Historic Columbia, South Carolina

The Palmetto Building, 1400 Main Street at Washington Street. Built 1913 Significance: At 215 feet tall, the Palmetto Building was the tallest building in Columbia, South Carolina, at the time of construction. It is an excellent example of an early 20th century skyscraper sheathed in Gothic Revival detail. Constructed of limestone and terra cotta, this U-shaped, 15 story high structure has a palmetto tree motif, copper cornice, foliated pilasters and entablatures, decorated Tudor arches with points terminating in palmetto trees, and a stone parapet. The Palmetto Building was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on November 25, 1980. Courtesy of the Library of Congress.

The Central National Bank at the intersection of Main Street and Hampton Avenue in 1960. Courtesy of the Library of Congress.

The Jefferson Hotel at the intersection of Main & Laurel Streets. Courtesy of Flicker at https://www.flickr.com/photos/23117774@N04/2570890876

Tapp's Department Store. Courtesy of the John Hensel Photograph Collection and the University of South Carolina.

Belk on Main Street. Courtesy of the John Hensel Photograph Collection and University of South Carolina.

The 1500 block of Main Street (east side) featuring Eckerd's, Kohn's, and Walgreen Drugs. Courtesy of the John Hensel Photograph Collection and University of South Carolina.

Consolidated Building, 1328 North Main Street, Columbia, Richland County, SC Significance: The Consolidated Building has an intricately detailed glazed and colored terra cotta facade that is unique in Columbia, South Carolina. It is constructed of polychrome terra cotta and has a cartouche containing the date of construction above the central window. On the far sides of the building are colonettes with a geometrical design. An elaborate decorative frieze features fleur-de-lis motif with overhanging section with trefoils. The parapet contains the word "Consolidated" and has pierced quatrefoils. The awnings and balcony over the central doorway were removed and Jackson Camera Center occupies the right storefront. Consolidated Building is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Courtesy of the Library of Congress.