Mance House Demolition: Lost History | Columbia News

A historic landmark in Columbia, South Carolina—the Robert Weston Mance House, once home to Allen University presidents and civil rights figures—is finally being demolished after nearly two decades of neglect. Built in 1903 and renamed for its 1922 buyer, Reverend Robert Weston Mance, the house was moved in 2008 with promises of restoration for future university leaders—but those plans never materialized. Though the city’s preservation commission blocked demolition in 2023, citing structural integrity, Allen University dropped its legal challenge. Preservationists lament the loss, calling it more than just a building—it’s a piece of African American history being erased as progress moves forward. Demolition crews have begun work this summer, leaving only fragments of the structure standing. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/48b395e1f22bec61