News Summary
After nearly 30 years of serving the Columbia community, the historic Hunter-Gatherer Brewery & Alehouse has closed its doors. With a focus on preservation and sustainability, the decision has been made to deconstruct the building instead of demolishing it. A collaborative effort involving Historic Columbia and other partners will begin on June 9 to salvage valuable materials. The building, a cultural landmark since its establishment in 1995, is remembered for its rich history and community involvement.
Columbia, SC – The Hunter-Gatherer Brewery & Alehouse, a historic microbrewery that has served the Columbia community for nearly 30 years, closed its doors in December 2024 after its lease expired. Located at the corner of Main and College streets, adjacent to the University of South Carolina, the decision to deconstruct rather than demolish the building marks a significant shift towards preservation and sustainability in local development.
In a collaborative effort, Historic Columbia has partnered with the University of South Carolina’s Development Foundation, Conway Salvage, and One Columbia to carefully deconstruct the building, ensuring that valuable materials are salvaged and reused. The deconstruction effort will officially commence on June 9, with volunteers recruited to aid in the reclamation of bricks and other materials.
The Hunter-Gatherer Brewery, which opened in October 1995, was known as Columbia’s first microbrewery and became a popular gathering spot for food, drink, and live music performances. The establishment operated in a building that has a rich history; originally constructed in 1913, it began as the home of the EB Lyon Motor Car Company, which specialized in selling the Hudson 37 automobile. Over the decades, the building saw various businesses, including the Quarter Moon music forum from 1979 to 1981, Swensen’s Ice Cream Shop from 1982 to 1985, and TW Muldoon’s Deluxe Deli & Bar from 1987 to 1994, before becoming the beloved microbrewery.
In 2019, a mural honoring local musician Aaron Graves was added to the north wall of the building, further solidifying its status as a cultural landmark. As part of the deconstruction process, this mural will also be carefully dismantled, with assistance from its original artist, Lauren Andreu, and local community volunteers. The salvaged bricks from the mural will be repurposed into a future public art memorial, highlighting the community’s connection to the site.
The public is encouraged to share their memories of the Hunter-Gatherer Brewery at 900 Main Street as the deconstruction progresses. Community involvement is integral to this project, and more information about volunteering for the brick reclamation effort can be found on the Instagram account dedicated to the mural.
USC Development Foundation purchased the property in October. While it is currently unclear what future plans are in store for the site, the decision to deconstruct rather than demolish underscores a commitment to preserving the historical significance of Columbia’s landmarks. This move aligns with the foundation’s overarching mission of historical preservation and sustainability. Meanwhile, the Hunter-Gatherer Hangar, located on Jim Hamilton Boulevard, will continue to serve customers as a separate entity, ensuring that the legacy of the microbrewery continues in some form.
By salvaging reusable materials such as bricks, beams, doors, and windows for local projects while recycling non-reusable materials, the deconstruction initiative seeks to minimize waste and foster sustainability. This innovative approach presents an opportunity for community members to engage with their local history while actively participating in a responsible and environmentally conscious future for the city.
As Columbia navigates this transition, the collective participation in preserving the Hunter-Gatherer Brewery’s elements serves as a reminder of the city’s rich cultural heritage and the commitment to sustainability going forward.
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Additional Resources
- WLTX
- Wikipedia: Columbia, South Carolina
- The State
- Google Search: Hunter-Gatherer Brewery
- Columbia Business Report
- Google Scholar: Hunter-Gatherer Brewery Columbia
- Post and Courier
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Microbrewery
- The State
- Google News: Hunter-Gatherer Brewery deconstruction
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
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