2024 Babcock Ornament - The Arcade Building

In keeping with the spirit of the season, the Babcock Center Foundation proudly presents the 2024 “Official City Ornament”. This year’s ornament depicts Columbia’s Arcade Building.

The Official Christmas in Columbia Collector's Ornament

"The Ornament of Opportunity" 2024

Limited Edition Ornament - Only (600) 24k gold plate in brass ornaments of this design have been produced.  100% proceeds go to the Babcock Center Foundation. Your purchase will allow Babcock Center Foundation to continue to support the Babcock Center in achieving our mission by providing funding to meet individual needs when no other resource is available.

The Arcade Building was built in 1912 by the Equitable Real Estate Company at reported cost of $ 200,000.  It was originally constructed as an open-air style building reminiscent of those in Italy.  It has two facades, one on Main Street and one on Washington Street.  The interior has two stories with terra cotta and marble details such as cherubs, garlands, and urns.  There is an ornate balcony on the second floor and beautiful chandeliers.  In 1970, it was enclosed and is currently the only enclosed arcade building in Columbia.  From 1972 to 1978, the basement was home to several restaurants and bars called Down Under Columbia.  

In 2016, Peach Properties, the building's current owner, began a major renovation which included replication of lost terra cotta elements and construction of historically accurate storefronts.  Today it is a thriving retal hub with retail stores and restaurants.

The Arcade Building was just added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 17, 1982.