Tower at 1301 Gervais

The Tower at 1301 Gervais is a 20-story office building distinguished by dark glass facades and anodized aluminum columns that create a uniform exterior. Located at the intersection of Gervais and Sumter Streets, it contains multiple office spaces and a private club on its top floor.

Completed in 1973 by architectural firm Lyles, Bissett, Carlisle, and Wolff, the structure initially served as headquarters for Bankers Trust. The building marked a turning point in how Columbia's business district began to expand beyond its historic core.

The building represents how Columbia grew beyond its historic downtown core, with new commercial centers emerging in different parts of the city during the 1970s.

The building sits at a central intersection in the business district, making it easy to locate and access. Most interior spaces are private offices or membership areas, so general visitors should expect limited access beyond the main lobby areas.

When completed, the building was the tallest structure in Columbia and showcased innovative structural engineering that was considered advanced for its time. This engineering allowed the tower to remain slender while achieving significant height in the city's skyline.

Location: South Carolina

Inception: 1973

Architects: Lyles, Bissett, Carlisle, and Wolff

Floors above the ground: 20

GPS coordinates: 34.00210,-81.03150

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:00