ICYMI – last week, the BullStreet District announced ownership of the historic Babcock building was transferred from the Hughes Development Corporation to Richmond, Virginia-based historic renovation specialist, Clachan Properties. The apartment development was announced last fall as part of the district’s 20-year buildout plan for the entire property – and we’ve been eyeing our new neighbors’ progress ever since.

Here are some details about the Babcock building renovation:

○ The Babcock Building was designed in 1858 + completed in 1885 as the South Carolina Lunatic Asylum

○ The building boasts 254,022 sq. ft., 1,100 windows + 20-inch thick masonry walls.

Rendering provided

○ The structure will be home to 208 one, two- and three-bedroom apartments with a pool, dog park, grilling garden, lounging + exercise facilities.

○ The last significant step before renovation can begin is the approval of a loan from the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

○ Renovation is projected to be completed by late 2022.

Rendering provided

“This is one of the most significant — and most difficult — historic restoration projects in South Carolina history.”

– Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin

“Clachan is one of the few companies in the United States that has the craftsmanship, experience and historic sensitivity to breathe new life into it.”

– Robert Hughes, president of Hughes Development Corporation

We asked our followers *on social media if they would live in a renovated psychiatric hospital. H**ere’s what some of you are saying*:

“Yes yes I would” – @ellagaugustine

“Absolutely” – @pauladavis2100

“I hope they’re able to revitalize it in a way that stays true to its original luck! This is one of my favorite places to explore while in Columbia” – @locatinglifestyle

“Only if there was a discount bc wow h a u n t e d” – @witchy_mcnugget

“Yes I would if beautifully historically renovated” – @kathyhoover55

“Nope. But thrilled they aren’t tearing it down.” – @browpixie

“Woooaaaaahhh 😍 but there is no way I would ever live there 🙅🏼‍♀️😂” – @ashlynnejoy

“I work in one and it’s pretty awesome. I’m glad they’re not tearing down the building.” – @alyssa.lyjo

Join the conversation on Instagram + Facebook.

We asked our followers on social media if they would live in a renovated psychiatric hospital. Here’s what some of you are saying:

We asked our followers *on social media if they would live in a renovated psychiatric hospital. H**ere’s what some of you are saying*: