ICYMI – last week, the BullStreet District announced ownership of the historic Babcock building was transferred from the Hughes Development Corporation to Richmond, Virginia-based historic renovation specialist, Clachan Properties. The apartment development was announced last fall as part of the district’s 20-year buildout plan for the entire property – and we’ve been eyeing our new neighbors’ progress ever since.
Here are some details about the Babcock building renovation:
○ The Babcock Building was designed in 1858 + completed in 1885 as the South Carolina Lunatic Asylum
○ The building boasts 254,022 sq. ft., 1,100 windows + 20-inch thick masonry walls.
Rendering provided
○ The structure will be home to 208 one, two- and three-bedroom apartments with a pool, dog park, grilling garden, lounging + exercise facilities.
○ The last significant step before renovation can begin is the approval of a loan from the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
○ Renovation is projected to be completed by late 2022.
Rendering provided
“This is one of the most significant — and most difficult — historic restoration projects in South Carolina history.”
– Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin
“Clachan is one of the few companies in the United States that has the craftsmanship, experience and historic sensitivity to breathe new life into it.”
– Robert Hughes, president of Hughes Development Corporation
We asked our followers on social media if they would live in a renovated psychiatric hospital. Here’s what some of you are saying:
“Yes yes I would” – @ellagaugustine
“Absolutely” – @pauladavis2100
“I hope they’re able to revitalize it in a way that stays true to its original luck! This is one of my favorite places to explore while in Columbia” – @locatinglifestyle
“Only if there was a discount bc wow h a u n t e d” – @witchy_mcnugget
“Yes I would if beautifully historically renovated” – @kathyhoover55
“Nope. But thrilled they aren’t tearing it down.” – @browpixie
“Woooaaaaahhh 😍 but there is no way I would ever live there 🙅🏼♀️😂” – @ashlynnejoy
“I work in one and it’s pretty awesome. I’m glad they’re not tearing down the building.” – @alyssa.lyjo
