COLUMBIA, SC (May 15, 2026) — Historic Columbia is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2026 Preservation Awards, an annual program held in conjunction with Preservation Month that honors outstanding projects and individuals contributing to the preservation of Columbia and Richland County’s historic, architectural, and cultural resources. The awards recognize exemplary rehabilitation, restoration, and new construction projects that demonstrate a commitment to thoughtful preservation and design, as well as leadership that advances the stewardship of the community’s historic places.
Revitalization (Any Ownership or Use):
Pickens Street Cottages | 1527 Gervais Street
1527 Gervais Phase 2, LLC — Property Owner
Brennan Works — Architect
McGuinn Homes — Contractor
Rogers Lewis Group — Preservation Consultant
The Pickens Street Cottages illustrate how thoughtful new construction can strengthen a historic neighborhood. Replacing a long-used parking lot, the project introduced eight small-scale residential buildings that reflect the rhythm and character of earlier homes in the neighborhood. Designed to complement nearby historic architecture without mimicking it, the cottages use compatible materials, traditional details, preserved trees, and discreet rear parking to create housing that feels contemporary while reinforcing the historic streetscape.
Historic Columbia would like to thank the members of the 2026 Preservation Awards committee, including Dale Marshall (Chair), Eugene Bell, Dewey Ervin, Mickie Hoover, Chris Rose, and Tiara Williams. The 2026 Preservation Awards were made possible by support from GBX Group, Goings Law Firm, Richard Hampton Jenrette Foundation, Southern Way Catering, and Styx Companies.
About 50 Forward
For 50 years, Historic Columbia’s Preservation Awards have documented more than successful
building projects. They have traced the evolving story of Columbia itself, showing how
preservation can honor the past while creating new opportunities for the future. As explored in
Historic Columbia’s recent blog, Celebrating 50 Years: Awards, Advocacy, & Advancement in
Historic Preservation, the anniversary offers a moment to look back at the people, places, and
decisions that helped protect the city’s architectural and cultural heritage, while also
recognizing that preservation remains active, urgent, and forward-looking. 50 Forward reflects
both sides of that milestone: a celebration of five decades of advocacy and achievement, and a
renewed commitment to the work still ahead.
About Historic Columbia
In November 1961, a small group of individuals intent on saving the Ainsley Hall House from
demolition officially incorporated as Historic Columbia. Over the next five decades, the
organization, which was founded on the premise of preservation and education, would take on
the stewardship of seven historic properties in Richland County. Today, the organization serves
as a model for local preservation efforts and interpretation of local history.
Visit historiccolumbia.org or find us on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube for more details.
About GBX Group
GBX Group LLC specializes in acquiring, preserving and operating historic real estate in urban markets. The company partners with investors to fund the acquisition and preservation of historic real estate with the goal of generating community revitalization and economic growth. As of January 2026, GBX has been involved in 216 real estate projects in 24 states. For more about GBX, visit gbxgroup.com/.
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