Each year Historic Columbia celebrates Preservation Month through an awards program recognizing notable examples of preservation, rehabilitation, and restoration projects that have maintained or added to Columbia and Richland County’s historical, architectural, and cultural heritage. When merited, persons or entities whose contributions have advanced local preservation efforts are championed through the distinguished Preservation Leadership Award.
Preservation Awards
Preservation Leadership
Award Overview
Nominations in this category will recognize an individual, corporation, governmental agency, community or neighborhood association that has contributed to the advancement of historic preservation in the region.
2020 Winners
Patti Marinelli, Dan Elswick (Lifetime Achievement)
2019 Winner
Ward One Organization
Adaptive Use
Award Overview
Structures rehabilitated with sensitivity to the historic fabric that function in a way that is different from its original intent.
2020 Winners
2019 Winners
- 1206 Scott Street
- Columbia Fire Station (1001 Senate Street)
- Hotel Trundle/Boudreaux (1224 Taylor Street)
- Phoenix/Marks Building (1623-25 Main Street)
Preservation/Restoration
Award Overview
Historically significant structures restored to their original design and function.
2020 Winners
- The Arcade Building (1332 Main Street/1208 Washington)
- The Ebenezer Lutheran Chapel Restoration and Cupola Installation (1301 Richland Street)
- 1701 Pendleton Street
- 819 Maple Street
2019 Winners
- Cyberwoven (1634 Main Street)
- Kensington Mansion (4001 McCords Ferry Road)
- Olympia Mill Museum (1170 Olympia Avenue)
- Wesley United Methodist Church (1725 Gervais Street)
New Construction in an Historic Context
Award Overview
New buildings in an historic district adjacent to or within existing historic structures that complement the historic context.
2020 Winners
2019 Winners
- Central Energy Facility (2030 Gregg Street)
- Columbia SC Visitors Center (1101 Lincoln Street)
Preservation Award Plaque
While May is Preservation Month, Historic Columbia would like to encourage the community to recognize the significance of these award-winning projects all year. To that end, we have established a Preservation Plaque program. These plaques are designed for and available to recipients of Preservation Awards past and present.
Past Winners

Past Preservation Award Winners
We hold an annual Preservation Awards Luncheon each year to celebrate the accomplishments of local architectural, construction and rehabilitation projects and leaders. The awards recognize local projects that have maintained or added to the historical, architectural and cultural heritage throughout Columbia and Richland County in the following categories. In addition...