The City of Charleston is restoring the historic twin smokestacks at the St. Julian Devine Community Center. This comes about five years after a city official called for them to be brought down over fears that a hurricane could knock the brick structures over.
Mayor William Cogswell noted that preserving the Eastside landmarks protects what makes the neighborhood’s skyline unique. He added, “They are more than just structures — they are part of Charleston’s history and a source of pride for the community.”
The smokestacks were built in 1935 as part of the city’s trash incinerator until the facility closed in the 1960s. The smokestacks remained when the site was redeveloped as a community center in the 1970s. Did you know? The center was renamed in 1992 to honor St. Julian F. Devine, the first African American elected to the Charleston City Council since Reconstruction.
The restoration work will include:
- Adding corrosion-resistant stainless-steel bands and replacing any damaged bricks for exterior stabilization.
- Interior reinforcement will be achieved with structural masonry and a Gunite lining over new reinforcing materials. This will strengthen the stacks to withstand hurricane-force winds and meet safety codes.
- Once the repairs are complete, the smokestacks’ lightning protection system will be reinstalled.
Work is expected to begin this week and be finished early next year.
