Columbia, SC

Adaptive reuse of the 1920s Efird’s building on Columbia’s Main Street created a new home for Mast General Store and the Lofts at Lourie’s. Prior to the complete revitalization, Lourie’s department store occupied the building until it was vacated and fell into disrepair. In addition to the interior structural repairs and building restoration, the exterior façade has been restored to the 1920s character. These changes include a new copper and pressed tin entrance canopy, exterior windows and glass storefront that closely resemble the original construction. A new entrance courtyard provides a secondary entrance to Mast, as well as a new, modern glass enclosed elevator allowing access to the upper stories. Mast General Store occupies the first floor and basement spaces, while the second and third story house loft style apartments. This building is critically important to the Main Street revitalization vision and has created energy for further development.