Renovation Rodeo | Cottontown
Friday, March 13th 2026
Palladium presented Renovation Rodeo | Cottontown on Thursday, March 12, 2026, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Guests toured this stunning single-family home, renovated from a 1940s church, while enjoying beverages from Columbia Craft Brewing Company and a "heavenly"-inspired menu from Something Small Catering. This event was proudly sponsored by Garvin Design Group and Rikard & Protopapas.
Throughout the year, Palladium features a property that has undergone—or is undergoing—an impressive renovation. From tiny 1940s bungalows to turn-of-the-century mansions, and everything in between, these events give you a chance to tour properties, learn about their renovation, and have a great time doing it. And they're FREE for our Palladium members!
Event Images
About the Property
Cottontown developed from former farmland north of Columbia's original city limit. The name “Cottontown” derived from the cotton brokerages and warehouses that once occupied all four corners of the Richardson (Main) and Upper (Elmwood) intersection. In the 1890s, streetcar rails were extended east and north of the city limits, attracting middle‑class families who wanted convenient access to downtown. The neighborhood grew in three phases: Bellevue, Newman’s Field, and Gracelynn Terrace.
The latter, platted in 1938 by George Newman’s daughter, was the last undeveloped portion of her father’s property. Development remained slow prior to and during World War II, and perhaps this is why the former Shandon Christian Advent Church was able to purchase land here. Established in 1933 with fifty members, the church previously congregated at 831 Maple Street but by 1941 needed additional space.
Photograph taken upon the dedication of First Christian Advent Church, 1942. Reprinted from The State.
The congregation became known as First Christian Advent upon the completion of this sanctuary in 1942. The upstairs featured the worship area, complete with in-alter baptismal font; the downstairs included offices and restrooms. Although wired for electricity, the sanctuary did not initially have power due to federal restrictions during the war. Instead, Reverend W.F. Jamison held “twilight services,” which ended before dark.
The one-story addition, seen here in 1956 and 1969, was added to the rear of the original building about 1955. This “fellowship hall” addition included a kitchen, meeting area, and possibly classrooms. A second baptismal font was added in the 1990s. Image courtesy Library of Congress and Russell Maxey Photograph Collection, Richland Library.
In 1974, the Salvation Army purchased the property from First Advent Church as its first Columbia location. From 1987 until 2023, it was the sanctuary for Greater Carolina Baptist Church, who allowed various neighborhood groups to meet here. The church enclosed the small front porch at the beginning of its ownership.
Creating "Churchhouse"
1419 Anthony Ave., post-renovation. Image courtesy of Lucas Brown (Kickstand Studio).
Exterior efforts included removing the vinyl siding and replacement windows in favor of the historic wood; restoring the original open-front porch; and installing historically accurate doors. This work was performed with City of Columbia staff oversight and secured Bailey Bill tax credits for the owners.
In the former sanctuary, the wood ceiling, plaster walls, and wood windows and floors were retained, as was the alter space. This space contains large light fixtures salvaged from Hunter-Gatherer Brewery and a "comments" box from the church. The downstairs was brought down to the studs and reconfigured to include the primary suite, a music studio, office, and guest bedroom. The new floorplan restored the central corridor and retained the second font within the context of an enclosed porch. All interior work of “Churchhouse” was led by owner-architect Gretchen Lambert.
Before and After
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The above research was compiled by members of the Palladium Board education committee and Historic Columbia's research staff.
Event images courtesy of Historic Columbia. Renovation images courtesy of Gretchen Lambert and Lucas Brown (Kickstand Studio).
Enhance Our City
Palladium
Palladium members don't just learn about Columbia's past - they have a say in its future. Our fundraising events support Historic Columbia's important preservation and advocacy work, which in turn helps preserve the charm and vitality of the city we call home.