Celebrating Preservation Month, Historic Columbia recognized the following 2023 Preservation Award recipients
for their significant contributions to local heritage and preservation initiatives in Richland County.
- Preservation Leadership Co-Award Winner: Charles “Chuck” Lesser, a local advocate for archives, history, and historic preservation.
- Preservation Leadership Co-Award Winner: Karen Quinn, an architect dedicated to transforming underused buildings into community landmarks.
- Preservation, Rehabilitation or Restoration Award: The W. B. Smith Whaley House, a revitalized iconic Queen Anne style residence.
- Preservation, Rehabilitation or Restoration Award: The Hair Building, a historic commercial building rehabilitated into an independent bookstore.
- Preservation, Rehabilitation or Restoration Award: The Klondike Building, a hallmark of modernist architecture returned to its original aesthetic.
- Preservation, Rehabilitation or Restoration Award: 1215 Shop Road, a former textile factory turned into Hood Construction Company’s headquarters.
- Preservation, Rehabilitation or Restoration Award (Revitalization): 2901 Rosewood Drive, a former church converted into a mixed-use residential + commercial building.
- Preservation, Rehabilitation or Restoration Award (Residential): 3804 Palmetto Ave. | A one-bedroom residence renovated and restored to its original charm.