Columbia’s Five Points gets a new leader for merchants association. Here are the details

The merchants association for one of Columbia’s most storied hospitality and nightlife districts has announced a new leader.

Heather McDonald, who has a long history with marketing and nonprofits in Columbia, has been tapped to be the Five Points Association’s executive director. The hire was announced in a Tuesday news release from the association’s board of directors.

“I have always loved Five Points and the energy it carries,” McDonald said in a statement. “From working in the district while I was in college at the University of South Carolina, it really feels like I’m ‘coming home.’ I believe there is something special brewing in Five Points and I cannot wait to build relationships in this community and work towards the future of this important district.”

McDonald has been in a number of roles in the community through the years, including as the president of the board of The Therapy Place, a board member for the contemporaries at the Columbia Museum of Art, and a board member of the Building Industry Association of Central S.C., among a number of other positions and appointments. She has a degree in retail management from the University of South Carolina.

“Five Points is an iconic neighborhood village known throughout the Southeast,” Steve Cook, president of the Five Points Association board and the owner of Saluda’s restaurant, said in a statement. “McDonald brings the perfect blend of experience and enthusiasm to the position. She knows Columbia and she knows Five Points — but more than that, she shares the vision we have for the future of Five Points and the Five Points Association.”

For more than a century, Five Points has been a popular village just east of the University of South Carolina’s campus. It has long been a nighttime gathering spot for USC students and has been a unique shopping destination for generations.

McDonald arrives in the leadership post at a moment in which Five Points has seen a number of new businesses and developments this year.

Botanica de Santee, a Latin-inspired apparel and gift shop, opened on Santee Avenue earlier this year, and The Turning Pointe dancewear shop moved from Forest Acres to 1030 Harden St. and had its grand opening in May. FurSato Bento, a Japanese eatery, opened at 748 Harden St. in March.

Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint opened at 711 Harden St. in the former Cover 3 bar location. The Falafel King restaurant is now open at 2020-A Gervais St. A new Time to Shine Car Wash is being planned for 2006 Gervais St. at the upper edge of Five Points. Gameday Nutrition, a smoothie and drink club connected to Herbalife, opened a storefront at 730 Santee Ave. And Swiff luxury streetwear store opened at 736 Harden St.

On July 12, the Boyd Foundation and GrowCo announced a new tech incubator hub at 711 Saluda Ave., in the former White Mule live music space. The Boyd Foundation has donated $1 million to get that hub up and running. And the Flying Biscuit Cafe recently opened on Harden Street.