Irmo to Relocate from Historic Town Hall to New Building
The town of Irmo has set its sights on a new town hall, prompting reflections on the rich history of the current site. As the town grows and evolves, the desire to maintain its roots and historical character remains strong.
A Step Forward, A Look Back
“I use the analogy all the time, and I use it with my staff, that we’re growing up as a town, but just like us as humans, you know, I’m the same Courtney I was when I was nine years old. I just grew up,” stated Irmo town administrator, Courtney Dennis. The notion for a new town hall has been on the Irmo town council’s agenda for some time now and the current town hall on Woodrow Street will remain a historic cornerstone of the community.
The Journey of Irmo’s Town Halls
According to JR Fennel, director of the Lexington County Museum, Irmo’s first town hall was built in 1953 and is situated just down the street from the current town hall. Originally, town council meetings were conducted in various storefronts before an official town hall was established. The reason for relocating both then and now is the same: the need for more space. Irmo’s second town hall was constructed on a lot purchased from MC Smith at 1239 Columbia Ave. in 1977. The town moved again in 1988 to its present location.
The current town hall, the historic Mathias-Lown House, was transported to its present location on Woodrow Street and has housed the town’s staff since its arrival. The Queen Anne style building was built in 1905 and was donated by the Lown family. The new town hall, set to be established in a few years, will be just down the street and conveniently located near the town’s police department.
The Current Home: A Wealth of History
Former mayor Barry Walker announced that the town had received a $500,000 state grant for the new facility. Dennis declared that the Mathias-Lown house had served the town well, but today’s demands and growth require more space. One resident, Mary Kennerly, who has lived in Irmo since 1973, shared her experiences about how the town has transformed over the years.
“I think values that came with the early history here are something that a lot of people want to preserve,” commented Kennerly, highlighting the importance of retaining the town’s history.
