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Parcels within the proposed business improvement district on King Street from Line to Broad
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KING STREET IMPROVEMENTS GET BOOST FROM CITY COUNCIL
Last night, City Council endorsed the efforts of a grassroots coalition of property owners along King Street to create a business improvement district, or “BID.” If ultimately approved by property owners, the BID would add a new funding stream for improvements between Broad and Line Streets.
Under the plan, the non-profit Charleston Downtown Alliance, Inc. (CDA) would be contracted by the City to spend funds generated by a special assessment on King Street property owners. Anticipated revenue of $1 million each year for 10 years would fund cultural programming, beautification efforts such as holiday lighting and flower displays, and additional street cleaning. The price, $0.0113 per dollar of a parcel’s assessed value, is intended to pay for itself in the value it adds to businesses.
The CDA board represents different types of owners on King Street, including the Preservation Society, with the aim of keeping King Street vibrant and economically prosperous. Established in April 2021, the CDA sees King Street as more than a collection of buildings, but a cohesive cultural landscape. It helps to foster collaboration between owners and to increase opportunities for entrepreneurism, which can translate into new, exciting preservation efforts like the redevelopment of Morris Sokol Department Store (510 King) and the former Masonic Temple Building (71 Wentworth).
Now that City Council has passed this Resolution, the next step will be a public hearing at the December 7 City Council meeting. The PSC strongly supports the CDA and will be encouraging our neighbors on King Street to do the same as partners in our broader efforts to sustain what makes King Street such a unique cultural district.
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An aerial view of recent efforts to stabilize the 135-foot-tall smokestacks at St. Julian Devine Community Center in Charleston’s East Side neighborhood, Oct. 22, 2021. Photo by Andrew Whitaker, Post & Courier
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SMOKESTACKS UPDATE
Last fall, the preservation community and Eastside residents united to save the St. Julian Devine smokestacks after the City abruptly ordered their demolition, citing structural concerns. After months of advocacy, including an online petition with 2,500 signatures in favor of preserving the smokestacks, City Council approved funding for the first phase of stabilization, which is now underway. The initial disassembly of the compromised interior liners is a major first step in the campaign to “save the stacks,” as detailed in Monday’s Post & Courier.
However, this $500,000 scope of work represents a fraction of the estimated $3 million needed to fund full preservation of the smokestacks which has not yet been committed. The PSC urges City Council to build on its success and allocate all additional funds necessary to ensure long-term preservation of these iconic structures in the Eastside neighborhood.
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Historic photos of former Black businesses and institutions in the Morris Street Business District. Left to right: Robert F. Morrison’s Esso Station at 179 Coming Street; Allen’s Grocery at 24 ½ Morris Street; Simonton School at 63-81 Morris Street; Brooks Motel at 60 Morris Street.
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SPRING 2022 INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
The PSC is pleased to offer two spring 2022 internship opportunities to support ongoing organizational research and outreach initiatives focused on elevating the narrative of Charleston’s underrepresented, Black history. Both internship positions will provide valuable professional experience working alongside PSC Staff to advance archival research, community engagement, and content development.
Applications will be accepted through this Friday, November 12. Learn more about the available Charleston Justice Journey and Oral History internship positions, and how to apply, on our website.
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THE FALL TOURS & MASTER SERIES
Thank you for a successful season
The 2021 Fall Tours and Master Series has been a great success and it’s time to show how much we appreciate the many people whose contributions have made it so. Your support is a testament to your love for our beautiful city and, even more, your dedication to preserve and protect its priceless history.
The traditional Morning History Walks and Talks and the afternoon Piazzas and Gardens Tours once again attracted eager learners. Added to our program this fall were two more in-depth educational experiences – the Master Architecture and the Master Garden Series - all eight sections fully subscribed.
For whom are we grateful?
