Mid-Carolina Marine held a ribbon-cutting and open house last week to celebrate its renovated showroom.

Mid-Carolina Marine is at 718 Sunset Blvd in West Columbia and repairs boats. Mid Carolina also sells new and used boats. It’s a longstanding business incorporating a new concept, said its owner Charles Carson.

He said the renovated facility is totally solar. Mid-Carolina Marine has been at the site since 1979. Before that, Carson said, it was West Columbia Sports Shop.

City of West Columbia Economic Development Director BJ Unthank said the renovation is a “fantastic job.” Tom Tafel, Cayce-West Columbia Chamber Board Chairman said Mid Carolina Marine is a “staple of the community.”

Mid Carolina General Manager Frank Riley is pleased with the update and he said “West Columbia treated us fabulously.”

The renovation took about a year and included Mid Carolina’s outdoor signs on the building. The architect firm of Jumper, Carter Sease, designed the remodel.

“I’m proud of the way it turned out,” said Carson. He also said he was happy with the large turn out for the ribbon cutting and open house. About 75 were on hand.

“It’s a great place, said Carson, “and we wanted to show it off.