What Is the Palmetto Building?
The Palmetto Building was formerly Columbia’s tallest building!
What Makes It Historical?
Built for Palmetto National Bank between 1912 and 1913, Columbia’s third skyscraper is the only one of its kind to incorporate palmetto motifs (being the state tree of South Carolina) into traditional Gothic Revival design! It was designed by Julius Harder and constructed by the firm of Wilson & Sompayrac, stretching 215 feet (15-stories) up with three elevators. At the time, those elevators were promoted as lifesavers during a fire, but we know better now. The Palmetto Building was threatened with demolition in 1980, but with the help of historic preservationists adding it to the National Register, this architectural marvel still stands as a hotel in the capital of the Palmetto State!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Volunteer with Historic Columbia!
- Become a member of the Historic Columbia!
- Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
How Do I Get There?
1400 Main St
Columbia, SC 29201
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit?
Whenever the mood strikes you!