Township Auditorium, Columbia

The Columbia Township Auditorium is a historic and architecturally significant venue in Columbia. Constructed in 1930, this three-story brick building showcases the Georgian Revival style, prominently featuring a Doric order columned portico. Recognized for its historical and cultural value, the auditorium was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005. Its enduring legacy and contribution to the community were further solidified with a comprehensive renovation and modernization in 2009, which garnered national awards for historic preservation and renovation excellence.

Designed with versatility in mind, the Township Auditorium was originally built in 1929 with a seating capacity of 3,000. One of its most notable features was a convertible floor that could be adapted for various uses, including seating for audiences, a dance floor, or an exhibit chamber. The innovative design ensured optimal visibility from any vantage point, with two “distinct visual centers” that allowed for unobstructed views of both the main stage and the center of the main floor, whether from the ground level or the balconies.

The design of the Township Auditorium also reflected the social dynamics of its time, particularly in terms of racial segregation. For its first forty years, the auditorium maintained segregated seating arrangements. White patrons typically entered through the front entrance and occupied the main floor, while black patrons accessed the venue through a side entrance and were seated in the balconies. This arrangement was reversed only when the performers were African American, illustrating the venue's complex role in the cultural and social landscape of Columbia.