 20, 2022, under the Unit Alterations Guidelines.
  • Renovations: Submit an architectural review through the homeowner portal before work begins; the board reviews it at its monthly meeting. Contractors must be licensed and insured, with a certificate of insurance on file, and contractor work is limited to Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Minor work such as painting, replacing a light fixture or bulb, adding a ceiling fan or closet divider, or changing a deadbolt needs only management and maintenance-supervisor approval under Section I of the Unit Alterations Guidelines. If work disturbs sheetrock, ceiling texture, or floor coverings, the association's FAQ requires asbestos testing by an SCDHEC-approved contractor first. The association's FAQ says drilling or penetrating the concrete floor or ceiling slab is prohibited, and the Guidelines say cutting or grooving floors, ceilings, or concrete columns and beams needs secondary board approval after a structural engineer's inspection.
  • Keys and fobs: Get the key fobs from the seller at closing; otherwise they must be purchased from the association. The Rules say the main Medeco lock stays original and its keys are ordered only through the property manager.
  • Water shut-off: Learn where the unit's shut-off valves are; door staff can shut off water to a whole unit.
  • Schools: Confirm school assignment for the address directly with Richland School District One.
  • Comparable sales: Compare recent sales of similar floor, size, and condition rather than a building-wide range.

Call The Patrick O'Connor Team at 803-243-0224 for listing alerts and tour coordination.

Selling a Home in Senate Plaza

Selling a Senate Plaza condo goes more smoothly when the buyer's questions are answered up front: the unit's fee and what it covers, its parking space, its floor and view, its updates, and the association documents.

We price Senate Plaza condos from the most similar recent sales by plan, floor, and condition. We also help you gather what buyers and lenders ask for: the current fee and budget, reserve and assessment information, and the rules on rentals, pets, laundry, and renovations.

Two building rules shape how a sale is marketed here. The Rules do not allow "For Sale" signs that are visible from outside a unit, and real estate lock boxes may not be placed on unit doors; agents check out keys for listed units through the door staff during normal business hours. We plan showings around that process.

Professional photography and a clear explanation of what the fee includes (utilities, internet, cable TV, door staff, and common-area upkeep) matter in this building, because buyers are comparing total monthly cost.

Thinking of selling? Call 803-243-0224 or contact our team. See also our 1520 Senate Street, Unit 12H sold story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Senate Plaza in Columbia, SC?

Senate Plaza is a 158-unit high-rise condominium at 1520 Senate Street in downtown Columbia, SC 29201, across the street from the University of South Carolina School of Law. It was built in 1965 and is managed by CMM Realty for Senate Plaza Homeowners Association, Inc.

How many units and floors does Senate Plaza have?

Richland County records show 158 condo unit parcels plus one association common-area parcel, and list the building at 19 stories. Units are on floors labeled 2 through 12 and 14 through 20; there is no floor 13 in the numbering, so the top floor is labeled 20.

When was Senate Plaza built, and who designed it?

Senate Plaza was built in 1965. Historic Columbia identifies it as the Senate Plaza Apartments, designed by architect Maynard Pearlstine. Wikipedia's list of Columbia's tallest buildings shows it at 241 feet.

What does the HOA fee at Senate Plaza cover?

The Senate Plaza association's FAQ says the regime fee covers water, sewer, all utilities, high-speed internet, cable TV, common-area maintenance, 24/7 doorperson staff, management and maintenance staff, common-area insurance, debt service, and a reserve transfer. Pest control is included too.

How much are the HOA fees at Senate Plaza?

The association's public documents do not list dollar amounts. Confirm the current monthly regime fee for the specific Senate Plaza unit with the association or CMM Realty before you write an offer. Fees are due on the 1st of each month.

How does parking work at Senate Plaza?

Each Senate Plaza unit is assigned one parking space. The association's rules say the spaces are in the University of South Carolina's Pendleton Street Parking Garage directly behind the building and in the open lot on the east side. Guest parking is in front of the building, and the rules say spaces on the building's east side, a fire and rescue area, are for visitors only.

Can you rent out a condo at Senate Plaza? Are short-term rentals allowed?

The Senate Plaza Rules and Regulations state that the Master Deed prohibits rentals of less than 30 days, so short-term rentals are not allowed. Owners who rent longer term must follow local licensing law and register the rental with the Columbia Police Department annually. Other leasing terms are set in the Master Deed; confirm them before you buy with plans to rent.

Are pets allowed at Senate Plaza?

Dogs are prohibited at Senate Plaza for owners, tenants, and guests. A homeowner may keep one cat. The rules also allow parakeets, canaries, and aquariums of 50 gallons or less. Confirm the current rules in the governing documents.

Can I have a washer and dryer in a Senate Plaza condo?

The Senate Plaza Unit Alterations Guidelines say washers and dryers cannot be installed in units as of September 20, 2022. Ask how this applies to the specific unit you are considering before you write an offer.

What amenities does Senate Plaza have?

Senate Plaza has 24/7 door staff, key-fob entry, a pool and patio with a gas grill and fire pit, a fitness room open 24 hours, a sauna, a reservable Terrace Room, a package room, a service elevator, rentable basement storage, and one assigned parking space per unit.

What have Senate Plaza condos sold for recently?

Richland County public records show Senate Plaza sales of $50,000 or more ranging from $115,000 to $260,000 from 2024 through November 10, 2026, including unit 20C at $260,000 in September 2025 and unit 9E at $215,000 in April 2026. These are recorded deed prices, not MLS statistics.

Is Senate Plaza close to USC, the State House, and Five Points?

Yes. Senate Plaza is across the street from the USC School of Law, and CMM Realty describes it as walking distance to the Capitol, USC, and Five Points. Driving-route estimates mapped November 10, 2026, were about 0.6 miles to the State House and about 0.9 miles to Five Points.

What school district serves Senate Plaza?

Senate Plaza is in Richland School District One. School assignments are set by address and can change, so please confirm 1520 Senate Street with the district before you rely on a specific school. We're happy to help you check.

Can I renovate a condo at Senate Plaza?

Yes, with approval. At Senate Plaza, minor work such as painting or replacing light fixtures needs approval from the property manager and maintenance supervisor; larger work needs an architectural review approved by the board. The association's FAQ says all contractors and vendors must be licensed and insured, and work that disturbs sheetrock, ceiling texture, or floor coverings requires asbestos testing first. The association's FAQ prohibits drilling into the concrete floor or ceiling slab, and its Unit Alterations Guidelines require secondary board approval after a structural engineer's inspection for cutting or grooving floors, ceilings, or concrete columns and beams.

Sources

Contact The Patrick O'Connor Team

The Patrick O'Connor Team publishes Senate Plaza information and updates, and we work with home buyers and sellers in Columbia and across the Midlands of South Carolina.

Patrick O'Connor, Realtor and Team Lead · The Patrick O'Connor Team · Coldwell Banker Realty · 607 Columbia Avenue, Lexington, SC 29072 · 803-243-0224 · patrick.russell.oconnor@gmail.com