Exciting Renovations Coming to Columbia’s Historic Palmetto Candy & Tobacco Building!
Columbia, it’s time to roll out the welcome mat because a piece of history is about to undergo a fabulous makeover! The beloved Palmetto Candy & Tobacco Building, standing proud since 1912, is gearing up for a multi-million-dollar restoration that will breathe new life into this iconic structure. The building, which spans an impressive 9,800 square feet in the heart of the Vista District, will keep its historic charm while being reinvented into a modern workspace.
A Trip Down Memory Lane
Many locals might fondly remember when the Palmetto Candy & Tobacco Company was busy dishing out sweets and snacks. For almost 100 years, this charming building served as a hub for both candy lovers and tobacco enthusiasts alike, situated conveniently across from the historic Seaboard Train Station on Lincoln Street. Who could forget the days of the city’s only mechanical elevator and the enchanting sight of large steel tables filled to the brim with candy? It’s a place that holds many memories!
Modern Meets Historic
Now, thanks to Jerry and Ben’s LLC, a Columbia-based real estate investment firm that acquired the property in 2021, this historic site will not only be given a fresh coat of paint—but a comprehensive renovation to modernize its infrastructure while keeping those treasured elements intact. According to a news release from Trinity Partners, the renovations are set to be completed by December 2024, overseen by Boyer Commercial Construction. And for the design, the talented folks at MCA Architecture from Greenville are stepping in to handle the artwork!
Preserving a Piece of the Past
The key focus of this renovation is to preserve the historic essence of the building while seamlessly upgrading it to meet today’s standards. You can expect a beautiful blend of old and new, providing a collaborative and vibrant space for businesses, all while celebrating Columbia’s architectural history.
New Businesses on the Horizon
With this transformation comes exciting news for local businesses! The building’s upper floor will become home to Beam & Hinge LLC, a custom website design and development firm. Currently settling in on Columbia’s Main Street, they’ll be celebrating their 10-year anniversary with this move, alongside the launch of their newly redesigned website—how timely is that?
Meanwhile, the ground level is being divided into two separate retail or office spaces, each boasting over 1,900 square feet! This means even more opportunities for new businesses to plant their roots in the thriving Vista District.
The Community Impact
Dan Stanton, CEO of Beam & Hinge, shared, “The renovation of the Palmetto Candy & Tobacco Building and the relocation of Beam & Hinge are expected to bring significant benefits to the Vista.” He emphasized how this transformation will foster pride and continuity in Columbia’s architectural history while crafting a welcoming environment for clients and associates. It sounds like this redevelopment is set to create not only a beautiful workspace but also a lively community hub!
Support Through Tax Credits
In a smart move to ensure the project’s success, the developers have secured support through The Bailey Bill and both federal and state historic preservation tax credits. This funding will play a pivotal role in making sure the building gets the attention and care it deserves during this extensive makeover.
So, there you have it, Columbia! The Palmetto Candy & Tobacco Building is ready for its exciting new chapter. As the renovation progresses, mark your calendars for December 2024—this is one transformation you won’t want to miss!
