2024 Christmas in Columbia Ornament of Opportunity – The Arcade Building

$24.00

In keeping with the spirit of the season, the Babcock Center Foundation proudly presents the 2024 “Official City Ornament”. This year’s ornament depicts Columbia’s Arcade Building.

Description

The Arcade Building was built in 1912 by the Equitable Real Estate Company at reported cost of $200,000. It was originally constructed as an open-air style building reminiscent of those in Italy. It has two facades, one on Main Street and one on Washington Street. The interior has two stories with terra cotta and marble details such as cherubs, garlands and urns. There is an ornate balcony on the second floor and beautiful chandeliers. In 1970, it was enclosed and is currently the only enclosed arcade building in Columbia. From 1972 to 1978, the basement was home to several restaurants and bars called Down Under Columbia.

 

In 2016, Peach Properties, the building’s current owner began a major renovation which included replication of lost terra cotta elements and construction of historically accurate storefronts. Today it is a thriving retail hub with retail stores and restaurants.

 

The Arcade Building was added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 17,1982.