Confederate Printing Plant

Preservation of Columbia’s buildings and streetscapes is a spotty adventure at best. Only small pockets of the city retain a sense of cohesion among historic structures. One area that has blossomed throughout the last few years because of concentrated efforts and monies is the West Gervais Street district in the Vista. While recent restorations and renovations have enlivened the few blocks leading to the river, one constant blemish on the street has been the unkempt Confederate Printing Plant, also known as the State Dispensary. Vacant for the last quarter century, this block-long brick building has proved an almost insurmountable challenge to preservation-conscious developers.

The Confederate Printing Plant has a unique history, as its name suggests. In a city rich with Civil War memories, it is only fitting that this building be addressed with the reverence of a 140-year history that began in the midst of the nation’s greatest conflict.

In an effort to protect one of its precious resources, a large printing company moved their business to Columbia from Charleston. Built in only 6 months in 1863-1864, the structure housed the Evans and Cogswell printing and stationary company, which featured over 7,000 reams of various bonded writing paper and over 100,000 Holy Bibles. Soon, however, it was mostly producing Confederate money. According to tradition, when General Sherman besieged Columbia in 1865, he ordered the Printing Plant burned, and it was completely destroyed. Only two-days shy of its one-year anniversary, the massive structure stood hollowed-out and without a roof.

In 1872, the neglected plant underwent a renovation to add a roof. Sources differ as to when the second story was built, whether it was during this renovation or a later one in 1898. A portion of the enlarged structure became a liquor-bottling warehouse for Gov. Tillman’s state dispensary in 1898 but was abandoned in 1907 with the abolishment of the system. Throughout the twentieth century the building was home to various other tenants, including a clothing business, lumber dealer, and a few grocers. In 1976 the structure was facing the threat of demolition because of an unstable wall. New owners reinforced the wall and foundation. In 1979 the plant was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Though vacant for several years, the prime location of the dispensary drew interested developers. One owner worked with the Columbia Landmarks Commission to put a hold on a demolition permit on the building while he replaced the roof. A later owner, a Charleston developer, hoped to open three restaurants in the building in 1998, but his plans fell through. Finally, in 2003, Publix grocery store announced that they would be developing the building as their newest facility in Columbia. The renovations included removal of the plank floors, and replacement of all 121 windows. Perhaps the most controversial change was the destruction of most of the north wall. Such a large extraction concerns some of those who are adamant about maintaining the historical integrity of the structure.

However, it is exciting to see preservation in progress in Columbia with the completion of this adaptive use project. From the public right-of-way, the Confederate Printing Plant appears much the same as it has for a century, with light cleaning and stabilization in worn areas. The north side of the lot experienced the most dramatic changes. The circa 1930s warehouse that stood directly to the north of the plant has been demolished, and a new building has been constructed on the same area, tied in to the historic plant.

The Publix opened to the public on Wednesday, August 25, 2004. They have left the truss beams exposed but have painted them white. Old photographs of the city are used throughout the building to highlight the historic value of the site. This serves as an excellent example of successful adaptive use.

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