The 70+ homeowners who opened their houses and gardens… the 200+ volunteers – tour chairs, concierges, and docents of all types - who welcomed more than 2000 guests over a 5-week period and interpreted for them the storied history of our beautiful city (a number in keeping with our mission to reduce the tourism footprint)… our generous sponsors who helped underwrite the tours… and, of course, the staff and board of PSC who made it happen.
A huge thank you to all.
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68TH CAROLOPOLIS AWARDS CEREMONY PRESENTED BY CARRIAGE PROPERTIES
February 2, 2022 at the historic Sottile Theatre
Every year the Preservation Society is honored to award our Carolopolis plaques to projects that demonstrate excellence in historic preservation. On February 2nd, our awards program will return to the Sottile Theatre, a significant historic space that was awarded a Carolopolis for interior rehabilitation last year. Honorees include the individual property owners and businesses that commit to these projects, as well as the professionals in the design and construction fields that facilitate their transformation. These success stories demonstrate the value Charleston’s community places on historic preservation, and inspire us to see the full potential behind every historic structure. Tickets will go on sale this December - stay tuned!
CALL FOR CAROLOPOLIS AWARDS SPONSORS
As one of the PSC’s signature annual events, we rely on the sponsorship of our local business community to present the Carolopolis Awards program and reception. Thanks to the support of Carriage Properties, our Presenting Sponsor, along with all our committed Annual, Gold, and Silver level sponsors, the Carolopolis Awards have come to be the PSC’s most celebrated event of the year.
It’s not too late! If you are a local business interested in sponsoring the Carolopolis Awards, please contact Courtney Theis, Acting Director of Advancement at 843.722.4630 ext.17; ctheis@preservationsociety.org.
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ENTERTAINING ESSENTIALS FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON
Curated local goods by PSC Retail Associate, Grayson Flowers
We asked our retail expert Grayson Flowers to shed some light on the entertaining essentials that get her into the holiday hosting mindset each year. Inspired by her upbringing in the Lowcountry, she reflects on the Charleston-made products that bring special meaningfulness to her annual traditions. Turn on your ovens, focus on subtle southern touches, and get prepared to be the hostess with the mostess this holiday season.
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PSC SHOP MEMBER APPRECIATION DAY
Saturday, December 4, 2021 from 10 AM - 5 PM
Please join us for a member appreciation event at the Preservation Society of Charleston Shop on Saturday, December 4, 2021, from 10 AM to 5 PM. Members of the PSC will receive an additional 10% off for a total of 20% off every item in The Shop and online on December 4. More details to come regarding the online shop discount code. As always, purchases are tax-free.
Email vswift@preservationsociety.org to confirm the status of your PSC membership or to click below become a member.
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101st ANNUAL MEETING OF THE PRESERVATION SOCIETY
Thank you to everyone who attended the 101st Annual Meeting of the Preservation Society at the Riviera Theater on October 28. Despite the uncooperative weather, the night was filled with positive news, a fascinating guest presentation, and a lively reception that followed. The PSC Board of Directors reported on the strength of the organization across all departments: Operations, Advocacy, Advancement, Retail, and Tours. We held Board elections, which initiated two new members to the PSC Board of Directors: Summer Anderson and Kate Campbell. The Annual Meeting affords us the opportunity to offer our sincere thanks to all who contributed to our success from last fiscal year. The PSC 2021 Annual Report details our financial standing, advocacy wins, and generous community of supporters who truly made our year.
A special thank you to the meeting’s guest speaker: architect Christian Sottile, who enlightened us all with his presentation on humane principles of design. He articulated human scale, proportion, and beauty in architecture that felt highly relevant to the issues now facing Charleston. For those who could not join us, we want to share Christian Sottile’s Ted Talk, The City is Human, to underline many important points he made during his presentation.
The reception to follow was filled with refreshments and discussion between the Board, staff, and members alike that underscores why membership makes the Preservation Society. Belmond Charleston Place was a gracious host and sponsor of the event, and it’s wonderful to share this historic space with PSC members. Please mark your calendars for our next membership meeting on Thursday, February 24.
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