2026 Preservation Awards | Conway Architectural Salvage & Heritage Project
Thursday, May 14th 2026
WINNER | Traditional Building Arts
Conway Architectural Salvage & Heritage Project
Conway Architectural Salvage & Heritage Project—known simply as Conway Salvage—is a small, grassroots organization that has quickly made a significant impact in the field of preservation. Founded as a nonprofit in 2023 by Alan Todd and Sara Keever, the organization is dedicated to curbing the loss of historic materials and traditional building knowledge through the practice of deconstruction, education, and community engagement.
Executive Director Alan Todd came to Conway in 2014 after earning a Ph.D. in Religious Studies from Duke University and accepting a teaching position at Coastal Carolina University. His background in archaeological work sparked a deep interest in the historic buildings of Horry County. As rapid population growth led to increased demolition of older structures, Todd became committed to preserving the historic materials and craftsmanship that might otherwise disappear. Studying successful deconstruction models in cities such as Savannah, he developed a framework to bring similar preservation-minded practices to the region, ultimately launching Conway Salvage. The project combines material salvage, historical documentation, and the revival of traditional building trades.
Director of Operations Sara Keever brings a background in education as a teacher and librarian. At Conway Salvage, she focuses on helping the public understand the value of reusing historic materials and consuming resources more responsibly. Through workshops and community programs, she hopes to create opportunities for artisans and volunteers to develop new skills while contributing to preservation efforts.
The organization’s work gained widespread attention in 2025 with the deconstruction of 900 Main Street in Columbia, the ca. 1913 building best known as the home of the Hunter-Gatherer Brewery. When preservation of the building proved impossible, Conway Salvage negotiated with partners including the University of South Carolina Foundation, artist Lauren Andreu, and Historic Columbia to carry out a careful, systematic deconstruction rather than traditional demolition.
Working through the heat of the summer months, Todd, Keever, and a team of volunteers salvaged historic brick, old-growth pine and pecky cypress, doors, glass, fixtures, and ironwork from the structure. More than 90 percent of the building’s materials were ultimately preserved for reuse.
Equally important, the project invited the public to share memories of the beloved site, capturing oral histories that connect the building to Columbia’s cultural life. Through their commitment to preservation, sustainability, and community storytelling, Conway Salvage has demonstrated how thoughtful deconstruction can turn loss into opportunity while keeping pieces of the past alive for future generations.
Images courtesy of Historic Columbia.
Congratulations, Conway Architectural Salvage & Heritage Project!
900 Main Street Deconstruction Project
Check out some of the other 2026 Preservation Award recipients:
2026 Preservation Awards | Bob Russell Realty Building
Constructed in 1967, the Bob Russell Realty Building was rehabilitated to restore its New Formalist character after years of interior alteration. Carefully reconstructed interiors and preserved exterior features maintain its architectural identity while supporting modern office use.
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.