2025 Preservation Awards | Barton House
Friday, May 16th 2025
WINNER | Preservation, Rehabilitation, or Restoration (commercial, institutional, rental, or municipal)
Barton House | 1500 Calhoun Street
Goings Law Firm — Property Owner
Asheley St. John, 1x1 Design — Architect
Chris Kirk, Kirk Commercial Construction — Contractor
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. Threatened with demolition in 1980, the property’s future seemed uncertain until preservationists Mark Coplan and Matthew Wahl relocated the building to its current site. Fast forward to the present and once again, preservation-minded owners, architects, and contractors have penned the latest chapter in the property’s history.
Most recently, the building underwent comprehensive rehabilitation that addressed interior and exterior issues. The effort paid significant attention to visible elements—floor, wall treatments, wood trim, and lighting. Beneath the surface, damaged and rotting wood and masonry infrastructure, out-of-date HVAC, plumbing and electrical infrastructure were improved. The building’s interior plan underwent significant upgrades for accessibility. This included the installation of an ADA restroom on the first floor and an accessible wheelchair route to the rear of the building. Further updates included maximizing natural light in offices and conference spaces, while also increasing areas for use. Thanks to these efforts, the 175-year-old building remains a model of preservation within the Robert Mills Historic District.
Before & After images courtesy 1x1 Design.
Before & After | Front
Before & After | Rear
Before & After | Interior
Before & After | Fireplace
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 | 1225 & 1229 Lincoln Street
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2025 Preservation Awards | Taylor House
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2025 Preservation Awards | The Laundry
Adaptive use of historic buildings has played a key role in the success of Columbia’s BullStreet District realizing its full potential. Rehabilitation of the circa-1883 laundry building marks the latest chapter in the decades-long transformation.
2025 Preservation Awards | 1429 Hagood Avenue
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