Specifically, they're Palmetto trees, which is the SC state tree. They're only indigenous to the coast, but they do quite well in Columbia due to the warm climate there. They're practically all over the city.
This new glass facade building, though attractive, would be much more appealing with a 'hat'. The SouthTrust building next door is a prime example of the outdated flat-top: they're an eyesore of radio/phone masts. The Southern exposure grid of the downtown Columbia streets begs for the use of solar. See an example here:
All that's left is the bank branch (National Bank of SC), restaurant, and fitness center for the ground floor, but the tower officially opens for business tomorrow, so I guess this thread can be archived to moved to completed projects. This will probably be Columbia's last office tower for some time now since there are older towers with lots of space available in the CBD, especially with the tenants that are moving into this tower, and the state's only F500 company moving from downtown to a nearby suburb across the river.
Glad to see its about done. Drove by it last time I was up in Columbia. Has a nice impact on the skyline. Too bad we dont get anything new down here in Charleston. Cant wait till I get orders from this place ha.