Chappelle Administration Building

The Chappelle Administration Building is a three-and-a-half story administrative center constructed of red brick with stone accents and a broad entrance portico with three arches. The roofline cupola has been reconstructed, though the remaining original features including the fourteen bays of the main facade remain intact.

Completed in 1925, the building was designed by John Anderson Lankford, an architect trained at the Tuskegee Institute. Its construction marked a significant phase in the growth of Allen University as an educational institution for African Americans.

This building stands on the grounds of Allen University, founded in 1870 to provide education for formerly enslaved people. Its red brick and formal details reflect the pride and importance this institution holds for the community.

The building sits within Columbia's protected historic district and is actively used by the university. The exterior can be viewed anytime, while interior access depends on campus operating hours and current university activities.

The building was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1976, formally recognizing its national significance. This honor acknowledges both its architectural merit and its role in the broader story of African American educational achievement across the country.

Location: South Carolina

GPS coordinates: 34.01072,-81.02101

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:40