Historic Columbia (HC) on August 4th officially broke ground on a state-of-the-art greenhouse and historically inspired gatehouse on the grounds of the Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens. The ceremony, held on the back lawn of the Richland County-owned property, marked the latest in a long line of grounds upgrades generously supported by the Darnall W. and SusanF. Boyd Foundation.
The new $2.5 million gift from the Boyd Foundation will allow HC to take the next step in a decades-long vision to transform this historic site into a hub for horticultural research and plant propagation alongside the ongoing interpretation and programming. The greenhouse and gatehouse additions, designed by Lambert Architecture + Construction Services with Cohn Construction as the general contractor, are based on historic structures that once stood on the property.
Once built, the greenhouse facility, located on the northwest quadrant of Hampton-Preston’s grounds, will offer Historic Columbia the enhanced capacity to care for the 14 acres of grounds and gardens under the institution’s care. It also will serve as a space to interpret the role that an extensive workforce of gardeners and horticulturists – Black, white, enslaved and free – have played in shaping this site.
The project is expected to take eight months to complete.
About Historic Columbia:
In November 1961, a small group of individuals intent on saving the Ainsley Hall House from demolition officially incorporated as the Historic Columbia Foundation. Over the next six decades, the organization, which was founded on the premise of preservation and education, would take on the stewardship of six historic properties in Richland County. Today, the organization serves as a model for local preservation efforts and interpretation of local history. Visit historiccolumbia.org or find us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube.
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