2026 Preservation Awards | A.S. Salley Library & Office
Thursday, May 14th 2026
WINNER | Preservation, Rehabilitation, or Restoration (residential/single family)
A.S. Salley Library & Office | 1917 College Street
Archie and Sarah Parnell — Property Owners
Ari Renovations — Contractor
State Historic Preservation Office — Preservation Consultant
The rehabilitation of 1917 College Street, historically known as the A.S. Salley Library and Office, demonstrates how preservation often depends on the careful work that happens behind walls and beneath floors, often out of site and out of mind. Built in 1909 and listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the building holds an important place in Columbia’s intellectual history and is closely associated with the early development of South Carolina’s archival and historical scholarship.
When owners Archie and Sarah Parnell acquired the property, the house remained architecturally intact but faced serious structural and drainage challenges. Rainwater pooled around the building, creating moisture problems that threatened long-term stability. Rather than focusing on cosmetic changes, rehabilitation efforts prioritized the underlying health of the historic home.
Working with preservation professionals and with approval from the South Carolina Historic Preservation Office, the project addressed foundational and structural issues, reinforced deteriorated framing elements, and corrected long-standing drainage problems by regrading the site so water now flows away from the house. Rebuilt, the courtyard now features properly sloped tile and subsurface grading, while an underground sump pump and drainage system directs stormwater safely to the street.
Interior systems were also modernized through comprehensive electrical and plumbing upgrades. During the work, a damaged cast-iron water pipe embedded in the masonry was discovered and replaced, allowing repairs to surrounding walls, floors, and foundation elements.
Much of this work is intentionally invisible. Yet these structural and infrastructure improvements ensure that the historic building will remain sound, functional, and protected for decades to come. The project illustrates how thoughtful stewardship and investment in hidden systems can safeguard Columbia’s historic buildings for future generations.
Images courtesy of Buck Monroe and Archie Parnell.
Check out some of the other 2026 Preservation Award recipients:
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.
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.