A few days ago, The South Carolina State Guard (State Defense Force) celebrated the grand opening of the newly renovated Olympia Armory in Columbia’s Olympia Mill Village neighborhood. Originally constructed in the mid-1930s as a Works Progress Administration project and standing today as the oldest building owned by the South Carolina Military Department, the armory had been closed since June 2024 for an extensive, year-long restoration funded by the State Legislature. Garvin Design Group—a local architecture firm renowned for its expertise in historic preservation—led the project, ensuring that the armory’s storied character was preserved even as modern amenities were seamlessly integrated.
Governor Henry McMaster, speaking at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, underscored the armory’s importance to the state’s emergency response framework. “No people can match the strength and determination of the people in South Carolina and the people in this room,” he remarked. “This State Guard is an essential element of that strength. The men and women that wear uniforms in this state are essential elements of that strength.” State Representative Bruce Bannister (R-Greenville) echoed that sentiment, affirming that “this building is a testament to our commitment to make sure that we have the facilities and the resources that our State Guard and our military need, and we will continue to do that.”
Major General Leon Lott, Commander of the South Carolina State Guard and Richland County Sheriff, shared a personal reflection on the armory’s transformation. When he first assumed command, the facility was plagued by holes in the floorboards and lacked functioning restrooms—personnel were forced to rely on portable toilets parked outside. Standing before the gleaming new structure, he admitted being “speechless.” “This armory now is something that all of us should be proud of,” he said. “I know I stand here wearing this uniform, proud of this uniform, but also proud of what we accomplished. The men and women who will wear this uniform will be able to come here and look at this building with pride.” He went on to thank Governor McMaster and Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette for their unwavering support.
A commemorative plaque was unveiled, and the ceremonial ribbon was cut, officially reopening a facility that will serve as both headquarters and training center for the South Carolina State Guard. Beyond its administrative offices and expanded storage for equipment, the armory now houses dedicated classrooms, communications suites, and a state-of-the-art cyber range—an essential upgrade to support the Guard’s rapidly growing Cyber Defense Unit.
Over the last few years, the South Carolina State Guard has taken on a host of critical defense and disaster-response missions across the Palmetto State. Its Cyber Defense Unit assists and augments The South Carolina National Guard and state law-enforcement agencies to detect, mitigate, and recover from cyber-attack attempts by foreign actors and nation-state adversaries. In partnership with the South Carolina Department of Corrections, Guard teams have provided exterior security at several state prisons, helping to alleviate chronic staffing shortages and ensuring the safety of both staff and inmates. And during Hurricane Helene’s devastating landfall in October 2024, State Guard personnel conducted communications support, distributed relief supplies, and cleared debris from hard-hit communities—missions that underscored the Guard’s versatility and commitment to the people of South Carolina.
With the doors to the Olympia Armory now open, the South Carolina State Guard will be better positioned to recruit, train, and deploy its citizen-soldiers, further strengthening South Carolina’s readiness and resilience in the face of future emergencies.
During The Renovation
The historic armory in Columbia’s Olympia mill village neighborhood began an estimated year-long restoration project this month. The armory, built in the mid-1930s as a Works Progress Administration project, has a storied history and is getting new life thanks state funding. Garvin Design Group, a Columbia-based architecture firm specializing in restoration of historic structures, is spearheading the project.
A proud day for the SC State Guard as we opened the new Olympia Armory that will strengthen their ability to serve our people, respond to disasters, and support recovery efforts alongside the National Guard and law enforcement. A step forward for readiness and resilience in South Carolina.
Beautiful day to join the S.C. State Guard to celebrate the Grand Opening of the Olympia Armory.
These men and women do so much to serve our people when we face natural disasters, during times of recovery, and so much more.
Thank you to Major General Leon Lott for your leadership. Please know the S.C. State Guard has our unwavering support.
Sources: WIS 10 News – Governor Henry McMaster – South Carolina Lt. Governor Evette – South Carolina State Guard – South Carolina Military Department
