Charleston grapples with balancing historic preservation against the decay of aging structures, as the city’s identity hinges on its architectural heritage. Preservationists argue that even rundown buildings contribute to the cultural narrative, prompting debates at the Board of Architectural Review (BAR).
Philip Simmons Property
The Blake Street home, linked to master blacksmith Philip Simmons, exemplifies a 19th-century vernacular style tied to Charleston’s Eastside. Despite the owner’s plans for a memorial, community outcry led the BAR to approve preservation, honoring neighborhood memories of Simmons.
BAR Review Process
The BAR assesses structural integrity, remaining historic features, and character when evaluating disrepair cases. Councilman Mike Seekings emphasizes partnerships with owners and groups to maintain checks and balances, ensuring the city’s historic fabric endures.
Successes and Challenges
Revamps like those on Sheppard and Cannon Streets by the Preservation Society turned hazards into award-winning homes. However, “demolition by neglect” claims structures like 1001 Upper King Street, now collapsing and untraceable to owners, highlighting irreversible losses once buildings are gone.
