The City of Charleston is taking steps to preserve a vital part of its skyline with the restoration of the historic smokestacks at the St. Julian Devine Community Center. The restoration project is set to begin this week and is expected to be completed by early 2026. The smokestacks, which have withstood decades of wear and tear, were identified in 2020 as a potential hazard to nearby residents, prompting the city’s decision to preserve them.
Restoration Plans
After years of deliberation, city leaders have opted for a complete restoration of the smokestacks rather than partial restoration or demolition. The project, initially estimated to cost nearly $3 million, has now been approved and will ensure the smokestacks remain a part of Charleston’s skyline.
The restoration will involve a top-to-bottom, inside-out overhaul of the structures. This includes stabilizing the exterior by removing the current steel “corsets” and reinforcing bands, as well as replacing any damaged bricks. The smokestacks will also undergo extensive interior reinforcement to comply with modern safety codes and withstand hurricane-force winds. Structural masonry and shotcrete lining will be added over the newly installed reinforcing materials to enhance stability.
Historical Significance
The smokestacks at St. Julian Devine Community Center are more than just architectural features; they symbolize Charleston’s history and pride. Built in 1935 as part of the city’s municipal trash incinerator, the smokestacks once served as a vital part of Charleston’s waste disposal system before the facility closed in the 1960s.
In the 1970s, the site was redeveloped into a community center, and in 1992, it was renamed in honor of St. Julian F. Devine, the first African American elected to the Charleston City Council since Reconstruction. Mayor William Cogswell emphasized the importance of preserving the smokestacks, stating, “They are more than just structures — they are part of Charleston’s history and a source of pride for the community.”
Future of the Smokestacks
The restoration will ensure that the St. Julian Devine smokestacks continue to stand as a lasting testament to Charleston’s rich history and resilience. With this project, the city is not only preserving a key historical landmark but also safeguarding its Eastside’s historic skyline for future generations.
