The city of Columbia plans an interested parties meeting on Saturday morning to get your input on future uses of the historic McKinney building downtown.
The interested parties meeting is Saturday from 10 to 11:30 am at the building, which is at 411 East Broadway.
The city council approved the $1.7 million purchase of the building in August 2023. Mayor Barbara Buffaloe says the McKinney building has commemorated the social, educational, religious and civic life of Columbia’s African-American population for decades. It was built in 1918.
Columbia city manager De’Carlon Seewood has said that residents have a variety of views on what to do with the historic building on East Broadway. Mr. Seewood has told 939 the Eagle that some want it to be a museum, while others envision a community center. Others want to see concerts and bands perform there.
Count Basie performed in that building years ago. African-American bricklayer Frank McKinney helped build the home, which cost about $5,000 when it was built in 1918.
The 15-member task force will make recommendations on the building’s future use.
