Goings Law Firm and Historic Columbia — Preserving What Makes Columbia Special

Video Transcript

Robert: I’m here with John Sherrer, director of preservation for Historic Columbia, here at the corner of Bull and Calhoun Streets, home of two remarkable historic buildings that now house the Goings Law Firm — 1500 and 1510 Calhoun Street. John, tell us about Historic Columbia and its mission.

John: Historic Columbia was founded in 1961 as a nonprofit. We are the Midlands’ leading preservation advocacy organization and a source for local history in Columbia and Richland County. We’re also the contractual stewards of the Robert Mills House, the Mann-Simons Site, the Modjeska Simkins Site, and two Richland County properties. We also own the Seibels House one block south — so we’re pretty close neighbors. Robert, Historic Columbia awarded these buildings Preservation Awards in 1986 and 1987. And just last year, through the efforts of you and your wife Rebecca, 1500 Calhoun Street received another preservation award for the very thoughtful work that shows your commitment to historic preservation.

Robert: Thank you, John. Our firm is committed to preserving what makes Columbia so special. Operating out of two historic buildings truly sets us apart. John, tell us about the history of our law offices.

John: The buildings at 1500 and 1510 Calhoun Street — known as the Barton-Wallace House and the Wallace House — date to the antebellum period, likely the late 1840s. They were originally associated with the Wallace family, one of Columbia’s earliest families. Remarkably, they survived February 1865, when General Sherman’s troops occupied Columbia and portions of the city were burned. By the mid-20th century, the South Carolina Department of Mental Health owned them. In 1977, the department sought permission to demolish the Barton House — but that request was denied by the City of Columbia’s landmark commission. In 1983, preservationists Mark Copeland and Matthew Walle purchased the buildings, and in early 1984 relocated them to their current site at the southeast corner of Bull and Calhoun Streets. They stand today just a block south of where they stood for nearly 150 years.

Robert: John, what a fascinating history. Our firm is honored to receive Historic Columbia’s 2025 Preservation Awards. We are proud stewards of what makes Columbia so special.

John: Properties like this are finite resources — tangible links to our shared past. Your firm’s commitment to stewardship is something to be celebrated. Historic Columbia and all of Columbia thanks you for it. Robert: Thank you, John. We’re proud sponsors and partners of Historic Columbia.