City of Columbia sells its former IBM building to Veterans United

Columbia City Council will vote on Veterans United's purchase of the former IBM/Kyndryl building at 2810 LeMone Industrial Blvd. on February 19.

The City of Columbia announced on Monday that Veterans United will buy the former IBM/Kyndryl facility at 2810 LeMone Industrial Blvd. At its meeting on February 19, the Columbia City Council will decide on the transaction.

The city owns the 93,145-square-foot office building, which sits on 9.5 total acres. It's a Silver LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)-certified building.

The building will cost Veterans United $8.1 million to buy. Although seven businesses expressed interest in purchasing the building, the city determined that Veterans United had the most compelling goal of promoting local economic growth. According to a press release, Veterans United would be better able to grow and retain its local workforce in Columbia and maintain its position as a leader in the local market if it were to acquire the facility.

According to the news release, City Manager De'Carlon Seewood stated that Veterans United has grown to be a mainstay in Columbia, hiring a large number of locals and giving veterans access to special opportunities. He went on to say that they are thrilled to work with Veterans United to give them top-notch buildings for their operations, which will help them expand into the neighborhood.

The sale will be discussed for the first time at the City Council meeting on February 5 and voted on February 19.