2026 Preservation Awards | Pickens Street Cottages
Thursday, May 14th 2026
WINNER | Revitalization (any ownership or use)
Pickens Street Cottages | 1213–1221 Pickens Street
1527 Gervais Phase 2, LLC — Property Owner
Brennan Works — Architect
McGuinn Homes — Contractor
Rogers Lewis Group — Preservation Consultant
Located within Pickens Street’s 1200 block, behind the W. B. Smith Whaley House at 1527 Gervais Street, the Pickens Street Cottages demonstrate how thoughtful new construction can complement and strengthen historic neighborhoods. The development, which includes eight buildings—a duplex and seven single-family rental homes—transformed a generation’s-old, paved parking lot into a lively residential enclave whose character features returns the historic character to a block of former that originally featured late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century frame dwellings.
Referencing an architectural analysis rendered by Historic Columbia in 2020 that documented the block’s evolution, the design team sought to acknowledge the historic Queen Anne style of the neighboring Whaley House without creating a false sense of history. Brennan Works and Dewey Ervin, architects experienced in historic tax credit projects, reimagined the site with a series of smaller buildings that respected the scale and rhythm of the surrounding neighborhood.
Carefully selected materials and architectural details reinforce that compatibility. The cottages feature real cedar siding and shakes, brick foundations, aluminum-clad wood windows that resemble traditional wood sash, and wraparound porches facing Pickens Street. Custom shutters with functional hardware were hand-built by RLG Preservation. Existing trees were preserved whenever possible, helping the new development feel rooted in its historic surroundings.
Parking was also thoughtfully addressed. Instead of placing multiple parking spaces beside each building, vehicles are tucked into a shared lot at the rear of the property, reinforcing the appearance of a traditional residential streetscape.
Together, these design choices create housing that is clearly contemporary yet respectful of the historic neighborhood. The Pickens Street Cottages show how new construction can thoughtfully revitalize a long-vacant site while strengthening the architectural character of the street.
Images courtesy of Janie Campbell.
Check out some of the other 2026 Preservation Award recipients:
2026 Preservation Awards | A.S. Salley Library & Office
Rehabilitation work at 1917 College Street focused on stabilizing a historic structure long challenged by drainage and foundation issues while preserving its architectural character. Thoughtful repairs and system upgrades ensured the building’s continued use and long-term preservation.
2026 Preservation Awards | Lydia Mattice Brandt
Dr. Lydia Mattice Brandt received the 2026 Preservation Leadership Award for advancing public understanding of Columbia’s built environment through scholarship, teaching, and community engagement that strengthens historic preservation in both practice and principle.
2026 Preservation Awards | Main Street District
Main Street District received the 2026 Preservation Leadership Award for visionary leadership in using historic preservation as a catalyst for downtown revitalization, transforming Main Street into a thriving urban district through advocacy, strategic designation, and measurable economic impact.
2026 Preservation Awards | Conway Architectural Salvage & Heritage Project
Conway Architectural Salvage & Heritage Project received the inaugural Traditional Building Arts award for innovative leadership in preservation through deconstruction, education, and material salvage that transforms loss into opportunity and keeps historic craftsmanship alive for future generations.