Preserving Charleston’s Historic Charm

As you walk down the streets of Charleston, you’ll encounter a landscape rich with historical elements that vividly narrate the city’s past. From quaint piazzas to detailed wrought iron decorations, the vibrant city holds close to its historical integrity and cultural heritage.

Through conservation and preservation efforts, the Historic Charleston Foundation (HCF), the Preservation Society of Charleston (PSC), and the Board of Architecture Review (BAR) work in preserving Charleston's history.

Organizations Preserving Charleston History

As Downtown Charleston continues to rapidly grow, The HCF and the PSC work to ensure that any new development and restoration efforts on the peninsula are made to enhance the landscape of the city and integrate with Charleston’s historic character.

This ensures residents that the streetscapes of their neighborhoods will stay historically accurate and protected for generations to come. 38 Tradd Street is an example of a historic home that has been protected by these organizations and plays a large role in upholding the historic charm of the community.

Handsome Properties have been a proud long-time sponsor at the HCF and the PSC. The company has supported the organizations by participating in HCF’s Festival of Houses and Gardens and PSC’s Fall Tours events.

Surprisingly, Charleston’s historical landscape was once at risk of destruction in the early 18th century. Many historic structures were demolished for new developments that did not align with the city’s architectural character.

If continued, the beauty and unique charm that Charleston is known for today would cease to exist. Luckily, local community members led by Susan Frost saw the importance of protecting the historical integrity of the city. They created organizations, such as the PSC, that would safeguard against the destruction of the city’s history and cultural heritage.

Susan Frost 

Frost always had an active role in the Charleston community, particularly at the beginning of the 18th century. She worked in various fields, including real estate, where her love for preserving historic buildings started to develop.

Frost worked to save historic properties by selling them to those who shared her love and passion for them. She often sold homes in the South of Broad area, notably on East Bay Street “Rainbow Row,” a location that is praised for its preservation efforts.

Frost, a trusted local, influenced others to advocate for preservation regulations to protect Charleston’s unique history. Frost did this by creating the PSC, originally known as the Society for the Preservation of Old Dwellings. The PSC made Charleston the first in the nation to establish zoning ordinances and protection laws for historic structures and neighborhoods.

Joseph Manigault House

Frost’s influence in preservation started to become notable when the Joseph Manigault House, located in the highly sought-after Wraggborough neighborhood of Downtown Charleston, was set to be demolished in 1920. People love the Manigault house not only for its Adam-style architecture but also for the stories embedded in its history.

Picture Credit from left to right: The Charleston Museum via Instagram, Historic Charleston Foundation via Historic Archives

Frost knew that destroying historic gems, such as the Manigault House, would be a major loss for the community. Her work at the PSC saved the Manigault house, along with many other historic buildings in the area. The PSC and other preservation groups continue to honor Frost’s legacy by protecting historically significant properties whenever possible.