Modjeska Monteith Simkins House Rehabilitation | Columbia, SC

Completed in two phases, our team led the effort to rehabilitate the out building at the rear of the Modjeska Monteith Simkins House property, bringing back to life a vital piece of Columbia’s Civil Rights History. With federal Save America’s Treasures Grant Funding, Historic Columbia’s goal of transforming the vacant structure into a live/work space for its scholar-in-residence program has been realized. Based on detailed paint analysis and a comprehensive preservation plan, the house showcases its original materials and character defining features while sensitively incorporating modern systems and amenities. Added attic and crawl space insulation yield high impact energy savings without compromising historic materials and character.

Building on our previous experience renovating the dependency building on this property, our team rehabilitated the main house. The scope of work included structural foundation repairs, restoration of historic doors and windows, plaster work, installation of new HVAC, updated electrical items, and new ADA accessible ramp and entry to the house. The goal of updating with sensitivity to the historic fabric of the house has been realized. Based on a comprehensive preservation plan, the house showcases its original materials and character defining features while sensitively incorporating modern systems and amenities. Added storage and a refurnished kitchen create increased usability without compromising historic materials and character.

  projects