2026 Preservation Awards | Bob Russell Realty Building
Thursday, May 14th 2026
WINNER | Preservation, Rehabilitation, or Restoration (commercial, institutional, rental, or municipal)
Bob Russell Realty Building | 1931 Assembly Street
Lewis Rogers Properties — Property Owners
Architectural Concepts — Architect
Blackstone Construction — Contractor
Rogers Lewis Group – Preservation Consultant
Constructed in 1967 at the southwest corner of Assembly and Calhoun streets, the Bob Russell Realty Building serves as an excellent example of New Formalist architecture. Designed by the firm Blume, Cannon & Ott for developer Bob Russell, the building, which served as the headquarters for Russell’s real estate business until 2016, reflects the monumentality associated with the style through its structural grid, ribbon windows, travertine panels, and classical elements such as pilasters and a stylized entablature.
In 2024, preservation-minded owners Robert Lewis and Chris Rogers purchased the property and assembled a team to restore the largely gutted interior by building upon its remaining original architectural features. Rogers Lewis Group preservation consultant Janie Campbell coordinated the efforts of architect Charlie Baker of Architectural Concepts and contractor Don Blackstone of Blackstone Construction, to ensure the rehabilitation project could qualify for historic and abandoned building tax credits by adhering to Department of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation.
In restoring the building’s distinctive interior character, the team used evidence left by earlier partition walls to help guide the reconstruction of offices, conference rooms, and circulation spaces. Historic materials were carefully preserved, including extensive wood paneling, the vestibule’s rock garden and travertine flooring, and built-in planters near both staircases. Stack bond pilasters flanking the entrance and ribbon windows were also retained. Missing ceiling tiles were replaced with matching materials to restore the building’s original appearance.
Exterior changes were minimal, preserving the travertine panels, façade grid, and original lighting while returning signage to its historic location. The project demonstrates how mid-century buildings can be successfully rehabilitated, ensuring that Columbia’s modern architectural heritage remains an active part of the city’s downtown landscape.
Images courtesy of Janie Campbell.
Before & After | Exterior
Before & After | Interior
Check out some of the other 2026 Preservation Award recipients:
2026 Preservation Awards | Central Fire Station
The former Columbia Central Fire Station was transformed into The Lantern, a boutique hotel that reimagines the mid-century civic complex for contemporary use. Key architectural elements were retained while former operational spaces were adapted into welcoming hospitality areas.
2026 Preservation Awards | Horry-Guignard House
Erected around 1813, the Horry-Guignard House was rehabilitated in a phased effort that preserved its early historic fabric while adapting it for modern use. Restored exterior materials and sensitive interior upgrades allow it to continue serving as a functional space while retaining its historic character.
2026 Preservation Awards | Olympia Armory
Constructed in 1937, the Olympia Armory was carefully rehabilitated to preserve its New Deal–era character while supporting continued military and community use. Restored masonry, windows, and interior spaces ensure the building’s historic presence remains intact and functional.
2026 Preservation Awards | 2200 Sumter Street
Rehabilitation of 2200 Sumter Street brought a mid-century commercial building back to life after decades of neglect. Restored transparency, repaired historic features, and sensitive interior reuse reconnected the structure to its surrounding corridor.