Coppin Hall on the Allen University campus
The Coppin Hall HBCU Project

Preserving Coppin Hall for the next century.

Completed in 1907, Coppin Hall is a significant historic structure within the Allen University Historic District, reflecting Allen’s enduring commitment to African American education and architectural heritage. Its restoration is now underway.

Share your comments About the restoration
A Landmark Since 1907

Built by the AME Church. Preserved for history.

Coppin Hall stands alongside Arnett Hall, the Canteen, the Chappelle Administration Building, and the Joseph Simon Flipper Library as one of five historic buildings that define Allen’s campus on Harden Street.

  1. 1906Cornerstone laid by builder Rev. John C. Smart of Winnsboro, a traveling minister of the AME Church.
  2. 1907Coppin Hall is completed.
  3. 1975Listed on the National Register of Historic Places on April 14 as part of the Allen University Historic District.
  4. 2023Allen receives a National Park Service HBCU grant for the Coppin Hall Preservation Project.
  5. TodayRestoration of Coppin Hall is underway, with input from the community.
The Namesake

Bishop Levi Jenkins Coppin

1848 – 1924
  • Born in Fredericktown, Maryland, he was taught to read by his mother at a time when doing so was illegal.
  • Editor of the AME Church Review from 1888 to 1896, and one of the founders of the American Negro Academy.
  • Elected an AME bishop in 1900, he served as the church’s bishop for South Africa.
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The Preservation Project

Restoring Coppin Hall, inside and out.

Allen is repairing and modernizing Coppin Hall while protecting its historic character. All work must meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for historic preservation.

Supported in Part By NPS HBCU Grant This restoration project is supported in part by a Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU) grant from the Historic Preservation Fund administered by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior.

  • Windows

  • Interior finishes & painting

  • Electrical & plumbing

  • Restroom renovation & elevator replacement

How to Submit Feedback

We want to hear from you.

We welcome your input regarding the project’s impact on this historic property. Members of the community and interested parties are invited to share comments or questions.

Comments submitted regarding this project will be considered as part of our ongoing consultation process. We appreciate your interest in protecting our shared history.

By email Submit a comment HBCUPreservationGrant@allenuniversity.edu
By mail
Allen University
Attn: Coppin Hall Restoration
Mr. Don Peters, Director of Facilities
1530 Harden Street
Columbia, SC 29204

Help preserve Allen’s history.

Your gift helps protect the historic campus where generations of Yellow Jackets have learned, led, and served.

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Office of Institutional Advancement OIA@allenuniversity.edu 803-376-5725