Columbia’s Historic Districts
The coalition serves as an avenue for neighborhood associations, business districts, and individuals to collaborate on shared goals and initiatives. The coalition is independent from the City of Columbia, and works to support preservation efforts in the community at large.
CCHD Mission:
To promote the power of historic preservation in our community. Our mission will be accomplished by connecting advocates, neighborhoods, agencies, and business leaders in the discovery of creative and productive solutions to shared concerns across historic districts and in the stewardship of Columbia’s historic neighborhoods and resources.
COMMUNICATE + CONNECT
Make preservation information accessible to historic districts and the general public.
EDUCATE + ADVOCATE
Educate others about the positive impact preservation efforts + historic districts have in our city.
DISCOVER + PROBLEM SOLVE
Bring to light + address mutual concerns across historic districts and work together to identify resources to develop creative and productive solutions.
INFORM + ENGAGE
Share information and resources between historic districts and encourage participation in preservation activities.
Coalition Projects + Initiatives
The coalition is exploring a number of initiatives to increase community knowledge surrounding the architecture, design, and character found in Columbia’s historic districts. As these are rolled out, the City will help increase accessibility by providing updates on this page. You can also stay in the loop by signing up for the preservation e-newsletter + by following CCHD’s socials (Instagram and Facebook).
PRESERVATION WORKSHOPS
The CCHD is dedicated to building community knowledge through hosting hands-on preservation workshops.
Learn morePAWS FOR PRESERVATION CALENDAR
This wall calendar celebrates local pets + architecture, while also raising funds for preservation workshops.
Learn MoreDIY GROUP THERAPY
CCHD DIY Group Therapy is a newly formed group that will focus on bringing homeowners of historic properties together to share information, ideas, and resources. Interested in learning more? Sign up for their mailing list below.
Sign up for the DIY mailing listPreservation Workshops
The coalition plans and hosts hands-on workshops to make preservation repairs accessible to homeowners and builders alike. These workshops include demonstration in preservation repairs and focus on common maintenance needs seen in our local historic buildings. The Coalition has hosted several workshops paid for by matching funds raised through the sale of their annual Paws for Preservation calendar. Be sure to check this page or sign up to receive the preservation e-newsletter for more information on upcoming preservation workshops.
Past workshops topics have included:
- Energy Efficiency
- Brick Repointing
- Historic Window Repair
Workshops in the Works!
Each year, the Coalition of Columbia’s Historic Districts works with preservation staff in planning workshops, events, and activities for National Historic Preservation Month. This year’s events will include hands on demonstrations in preservation repairs, happy hours, and more.
First up is an Energy Efficiency Workshop to celebrate Earth Day! The workshop will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 10am at a private home in Earlewood. For more information and to register for the event, check out the registration page online!
Paws for Preservation Calendar
The Paws for Preservation Calendar is an annual fundraising effort to support preservation workshops in Columbia. These workshops help owners of historic homes confidently take on projects like preserving historic windows, repairing plaster, and repointing bricks. The funds raised through last year’s calendar sales are currently being used to support Preservation Month workshops and events. Sign up for the Preservation e-newsletter or follow CCHD on social media (Instagram or Facebook) to keep up to date on planned events and activities.
Meet our 2026 Paws for Preservation Calendar models
The furry friends featured in the 2026 Paws for Preservation Calendar were selected by coalition members, and included neighborhood residents and visitors alike. Does your pet want to pose for a spot in the 2027 calendar? Make sure you’re notified when the photo contest is released by signing up for the preservation e-newsletter.
Maggie Earp
Maggie loves living at the historic Babcock Building. Known by all her human friends as the sweetest pup in the South, she also enjoys giving lots of hugs and kisses, running and fetching balls, long naps, peanut butter, and the occasional french fry.
Rufus Pablo
Rufus Pablo is a 5-year old border collie mix who chose his Mom as his family in 2021, and she couldn’t imagine life any other way! He loves a good nap on the 100+ heart pine floors of the Cora Lee in Elmwood Park.
McDuffie
McDuffie loves exploring Columbia. He is a retired therapy dog. He has participated in programs at the USC honors college and a reading program for the Richland County Library.
Cookie
Similar to many Historic landmarks, Cookie is a rescue that crossed our path & stole our hearts with her charm. She is eager to please and goofy.
Bitty Boggs
Bitty was found abandoned in a cardboard box at a local park six years ago. She is prissy and proud, curious, playful, and never meets a stranger. She is an affectionate lap cat and the world’s greatest snuggler.
Thomas Cooper
Thomas Cooper is named after the Thomas Cooper Library on campus. Cooper walks daily on the Horseshoe and is recognized by many students. Cooper enjoys time on his balcony facing the University’s Honors College. He also enjoys spending time with his family, especially his Grandpaw.
Josie
Josie is a 6-year old retired racing greyhound. While she loves exploring, don't let her muscles and 40mph top speed fool you - her favorite pastime is snoozing in the yard in the South Carolina sunshine.
Kennedy
Kennedy is a Congo Gray rescue parrot. She's very loveable with her chosen human. Her favorite activities are destroying her toys, whistling, and cuddling before bedtime.
Star
Star is a social butterfly with plenty of personality and regularly checks in on all the neighbors; she often scores treats and affection from regular neighborhood walkers too! She’s a lover of the outdoors, chasing critters, and overseeing the humans doing yardwork!
Biscuit
Biscuit is a 6-year-old Shih Tzu with a big personality packed into his small, fluffy frame. A true Columbia boy at heart, Biscuit brings charm, sass, and a little bit of mischief everywhere he goes.
Seward
Seward is a three-year-old golden retriever who has grown up exploring the heart of Columbia. Whether in spring blooms or winter chill, Seward’s joy and charm make him a true part of Columbia’s story.
Bumper
Sweet Bumper was recently adopted as a result of his time as a foster through Columbia Animal Services - and is now happily a foster failure, adopted by his foster family. Bumper is a quiet and polite boy and his family couldn't help but fall for him.
Remi
Remi (aka Jimmy, Shmoobie, Rem-de-la-Rem, Vemi and Mr. Gruel) is a 5 year old Boxer who loves his family very much. He expresses his love by wiggling his whole back half when they come home. He calls this dance his kidney bean wiggle and it’s his favorite move of all time.
Cleo
Cleo is a very spirited young lady. In her five short years of life, she’s managed to collect burs and dirt in a variety of terrains across over nine states. Despite this, she maintains a healthy coat and prides herself on her good hygiene.