Let’s face it, most people come to Charleston SC for the history and knowing they are walking the same streets as signers of our constitution as well as Civil War generals. That’s just part of the many reasons Charleston has been voted best city in United States so many times. Many of the old historic houses in the downtown Charleston area have been owned or lived in my some of the more famous American dignitaries that once called Charleston SC home. Owning historical property in downtown Charleston SC can be both exciting and challenging at the same time. Before buying a home in downtown Charleston SC there are some things one should consider. Unlike most cities, Charleston takes great pride as do the city’s officials go to painstaking effort to preserve the beauty and historical splendor that so many come to enjoy every year. With that said it’s understandable that it isn’t very simple process to do work, renovation, additions to your property in downtown. All work must be permitted through the BAR (architectural review board) or you could face serious fine AND be forced to change whatever you did back to what it was. Even down to the paint colors. It’s highly recommended that you find a contractor specializing in historical renovations as they are familiar with the rules, permitting process, regulations, and code necessary for doing construction work downtown.
The Board of Architectural review or “BAR” takes their job very seriously and as they should, The BAR was established in 1931 with the creation of the first preservation ordinance in the United States. Our rich history is why Charleston has been voted 5 years in a row the United States #1 tourist city and top 10 in the world by the readers of Conde Naste traveler magazine.
As stated in the City of downtown Charleston Zoning Ordinance, the purpose of the board is “the preservation and protection of the old historic or architecturally worthy structures and quaint neighborhoods which impart a distinct aspect to the city and which serve as visible reminders of the historical and cultural heritage of the city, the state, and the nation.”
There are many historically significant streets in the downtown area that almost always have homes for sale on MLS:
Under construction with estimated completion in August! Come and be a part of everything Nexton has to offer and reside in the only gated, active adult community within Nexton! This popular Compass...
Under construction with estimated completion in August! Come and be a part of everything Nexton has to offer and reside in the only gated, active adult community within Nexton! This popular Compass...
Just in time for Spring in Charleston! Location, location, location! Circa 1830/they don't build them like this any more! Renovated without taking the historic charm or loosing architectural...
Just in time for Spring in Charleston! Location, location, location! Circa 1830/they don't build them like this any more! Renovated without taking the historic charm or loosing architectural...
Fully Renovated 2021-2023 & NO FLOODING. The c.1811 Chancognie property at 5 & 5 1/2 Alexander Street offers a prime location with the perfect balance of historic details and modern living. With...
Fully Renovated 2021-2023 & NO FLOODING. The c.1811 Chancognie property at 5 & 5 1/2 Alexander Street offers a prime location with the perfect balance of historic details and modern living. With...
This immaculate and original 1820 kitchen house boasts authenticity and location. Located South of Broad, yet tucked away, this property has both original cooking fireplaces restored with the...
This immaculate and original 1820 kitchen house boasts authenticity and location. Located South of Broad, yet tucked away, this property has both original cooking fireplaces restored with the...
Experience contemporary luxury and timeless charm in this renovated Downtown Charleston home. This pied-a-terre boasts spacious living and dining rooms with high ceilings, original crown molding,...
Experience contemporary luxury and timeless charm in this renovated Downtown Charleston home. This pied-a-terre boasts spacious living and dining rooms with high ceilings, original crown molding,...
The grandeur of Downtown Charleston awaits at the Stephen Shrewsbury House in the coveted Ansonborough neighborhood. A solid-brick single house, 40 Laurens Street commands attention with two levels...
The grandeur of Downtown Charleston awaits at the Stephen Shrewsbury House in the coveted Ansonborough neighborhood. A solid-brick single house, 40 Laurens Street commands attention with two levels...
89 Ashley Avenue is an extraordinary downtown sanctuary which combines Federal Period architecture with modern day opulence. This grand brick Charleston single house was built in 1838 and is truly an...
89 Ashley Avenue is an extraordinary downtown sanctuary which combines Federal Period architecture with modern day opulence. This grand brick Charleston single house was built in 1838 and is truly an...
This charming pied-A -terre is situated in the heart of the historic walled City, on Rainbow Row at the intersection of Tradd and East Bay. The home boasts plenty of natural light and picturesque...
This charming pied-A -terre is situated in the heart of the historic walled City, on Rainbow Row at the intersection of Tradd and East Bay. The home boasts plenty of natural light and picturesque...
The Thomas Bannister Seabrook House, otherwise known as ''Seabrook Manor'' is on a high, prime corner lot in Harleston Village. The home is absolutely stunning, with large, elegant rooms, exquisite...
The Thomas Bannister Seabrook House, otherwise known as ''Seabrook Manor'' is on a high, prime corner lot in Harleston Village. The home is absolutely stunning, with large, elegant rooms, exquisite...
This charming brick carriage house at 9 Meeting Street offers a rare opportunity to own an historic property South of Broad. This early 1700's home was originally a kitchen house and has been...
This charming brick carriage house at 9 Meeting Street offers a rare opportunity to own an historic property South of Broad. This early 1700's home was originally a kitchen house and has been...
The William Stone House, circa 1784, is one of 13 fine pastel-colored homes on Rainbow Row, perched just along the Battery, a short stroll to the waterfront. The natural light throughout the house...
The William Stone House, circa 1784, is one of 13 fine pastel-colored homes on Rainbow Row, perched just along the Battery, a short stroll to the waterfront. The natural light throughout the house...
Stunning Greek Revival, the William A Hussey house, located in the heart of Wraggborough circa 1849, has been meticulously restored per National Register of Historic Places guidelines. This stunning...
Stunning Greek Revival, the William A Hussey house, located in the heart of Wraggborough circa 1849, has been meticulously restored per National Register of Historic Places guidelines. This stunning...
If you wish to take on the task of doing substantial work to your “new” old house in Downtown Charleston SC then it’s worth knowing what’s at stake. For those owners and contractors they hire who do an amazing job it’s possible you could receive the coveted Carolopolis award from the Charleston Preservation Society. The society was formed in 1953 and was created to “recognize outstanding achievement in exterior preservation, restoration and rehabilitation”. After completing your renovation the home owner or contractor can submit a form to the board for review to be considered for the award.
According to Wikipedia here are 184 properties and districts listed on the National Register in Charleston County. This is the federal governments list of sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation. A property listed in the National Register, or located within a National Register Historic District, may qualify for tax incentives derived from the total value of expenses incurred preserving the property. the National Trust for Historic Preservation, coordinate, identify, and protect historic sites in the United States. While National Register listings are mostly symbolic, their recognition of significance provides some financial incentive to owners of listed properties. Protection of the property is not guaranteed. During the nomination process, the property is evaluated in terms of the four criteria for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places.
Let’s face it, most people come to Charleston SC for the history and knowing they are walking the same streets as signers of our constitution as well as Civil War generals. That’s just part of the many reasons Charleston has been voted best city in United States so many times. Many of the old historic houses in the downtown Charleston area have been owned or lived in my some of the more famous American dignitaries that once called Charleston SC home. Owning historical property in downtown Charleston SC can be both exciting and challenging at the same time. Before buying a home in downtown Charleston SC there are some things one should consider. Unlike most cities, Charleston takes great pride as do the city’s officials go to painstaking effort to preserve the beauty and historical splendor that so many come to enjoy every year. With that said it’s understandable that it isn’t very simple process to do work, 
renovation, additions to your property in downtown. All work must be permitted through the BAR (architectural review board) or you could face serious fine AND be forced to change whatever you did back to what it was. Even down to the paint colors. It’s highly recommended that you find a contractor specializing in historical renovations as they are familiar with the rules, permitting process, regulations, and code necessary for doing construction work downtown.
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