Columbia, SC — A couple of years ago I was in Waco, Texas, and inquired about where to go for lunch. I was given a name and directed to a building that was almost identical to the Palmetto Compress warehouse.

There were restaurants, unique shops, bars, etc. The porches were used for sidewalk-style dinning, and the shops used the space with few alterations other than adding functional components such as bathrooms.

The place was magnificent in its funkiness. It was apparently the most popular place in town.

I wish the city of Columbia could see the value in using old buildings without attempting to make them into something for which they are not suited.

John G. McMaster III

Columbia