1500 Calhoun Street Renovation

Columbia, South Carolina

Purchased by RWG Properties in late 2023, the property at 1500 Calhoun Street has a rich history within the Columbia context.  Also known as “The Barton House”, this structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was originally located on the grounds of the State Mental Hospital (known now as the Bull Street District).  Originally built around 1850, the house was built by Colonel William Wallace and given to his daughter as a wedding present.  Her husband, Dr. Edward Barton, was a scientist working in the fight to eradicate yellow fever at the State Mental Hospital.  The house, along with it’s “sister house” next door were relocated from the Bull Street property to their current locations in 1982. 

While by no means was the house in complete disrepair when purchased, there were significant updates and maintenance portions of work that needed to be addressed. Capitalizing on the opportunity to renovate a structure with no occupants, significant renovation and restoration work was completed.

The renovation work spreads throughout all areas of the building. The more aesthetic work speaks for itself, with significant attention given to the visible elements such as floor, wall treatments, wood trim, and lighting. On the other hand, just as much care was given to elements not readily seen: damaged and rotting wood and masonry infrastructure, out of date HVAC, plumbing and electrical infrastructure, lack of energy efficiency solutions, and work to conceal many of these past interventions which had failed.

Lastly, the building received plan modifications and significant upgrades to accessibility to include an accessible restroom on the 1st floor and an accessible wheelchair route to the rear of the building. On a very tight site to start, non-original elements on the rear of the building were modified to allow for the integration of the route, allowing access by all into the historic structure. Other plan updates including maximizing natural light into offices and conference spaces, while also increasing areas for use.

The Short(er) Story:

Completion Date: 2024

Square Feet: 4,700

Services Provided: Existing Building Documentation, Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documents, Construction Administration, Historic Tax Credit Support (Bailey Bill)

Awards:

*2025 Historic Columbia Foundation Award for Preservation, Rehabilitation, or Restoration