PUBLIC ART
God Bless America
After the devastating events of September 11, 2001 local artist with strong ties to Five Points, Ralph Waldrop, gathered a group of Vietnam Vets to paint an American flag on the side of the former Yesterday’s Restaurant and Tavern.
Hootie and the Blowfish Monument
With roots firmly planted at the University and in Five Points, Hootie & the Blowfish is iconic for Gamecocks and Columbians alike. In 2010, the Hootie & the Blowfish Monument was unveiled at Harden and Santee, following an honorary street renaming.
The View from Mount Zion
The mural he created there is intended to bring the community a sense of hope and strength with its imagery and inspirational words of reggae and Rastafarian legend Bob Marley. He is known to be the embodiment of “One Love” and an ambassador of truth and justice.
The Hubbell
Weighing over 15,000 pounds, this brick wheel stands upright at Devine Street and Saluda Avenue. The masonry sculpture was built by Jay Hubbell, a Columbia artist and stoneworker who built stone works across the Southeast and here in Columbia.
Five Points – 1948
Completed in 2019, Rubble Without a Cause adds another masterpiece to the lengthy list of Blue Sky’s Columbia collection. No stranger to Five Points, Blue Sky completed his first mark on Five Points in 1990 with “Five Points – 1948,” on the wall of Home Team BBQ – formerly, Harper’s.
Rubble Without a Cause
Completed in 2019, Rubble Without a Cause adds another masterpiece to the lengthy list of Blue Sky’s Columbia collection. Learning the lesson, “never paint a mural in a place nobody ever sees it,” after completing 1948, there’s no missing the eye-catching addition on Blossom Street!
Landmarks + Hidden Gems
Five Points Plaza Fountain
Synonymous with Five Points to locals and a must-see for visitors, the Five Points Fountain was built in 1997 by the Five Points Association. This prominent landmark provides a beautiful and iconic gathering place, backdrop for photos, epicenter for events and more.
Saluda Avenue Fountain
A decade after the iconic Five Points Plaza Fountain was made its mark, the second fountain made its debut marking the entrance into Five Points from Blossom Street at Saluda Avenue.
Logan the Leprechaun
You may have spotted Logan hanging around Five Points, but have you found all six!? Let the Great Five Points Leprechaun Hunt begin!
Blossom Street Train Trestle
The Blossom Street Train Trestle Beautification Project was completed in three phases:Stripping and repainting of the buttresses on either side of the train tracks – Completed November 2016. Planting of new planters surrounding the entire train trestle, and irrigation installation – Completed April 2017. Pressure washing and painting of the steel overpass, followed by the installation of lettering reading “Five Points” on both sides – Completed July 2018.
Centennial Plaza
The completion of the Centennial Plaza culminates efforts of Five Points’ Centennial Year in 2015, and will perpetuate the rich history of the village neighborhood as the third water feature and monument to honor Colonel Jack Van Loan.
Harden Street Lot
Until its makeover in the summer of 2020, you may have referred to the Harden Street Parking Lot as the Exxon Lot as Newman’s Exxon was the previous occupier and a Five Points mainstay for five decades. After closing, the centrally located gas station was razed to add much needed parking for the hospitality district. The “Exxon Lot” became the most obvious destination identifier, especially while the station sign remained standing.
Group Therapy Bronze Doorstep
For over 30 years, Group Therapy has been a local staple of Five Points’ nightlife scene. Anyone who has passed through the Greene Street entrance has seen the bronze doorstep wieh the bar’s name oozing out onto the sidewalk.
Postcard Mural