In recent years 701 Whaley has become one of the city's go-to locations for events, parties, receptions, meetings, political rallies and more.
Now the historic structure's owner is planning to increase its event space by renovating the pool area in the back of the complex at the corner of Whaley and Wayne streets.
701 Whaley owner Richard Burts got a key approval for the planned project on August 14 when the City of Columbia's zoning board unanimously granted a parking variance for the property.
Originally built in 1903 as a company store for nearby textile mills, the 701 Whaley building later became a community center for the Olympia, Granby and Whaley neighborhoods. However, by the early 2000s the building had fallen into a state of disrepair and was condemned by the city. In 2006, Burts and some partners stepped in and purchased the building.
Since that time, the complex has been reimagined, and now has loft apartments, offices, the 701 Center for Contemporary Art, and copious event space.
Now Burts says he's ready to continue to revitalize the building by renovating the 3,500-square-foot pool area at the rear of the building.
"Due to many economic factors, including the recession, a number of National Park Service approval reviews, etc., this portion of the building is only just now being permitted for redevelopment," Burts noted in his recent application to the city zoning board.
The construction cost to revitalize the pool area at 701 Whaley will be about $2.6 million.
Burts says, once completed, the pool area of the complex will be additional event space. He also told Free Times that the swimming pool structure that is there will be preserved, and in a way that will likely be unique for event visitors.
“There will be a glass floor over the pool," Burts says. "Have you ever been to the Biltmore Estate? You know their pool, with that mosaic marble? This will be the same look. We want to protect everything that was there, but still be able to use it. … People will be able to walk out over the pool.”
The continued revitalization of 701 Whaley has been in the permitting process for "several months" according to Burts. He didn't have a firm timetable for when renovations might begin, noting he is still going through the process of getting various approvals. 701 Whaley is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Following the renovation of the pool area, the next prospective revitalization at 701 Whaley would be the gymnasium. Originally built in 1923, the gym also is at the back of the property.
But Burts says he's taking things one step at a time. If the multi-million dollar renovation of the pool area proves fruitful, then he'll feel comfortable revamping the gymnasium.
“If everything goes well and we’re able to start booking the pool, and I think we will, that will give us a better feel about being able to transition and finish the project," he says. "That’s the goal, to finish this one National Register property.”
