Columbia’s Historic Columbia Building to Transform into Trendy Hotel
COLUMBIA — A familiar landmark in the heart of the city is gearing up for an exciting new chapter! The historic Columbia Building, overlooking the Statehouse for a remarkable 111 years, is all set to trade its office space for boutique hotel vibes. Shining like a beacon of change, this remarkable 11-story building is eager to adapt yet again, joining the ranks of other iconic high-rise offices that have been given a second life in Columbia.
Originally constructed between 1912 and 1913, the highrise was celebrated as one of Columbia’s early attempts at a “skyscraper.” It was a decade after the Barringer Building made its debut just down the street. Known by many names over its long and storied history—including the “Union National Bank Building” and “Carolina Life Building”—the Columbia Building has remained a significant piece of the city’s architectural puzzle. This building’s charm and durability have caught the eyes of many, with a recent nomination to the National Register of Historic Properties.
A Journey Through Time
Back in the day, this gothic-style gem was designed by the architectural mastermind William Augustus Edwards. It was a showstopper, built to house the Union National Bank, rising above the streets to symbolize Columbia’s prosperity. “Columbia is forging to the front as an office business city,” a newspaper declared back in 1913, emphasizing the significant role the building had in establishing the area as a buzzing business hub. It’s hard to imagine the bustling streets and ambitious business spirit that surrounded this iconic site nearly a century ago.
While its exterior architecture has changed over the years—losing some original details in the 1980s—the essence of the building remains intact. For many, the Columbia Building has welcomed an eclectic mix of tenants over the decades, from doctors and insurance companies to bars and political organizations. Situated so close to the Statehouse, its location has historically made it a hotspot for those involved in government and media.
Modern Challenges and Bright Prospects
But as new standards in office space evolved throughout the early 2000s, the Columbia Building found it increasingly difficult to keep up. Though the space is filled with character and history, the high vacancy rates started to plague it—leading to the realization that perhaps this beloved structure needed a transformation.
As the city sees shifts in the way businesses operate, Allen Wilkerson of Collier’s real estate remarked on the building’s challenges, noting that “the age of them makes them somewhat obsolete from an office environment standpoint.” Lucky for us, older buildings like this can often be reimagined as *prime real estate for hospitality*—especially with the advent of hotels focused on creating unique experiences.
A New Era for the Columbia Building
The renovation is in the hands of Rick Patel, a local hotel developer with a knack for breathing new life into historic properties. Following his successful transformation of the Palmetto Building into a Sheraton Hotel, he acquired the Columbia Building with an ambitious plan to convert it into a Moxy-style Marriott Hotel. Known for their vibrant atmosphere and chic cocktail bars, Moxy hotels could be the perfect fit for the lively culture of Columbia.
While construction is reportedly ahead of schedule, the excitement from residents is palpable—especially for those who fondly remember *The Whig*, the popular dive bar that once called the basement home. “We miss The Whig,” lamented local leader Matt Kennell, noting that unique spots like this are hard to replace.
Paving the Way for Future Initiatives
As the Columbia Building embarks on its new journey, the city’s landscape continues to evolve creatively. John Sherrer, director of preservation, expressed his delight in seeing the building adapt for contemporary purposes, saying, “It allows us to retain a sense of local significance and not just have a brand new building that might look like something you’d find a couple of hours down the road.”
As we look ahead to the sparkling hotel that will soon enchant visitors and locals alike, it’s a reminder that our city honors its past while boldly embracing the future. So, get ready, Columbia—a new chapter is about to unfold right on your doorstep!
