First Citizens Bank Headquarters

Columbia, South Carolina

Located one block from the South Carolina state capitol, this nine-story office building answers the client’s desire for a prominent, yet understated addition to the urban texture of downtown Columbia. The historic street setting reinforced the client’s desire for a contextually and traditionally sensitive civic design. The building serves as the corporate headquarters for First Citizens and includes a public garden plaza, a local banking branch, a grand lobby and a below-grade 400-car parking garage.

The decision to incorporate the building’s underground parking was crucial to the design’s civility and function. A prominent, publicly accessible garden plaza covers underground parking and is a popular gathering spot for downtown workers and public and private events. A partnership of public officials and private citizens awarded the plaza a Columbia Choice Design Award in recognition of its contribution to Columbia’s urban life.