Chappelle Administration Building, Columbia

The Chappelle Administration Building is a historic and architecturally significant structure located on the campus of Allen University. The building stands out not only for its striking design but also for the historical importance of its construction process, earning it a National Historic Landmark designation in 1976.

Designed by John Anderson Lankford, known as the "dean of black architects," the Chappelle Administration Building exemplifies Lankford's architectural prowess. Allen University, established as the oldest historically black college in South Carolina, has played a pivotal role in shaping the community's educational and cultural landscape. The Chappelle Building, positioned at the northwestern corner of the campus block bounded by Taylor, Harden, Pine, and Hampton Streets, serves as a prominent symbol of the university's enduring legacy.

Architecturally, the Chappelle Administration Building is a 3½-story masonry structure constructed from red brick with stone trim. It features a slate roof adorned with five gabled dormers and a reproduction of its original cupola, which was destroyed by lightning in 1974. The main facade, spanning fourteen bays in width, is distinguished by a three-arched single-story porch that extends across the middle six bays, topped by a low balustrade. A pedimented entrance on the second floor leads to the upper level of the porch. The windows on the lower levels are accentuated by stone keystones, with decorative garland panels positioned between the second and third floors.

The Chappelle Administration Building's architectural design and historical significance make it a cornerstone of Allen University's campus and a testament to the contributions of African American architects and educational institutions in the United States.