2025 Preservation Awards | 1324 Richland Street
Friday, May 16th 2025
WINNER | Revitalization (any ownership or use)
1324 Richland Street
William Akel — Property Owner
Cleve Walker and Wendy Bergmann, Saluda Mallard Architecture + Design — Architects
Michael Grande, Hillman Design Build — Contractor
Amy Moore and Rachel L. Walling, City of Columbia Preservation Planning Office — Preservation Consultants
A desire to pay homage to local businessman and political activist Joseph Azar led relative William Akel to construct a new commercial building on land that had previously stood vacant for decades following a fire that claimed the ca.-1860 cottage originally fronting Richland Street. Initiated in 2023, this endeavor to erect a new building within the Robert Mills Historic District was completed by Cleve Walker and Wendy Bergmann, now of Saluda Architecture and Soda Pop Design Shop, respectively; Hillman Design Build; City of Columbia Preservation Planners; and Historic Columbia preservation personnel.
Using an image of the lot’s original house taken by preservationist Mabel Payne in November 1964, Sanborn Fire Insurance Company maps, and other historical content, the team arrived at an architecturally sympathetic, modern interpretation executed through new construction. The resultant one-and-a-half story building reads much like its ca.1875 predecessor and that of neighboring buildings, but its residential appearance belies its commercial purpose. Notable components of this successful project include massing, setback from the road, and the replication of certain architectural elements that defined the Reconstruction era cottage, namely the building’s central gable with its tripartite sharply pitched Gothic Revival windows.
Images courtesy John Sherrer.
Before & After | Exterior
Explore the
Economic Impact Study
This study's findings reinforce our long-held position on the importance of historic preservation for the city's economy and support our work advocating for policies that encourage preservation and the reuse of historic buildings. Columbia’s architectural heritage is not simply an exercise in nostalgia; it is an informed, strategic investment in the future.
Check out some of the other 2025 Preservation Award recipients:
2025 Preservation Awards | DePass House
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2025 Preservation Awards | John C. Heslep House
Recently significantly rehabilitated, 303 Saluda Avenue arguably ranks among Columbia’s most iconic early twentieth century residences. Today home to the Tomlin family, the ca.-1917 house grew into its current form and style between 1927 and 1928 under the ownership of John C. Heslep, a prominent local contractor.
2025 Preservation Awards | Fred Delk
This year’s preservation leadership award winner played a critical role in shaping our capital city for a generation, proving that informed, successful, and even enviable urban growth can and should include historic properties. Without Fred Delk’s dedication to integrating landmark buildings into the fabric of our daily lives, irreplaceable buildings would have met the wrecking ball, leaving us and future residents of and visitors to Columbia culturally poorer.
2025 Preservation Awards | Barton House
That rehabilitation offers old buildings new life is a story that runs deep for the Barton House. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, this ca.-1850 former residence-turned-office building originally stood a block north, on the grounds of the former State Hospital, whose campus is now being repurposed as the BullStreet District.