After decades of abandonment, a piece of Sullivan’s Island history may soon get a fresh start — without losing its soul. The nearly 100-year-old Fort Moultrie Post Theater, once a bustling military venue, could be transformed into a unique single-family home if the latest plans receive approval this week.
A New Life for a Historic Sullivan’s Island Landmark
The Sullivan’s Island Design Review Board is set to review final design plans for the historic theater on Wednesday, marking a pivotal step in the structure’s long journey from a military theater to an abandoned warehouse — and possibly now, a cherished residence.
Originally completed in May 1928 for just $19,500, the building was used to screen movies, host war bond drives, and hold ceremonies while Fort Moultrie was active. After the fort was decommissioned in 1947, the theater briefly became a private venue with seating for 406, before falling into disuse.
Turning the Past into a Place to Live
Now, architect Anthony Cissell and his team at Cissell Design Studio aim to breathe new life into the building. Their goal? Create a modern living space while preserving the structure’s original character.
“Our goal with this project is really that when we’re done, this should still look like the landmark building that Sullivan’s Island has known for nearly 100 years,” said Cissell.
However, converting an aging theater into a modern home comes with challenges. Flood risk is one of the biggest concerns. To address this, Cissell plans to raise the interior by three feet, ensuring the historic woodwork and interior details are protected.
Preserving History, One Detail at a Time
The team is taking a meticulous approach to preserve original features:
Historic wood trim around doors and windows will be carefully catalogued, removed, and reused wherever possible.
The main stage area will be preserved and remain the focal point of the living space.
Original 1930s theater doors will stay in place, though raised for flood protection.
In addition, the team is exploring eligibility for the historic tax credit program, which would involve oversight from both the state Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service.
Community and Preservation Experts React
Architectural historian Brittany Lavelle Tulla, who runs BVL Historic Preservation Research, supports the direction the project is taking. She hopes the team goes through the historic tax credit process, as it ensures preservation is not only skin-deep.
“They not only have to sensitively restore the exterior, but they also have to do the interior as well,” Lavelle Tulla explained.
She also stressed the importance of keeping iconic buildings like the Fort Moultrie Theater intact, as they contribute to the island’s unique charm and history.
“The exterior character of that building does have a lot of weight. It’s like this anchor on Sullivan’s Island… it pays testimony to the island’s military background.”
Design That Listens to the Building
Cissell noted that earlier design ideas were steering the building away from its historical character. He felt the need to hit pause and listen to what the space truly needed.
“Let’s stop for a minute, let’s listen to the building and listen to what the building is telling us it wants to be for the next hundred years of its life, and I think that’s what we’ve done,” he said.
Historic Recognition to Continue
While a historic marker currently stands outside the building, Cissell confirmed that they will work with town staff to maintain some form of historical recognition on-site after the renovation.
As the Sullivan’s Island Design Review Board prepares to vote, many residents and preservationists are watching closely. The hope is that this thoughtful balance of history and modern living will serve as a shining example of how to honour the past while building for the future.
