A man whom the mayor of West Columbia called a “driving force in the revitalization and redevelopment” of the city has died.

The passing of Joe Taylor, 64, was revealed Dec. 29. No cause of death has been announced.

He was a prominent presence in S.C. economic development, notably serving as the state’s Secretary of Commerce and helping attract the Boeing plant that has operated in North Charleston for more than a decade. 

“Joe Taylor has had an enormous impact on the Midlands and on the state of South Carolina,” Gov. Henry McMaster tweeted.

In recent years, West Columbia was home to his office and many of his projects.

He “has been a leading developer in the City of West Columbia and has developed multiple projects in the River District area and Triangle City,” the city notes in a release about the former Southland Capital Partners CEO.

“In 2011, Joe Taylor recognized the vision and momentum happening in the City of West Columbia. He renovated a 100-year-old building, while retaining its historical characteristics and moved his corporate offices to West Columbia. He was the first participant in the rehabilitation of historic properties tax program in West Columbia and encouraged other investors to use this valuable revitalization tool. He was a huge proponent of West Columbia’s façade grant and fats, oils, and grease grant to help off-set costs for small businesses. Joe Taylor was an advocate for small businesses and business-friendly policies. 

“Among his many West Columbia investments, Joe Taylor was a partner in the St. Ann’s Alley development, which is a 34-home residential development located in the River District of West Columbia. Joe Taylor also developed 508 Meeting Street as Class A office space and 1205 D Avenue in the Triangle City area. In 2021, Joe Taylor redeveloped a vacant warehouse located at 415 Meeting Street and was fundamental in recruiting the popular D’s Wings restaurant to West Columbia.”

His influence and efforts stretched beyond West Columbia, including his recent stint on Columbia City Council, to which he was elected in 2021. But his work in the city across the Gervais Street Bridge has been instrumental in its recent developmental trajectory.

“His redevelopment projects on State Street and Meeting Street helped to set the standards for future projects,” West Columbia Mayor Tem Miles is quoted. “Joe was a visionary, a keen businessman, and a good friend. West Columbia is incredibly thankful for his investment in the city, which has created new homes, businesses, and jobs for its citizens.”

BJ Unthank, the city’s director of economic development, was similarly positive in reflecting on his interactions with Taylor.

“He was always good to me, both personally and professionally,” he told the Chronicle. “I will miss him terribly, as will many others.”

Tim James,  president and CEO of the Greater Cayce West Columbia Chamber of Commerce and a Cayce City Council member, said he saw Taylor’s service on Columbia City Council as an extension of the same emphasis on business, development and growth that he showed in his efforts on the west side of the river.

“His vision and working with the folks of West Columbia not only was the precipice to what began, but he has continuously worked hard to catapult it into what it's becoming,” he said. “The office that he currently occupies was something that people didn't have the vision that Joe did of what it could become. And today, that area of State Street has become a highlight for events and new businesses to foster and to grow.”

“Joe shared his vision with many,” James added. “Now others have embraced it. And I feel without a doubt because of how he shared his vision, it will continue for years to come.”

Micah Caskey, a state representative and lawyer who shared space in Taylor’s West Columbia office building, echoed these sentiments about how the developer’s projects in the area helped prove the city was worth the effort.

“I think there are a lot of people who would have looked at West Columbia as a backwater or a place that wasn't worthy of even considering,” he said. “If you would have suggested developing West Columbia 20 years ago, I don't think it would have had the same reaction from people that it will today because of Joe.”

Caskey also commended Taylor’s commitment to serving his community.

“He had plenty of money,” he said. “I like to think that if I had that kind of money I would still be committed to public service. But I don't know.”