Around Charleston
1 - Global Entry Office Open - A permanent Global Entry office has opened at the Charleston Airport. Appointments are filling up, with the next available dates into October. SCHEDULE HERE
2 - $1,000,000 Pitch Competition - Catalyst by Beemok, the $1m startup pitch competition from Ben Navarro, has started selling tickets for $25 and released the schedule of events. Applications for the pitch are still open as well. MORE INFO
3 - 71-unit Build To Rent Development - Set to welcome residents in 2027, this Clements Ferry Development will feature 2 & 3 story townhomes with rooftop terraces, resort-style pool, fitness center, and more. READ MORE
4 - Cosgrove Extension Overpass - The new overpass gives easier access to the Navy Yard redevelopment and features a multi-use walk/bike path. It goes over the railroad so trains can move freely without hindering traffic.
Historic Home of the Week
26 Queen St - This c.1760 French Quarter home has what is believed to be one of the last remaining unpainted cypress wood panelled dining rooms in all of Charleston.
5 Bed | 3.5 Bath | 3996 sqft | $3,650,000
@the.bill.olson This c.1760 home in Charleston's French Quarter neighborhood features an unpainted wood cypress paneled dining room which is believed to b... See more
*Historic Charleston Homes set to launch this coming week! Be one of the first to see it!
3 Historic Restoration Projects
274 Calhoun Street: The Anderson House Restoration
This project focuses on exterior repairs and replacement for the Anderson House, which is a Category 1 building circa 1802. The building is recognized as the oldest piece of property owned by the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC).
A. Property Details and Goals
Category 1 building, circa 1802.
The building is wood-frame construction over a masonry foundation.
The work aims to establish a benchmark for how MUSC approaches its historic buildings.
B. Key Restoration Scope
Roof and Trim: The standing seam metal roof requires repair due to leaks. The deteriorated galvanized drip edge will be replaced with lead-coated copper.
Structural Repair: Replacement of wood trim that has deteriorated and allowed access for rodents.
Masonry/Stucco: All failing or cracked stucco on the foundation must be repaired using lime-based stucco only (cement is explicitly excluded). Lime-based stucco is preferred because it is more flexible and forgiving.
Architectural Detailing: Work includes replacing deteriorated readed trim with consistent detailing, as some previous repairs used non-matching boards.
Painting: The team is seeking to smooth the many layers of existing paint, aiming for a final result of at least seven coats of paint for preservation and to keep moisture out.
C. Approval Status
Conceptual Approval was granted, conditional upon a conservator’s analysis determining the stucco and mortar composition to ensure compatibility with the existing historic fabric.
268 Calhoun Street: The Sebring Amar House Repairs
This project, which received strong approval from staff and board members, focuses on the exterior repair and replacement for the Sebring Amar House.
A. Property Details
Category 2 building, circa 1838.
The building features Greek Doric columns.
B. Key Restoration Scope
Roof: The flat roof will be replaced with a modified bitumen roof, noted as a better, longer-lasting solution than commonly used TPO roofs.
Stucco/Masonry: Failing or cracked stucco must be repaired exclusively with lime-based stucco.
Structural: Significant column repairs and replacements are planned for the staved columns.
Detailing: Lead flashing will be installed in the plinth blocks.
New Arch: A new masonry arch will be installed, using lime-based mortar only, in an area where a flat lentil currently sits (this area was previously an enclosed part of the ground floor piazza).
C. Overall Project Assessment (Both Calhoun Buildings)
The application documents were described as an "exemplary set of drawings".
The overall scope of work demonstrates "careful preservation for rehabilitation," employing best practices with an attention to detail.
39 Broad Street: Storefront Architectural Restoration
The owner of this Category 4 building (circa 1891) requested conceptual approval to restore its exterior storefront.
A. Project Background
Category 4 building, circa 1891.
Historic images (from 1912 and earlier) show the facade originally featured masonry arches which were part of a major 1895 renovation.
In the mid-20th century, the arches were removed and replaced with a steel and glass storefront.
B. Restoration Plan
Demolition: The plan involves removing the existing metal/glass storefront and the mid-20th century steel lintel.
Arches: The masonry arches will be restored and constructed as true loadbearing masonry, tied together using steel.
Materials: Matching stone will be sourced for the arches and keystone to match the original 1895 stone.
Infill: New custom wood doors, designed to be period appropriate for the 1890s, will be installed. Restoration of the iron work above the arch is also planned.
Approach: Due to missing original information, the architect described the proposal as a rehabilitation "in the spirit of the original facade" rather than a perfect reconstruction.
C. Board and Community Support
The proposal received "overwhelming support" from local preservation groups.
The board agreed the restoration was "entirely appropriate" and would constitute a "significant improvement" to the pedestrian experience on Broad Street.
D. Conceptual Approval Status
Approved with conditions, specifically requiring that the structural stabilization of the facade (shoring) must be carefully managed to prevent damage to the existing historic fabric. New mortar must also be evaluated by a conservator to match the existing composition.
2045 Cripplecreek Dr, Ladson, SC 29456
Welcome to this spacious 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home in Ladson, featuring a versatile floor plan with formal dining, a family room, and an additional living space. The kitchen is equipped with granite countertops, tiled backsplash, stainless steel appliances, and ample storage. Upstairs, a large loft and spacious primary suite with dual vanities, garden tub, and walk-in closet add to the comfort. Outdoor amenities include a screened porch, fenced backyard, and a community pool, all within close reach of Summerville, shopping, and I-26.
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It’s Our 1-Year Anniversary! 🎉
One year ago, I decided to start this little newsletter journey to expand on the bigger projects I was covering on Instagram. A place to go into a little more detail while also being able to share some smaller stories, some real estate market info, and whatever else comes to mind. Well, today marks 52 weeks of not missing a Saturday. Over the course of this past year, I’ve written this newsletter in my office, on my couch, on a cruise ship in the Bahamas, and right now in a hotel room in Ohio while travelling for my cousin’s wedding. In the past year, The ChuckTown Report has been ranked in the top 5% of newsletters on the publishing platform we use!
While looking at readership over the last year, these are the top 5 projects/stories you were most interested:
Restoration Hardware in the Wagener Building
Charleston Airport Expansion Project
Stormwater Fee moving to property tax bill
The Dockside Condos
MUSC Medical Overlay District
Cheers to the next 52-week streak! As long as you keep reading and sharing this with your friends, I’ll keep writing!
-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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