Blog
2026 Preservation Awards | Olympia Armory
Thursday, May 14th 2026
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 | Horry-Guignard House
Thursday, May 14th 2026
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 | Central Fire Station
Thursday, May 14th 2026
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 | Bob Russell Realty Building
Thursday, May 14th 2026
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 | Conway Architectural Salvage & Heritage Project
Thursday, May 14th 2026
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 | Main Street District
Thursday, May 14th 2026
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 | Lydia Mattice Brandt
Thursday, May 14th 2026
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.
Renovation Rodeo | Cottontown
Friday, March 13th 2026
Palladium presented Renovation Rodeo | Cottontown on Thursday, March 12, 2026, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Over 40 guests toured this stunning single-family home, renovated from a 1940s church, while enjoying beverages from Columbia Craft Brewing Company and delicious food from Something Small Catering. This event was proudly sponsored by Garvin Design Group and Rikard & Protopapas.
Renovation Rodeo | Congaree Vista
Wednesday, December 10th 2025
Palladium presented Renovation Rodeo | Congaree Vista on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Over 40 guests toured these twin two-story structural terra cotta block buildings while enjoying beer from Columbia Craft Brewing Company, and delicious food from Something Small Catering. This event was proudly sponsored by Garvin Design Group and Rikard & Protopapas.
Last Call, but Not Last Rites: Deconstruction's Role in Preservation
Thursday, October 23rd 2025
Photo courtesy Anna Garrison When a beloved local landmark closed its doors, the community faced the loss of more than a favorite gathering place. What happened next turned a story of demolition into one of preservation, creativity, and collaboration.