Fifth annual tour of homes explores the unique style and complex history of this downtown neighborhood    

Palladium, Historic Columbia’s group of diverse professionals who support the mission of the organization through educational, social, and fundraising initiatives, is bringing the fifth annual Palladium Tour to Wales Garden on Sunday, April 7, at 1:00 p.m. 

Titled Landmarks and Landscapes, this self-guided, self-paced walking tour will feature the interior and exterior of five houses which showcase the early 20th-century architectural diversity of Wales Garden. 

In between tour stops, attendees will have the opportunity to explore Art in the Garden, a neighborhood festival featuring Columbia artists. The tour will conclude with an after party in the neighborhood from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m., featuring entertainment, light bites, and beverages—all included with ticket purchase. 

“We are thrilled to bring Palladium Tour to the Wales Garden neighborhood, which is one of Columbia’s more architecturally diverse districts,” says Andrew Rogerson, architect at Garvin Design Group and Palladium board president. “The homes featured on the tour are both architecturally and historically interesting, and we are excited to share our research with attendees as they explore the homes.” 

While the stops on the tour are kept secret until the event, Historic Columbia’s Director of Outreach and Engagement, Katharine Allen, believes the sites selected will delight attendees. “Historic Columbia partnered with the Wales Garden Neighborhood Association in 2019 to help fifty Wales Garden residences get historic plaques. We are excited to share some of that research with attendees to provide a greater historical context to the tour. Each home on the tour has a webpage complete with historical images of the properties, so attendees can learn about each site and see its transformation over the decades.” 

Tickets can be purchased at www.historiccolumbia.org/palladiumtour. Advance ticket prices are $35 for Palladium members, $40 for Historic Columbia members and $50 for non-members, through April 5. Day-of tickets are $50 and may be purchased on the 1800 block of Seneca Ave. between 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 7. 

About Palladium  

Palladium is a dynamic group of young professionals who support the mission of Historic Columbia through education, social and fundraising initiatives. Members can network, volunteer at events, hold leadership positions, and attend many events for free or discounted admission. For more information, visit www.historiccolumbia.org/palladium.  

About Historic Columbia  

In November 1961, a small group of individuals intent on saving the Ainsley Hall House from demolition officially incorporated as the Historic Columbia Foundation. Over the next six decades, the organization, which was founded on the premise of preservation and education, would take on the stewardship of six historic properties in Richland County. Today, the organization serves as a model for local preservation efforts and interpretation of local history. Learn more at www.historiccolumbia.org.