Publix Super Market – Columbia, SC – 30,000 SF

In 1865, General Sherman marched through the Southern states. One of his primary targets was the Confederate Printing Plant. It later became the warehouse and dispensary for liquor in South Carolina when the state controlled the sale of alcohol. For the next 140 years, the building fell in and out of repair. 

Dodging the wrecking ball several times, it sat empty for the last 30 years and became an eyesore in Columbia’s trendy Vista district. Publix began looking for an urban location. The challenges were many and included what seemed to be deal-breakers: crumbling mortar and brick, limited parking, and a footprint that did not fit Publix’s corporate standards.

The structure had to be reinforced with an internal steel cage, and additional land for parking had to be secured through the local government. Walls and footers were creatively reinforced, and a flexible floorplan pulled it all together. The result is utter success for both Publix and the surrounding community.

The project was developed or constructed by principals of Red Rock Developments prior to founding the company.