Development Spotlight: Old City Jail
Old City Jail Featured at NAR Legislative Meetings
The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) recently held our annual legislative meetings in Washington, D.C. Every year, Realtors® from across the country gather in May to discuss advocacy issues facing us at the local, state, and federal levels. The Charleston Trident Association of Realtors® (CTAR) attended and want to spotlight the contributions of our members. CTAR has one of the most engaged associations in the country, with many of our members serving on committees and in leadership roles at the national level.
This year, NAR held a session on adaptive reuse and highlighted the work being done by Landmark Enterprises of Charleston, S.C. with the Old Charleston Jail.
Adaptive reuse is an important tool for preservation while repurposing a vacant building. The Old Charleston Jail is a great example of creativity in the marketplace. The history of the Jail is a complex one and finding ways to honor that past while giving the building a future are initiatives supported by CTAR.
However, repurposing a building in need of significant repairs is not for the faint of heart. Jason Ward, President of Landmark Enterprises, presented the Old Charleston Jail’s story at the Realtors® Legislative Meetings to those who are passionate about adaptive reuse. The opportunity to share our successes and struggles is what makes our industry impact. Mr. Ward shared firsthand how Realtor® policies can make a project pencil.
Mr. Ward discussed the difficulties with repurposing a building that began construction in the 1790’s, as when Landmark discovered the steel beams were coated in concrete that had been mixed with the harbor water. The salt slowly eroding the integrity of the structure. The entire guts of the building had to be redone.
He also shared the policies that made the Old Charleston Jail happen. Historic tax credits were used to make the financing of the project work. Mr. Ward stated that without historic tax credits at the state, and federal levels, this project would not have happened. These are Realtor® priorities at CTAR, SCR, and NAR.
Before re-construction, the Jail was most recently used for college classrooms by both the American College of the Building Arts and Clemson University, as well as for historic tours by Bulldog Tours. The site has an extended legacy that continues to be told. The revitalization will breathe new life into the Jail and historic Charleston. Repurposing buildings, like the Jail, in a thoughtful way is a tool for development. Bringing vacant buildings back into the market is needed in our region. Adaptive reuse does exactly that.
The tours will continue but will now be complimented by office, retail and special event space. Several stunning live oaks are a signature element of the site and are integrally incorporated into the overall operation. The Old Charleston Jail is known to have housed Denmark Vesey, officers during the Civil War including the 54th Massachusetts after the Battle of Fort Wagner, pirates, and the notorious John and Lavinia Fisher. Tomorrow, it could be your workspace or entertainment venue.
The Old Charleston Jail has a storied history but the future is just as exciting! Landmark Enterprises took a risk in repurposing this building. However, their vision is going to reinforce and save the structure. It will bring to life an untapped resource in our market. By giving buildings purpose, even a different purpose, we can reflect on our past with an eye on the horizon.
The Old Charleston Jail is a success story for Landmark Enterprises, Charleston, and Realtors® across the country!
