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1644 Main Street

Tapp’s Building

One of Columbia’s most successful businesses, Tapp’s Department Store operated here for 92 years. The company’s original two-story masonry building was demolished for the construction of this $300,000, Art Moderne style, steel and reinforced concrete building reflecting contemporary tastes, completed by Atlanta’s C.M. Guest and Sons in April 1940. In 1952, the addition of extra stories to the original roof line left a line that is evident today under the stucco. After the company’s success flagged following the exodus of retail and commercial services to the suburbs, Tapp’s closed its Main Street doors in 1995. In 2003, the building was rehabilitated into apartments and a commercial space.

  • Tapp's building, 1956

    Tapp's building, 1956. Image courtesy Russell Maxey collection, Richland Library

  • Tapp's building, 1949

    Tapp's building, 1949. Image courtesy John Hensel Photograph Collection, South Caroliniana Library, University of South Carolina

  • Tapps building, 1911.

    The original Tapp's building, as it appeared in 1911, was a far smaller structure than what the company would build later to better compete with other Main Street department stores. Image courtesy Russell Maxey collection, Richland Library

34.0077992, -81.0362677

NTHP Preservation Award Winner
Historic Columbia

© 2025 Historic Columbia

Administrative Offices
1601 Richland Street
Columbia, SC 29201

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All historic house and garden tours start at the Gift Shop at Robert Mills.
1616 Blanding Street
Columbia, SC 29201

Questions? Call (803) 252-7742.

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