Around Charleston
1 - Johns Island Rec Center Info Meeting - The City of Charleston is holding its first info meeting and unveiling the early plans for the rec center on Monday, October 20th, at Haut Gap Middle School. INFO AND RSVP
2 - RAW LAB Closing - The 242 sqft chef’s tasting experience has announced that they will be serving their last dinner on 12/31/25. For the past 4 years, Chef Kevin Joseph has been serving and entertaining in his small spot. READ MORE
3 - Erewhon will be Nowhere in Charleston - A much-talked-about Instagram post had everyone excited for the ultra-expensive grocery store’s possible opening in Charleston. However, the post was later edited to say they will be SHIPPING here, not opening. SEE THE POST
Historic Home of the Week
32 State St - Small but MIGHTY! This c.1858 French Quarter home has a ton of personality AND a roof top deck!
1 Bed | 1.5 Bath | 1002 sqft | $1,425,000
@the.bill.olson This c.1858, 1000sqft Charleston pied-á-terre in the French Quarter holds a lot of personality in a small package...with a roof top patio!... See more
The Fate of the Customs House Hangs in the Balance
Background
The U.S. Customhouse on East Bay Street, one of Charleston’s most iconic historic buildings, is being reviewed for potential sale.
It’s part of a federal effort to reduce and consolidate underused government-owned properties across the Southeast.
The review is led by the Public Buildings Reform Board, which can recommend, but not decide on, disposals.
Why Now?
The federal government spends billions annually maintaining buildings that are vacant or underused.
Market conditions may make now a rare opportunity to reduce that footprint while creating financial, social, and environmental benefits.
History of the Customhouse
Original construction began in 1853 after the U.S. Customs Service outgrew the Exchange Building.
Built with limestone, granite, and marble; design influenced by Roman Revival architecture.
Work halted during the Civil War, resumed in 1870, and was finally completed in 1879 at a cost of $2.8M.
Survived demolition attempts in the 1950s; restored in the 1960s.
Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
Current Use
The building now houses U.S. Customs and Border Protection offices.
It’s currently off-limits to the public, despite its civic origins.
Local Perspectives
Preservation Society of Charleston: Sees opportunity to better connect the building to the community.
Historic Charleston Foundation: Suggests redevelopment could tie into broader Union Pier and Market Street East discussions.
Both groups stress its civic importance and potential for public use.
What’s Next?
Local officials, preservationists, and real estate leaders will meet with the board to provide feedback.
Two other South Carolina properties under review: the Strom Thurmond Federal Building and Courthouse in Columbia.
Previous efforts to sell or close federal properties in SC have faced strong opposition.
Why It Matters for Charleston
The Customhouse is not only an architectural landmark but also part of the city’s civic identity.
Its future, whether kept federal, sold, or repurposed, could reshape a key section of downtown near the City Market.
Public Comments
I recently made a video about this, and my audience had some suggestions on what the building could be used for.
Maritime History Museum - This was one of the most liked suggestions and would be a really cool repurpose of the building. Others suggested museum usage as well.
Event Space
Dollar General - 😂 This just made me laugh
Library
Art Galleries
Whatever happens to it, I think everyone agrees that it should not be changed or altered in any way and needs to be for some sort of public use. Time will tell and I will keep you updated as I learn more.
1022 Stono River Dr, Charleston, SC 20412
3 beds | 2 baths | 1585 sqft
$600,000
This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in Riverland Crossing offers an open concept layout with a vaulted living room, gas fireplace, and a kitchen with stainless appliances. A conditioned sunroom provides year-round enjoyment, while the fenced backyard includes a powered workshop. The primary suite is downstairs, with two additional bedrooms upstairs. Beyond the home, you’ll love the direct access to the Riverland Drive path—just a short walk or bike ride into James Island County Park—and quick trips to both Folly Beach and downtown Charleston.
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Project Requests
Recently, I’ve been getting quite a few DMs on Instagram asking about different projects. Many that just say “what’s happening at the corner of ____ & ____” and nothing else. So to make things easier on everyone, I’ve created a project request submission form. Now, if you want me to research what’s going on somewhere, just click the link, fill in as much info as you can, and I can look into it. Who knows, it might just turn into the next viral video on my Instagram! So what do you want to know about? Click below and fill out the form!
-Bill Olson
If you're looking to buy or sell a home in Charleston, Bill Olson & Pirate Properties can help you. We’re fast, friendly, knowledgeable, and fun to work with. We’ve helped hundreds of clients in real estate. Click below and start viewing what's available in Charleston today, calculate your home’s value, or schedule a no-obligation, no-pressure discovery call.
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