Work is underway to deconstruct the historic building at 900 Main St., the longtime home of Hunter-Gatherer Brewery, marking the start of a sustainable farewell — and a new chapter.
The site will eventually be home to a future development tied to USC’s long-term growth plans, but in the meantime, the focus is on preserving the building’s materials + memories.
Instead of demolition, the 1913 building is being carefully taken apart piece by piece, thanks to a collaboration between the USC Development Foundation, Historic Columbia, Conway Salvage, and One Columbia. Nearly every part — bricks, beams, windows, and doors — is being salvaged for reuse in local projects.
“This project is an opportunity to honor the past while building responsibly for the future,” said Jason Caskey, president and CEO of the USC Development Foundation.
Over its 100+ year history, the building has housed everything from a motor car company to a cabinet shop, but it’s best remembered as a community gathering place since 1995, when it opened as one of SC’s first microbreweries.
Even the Aaron Graves Memorial Mural, painted in 2019 to honor the late frontman of the local band Those Lavender Whales, is being salvaged by mural artist Lauren Andreu + local volunteers. The salvaged bricks will be reused in a future public art project.
“Aaron’s mural has been a beautiful memorial for our family,” said his widow, Jessica Bornick. “We’re so grateful it’s being handled with care.”
Want to help? Volunteers are needed to assist with the mural removal. Visit @i_love_my_friends_mural to get involved.
Got memories? Share them on social media using #900MainMemories or submit them here.
