So many things make Charleston, Charleston — and history is undoubtedly one of those things. Recently, 27 projects were recognized for playing a role in preserving history.
The Preservation Society of Charleston hosted the Carolopolis Awards — honoring residential, commercial, and institutional projects that help buildings maintain the character + authenticity of the Charleston area. The projects honored this year are located across downtown, North Charleston, Sullivan’s Island, and include the first-ever awarded buildings on Daniel Island and Folly Beach.
Fun fact: This year, the Preservation Society handed out its 1,500th award since the program began in 1953.
Categories
Award-winners showcase preservation excellence, and there are five areas for which the Carolopolis plaques are awarded.
- Exterior
- Interior
- New Construction
- Resilience
- Pro Merito
Both private and public projects are recognized in these awards. President + CEO of the Preservation Society, Brian Turner, said, “This year’s Carolopolis Awards highlights that projects big and small can show careful dedication to preservation best practices — from a modest freedman’s cottage on the Eastside to the adaptive reuse of massive military warehouses on the former Navy Base.”
“Charleston is known as the birthplace of the American historic preservation movement... through the Carolopolis program, Charleston continues leading the national conversation about how the building trades can adapt to put an emphasis on repair, rather than replacement or demolition,” said Turner.
Next time you’re downtown or near one of these properties, take note of the Carolopolis plaques. Tap below to see some of the before and after photos of the projects.
2025 Winners
Photos provided by the Preservation Society of Charleston
Photos provided by the Preservation Society of Charleston
Photos provided by the Preservation Society of Charleston
Photos provided by the Preservation Society of Charleston
Photos provided by the Preservation Society of Charleston
Photos provided by the Preservation Society of Charleston
Photos provided by the Preservation Society of Charleston
Exterior Award
- 5 Sheppard St.
- 12 Line St.
- 21 Magazine St.
- 44 State St.
- 71 Wentworth St.
- 121 Cannon St.
- 162 Wentworth St.
- 212 Ashley Ave.
- 371 King St. — Exterior Award
- 413 Station 23 (Sullivan’s Island)
- 1099 King St. (also awarded for interior)
- 1361 Truxtun Ave. (Storehouse 8, North Charleston)
- 2154 Noisette Blvd. (Storehouse 9, North Charleston)
- 2029 Carver Ave. (North Charleston)
- 3324 Rivers Ave. (North Charleston)
- Strawberry Chapel (Moncks Corner)
Pro Merito Awards
- 2 Meeting St.
- 6 Montagu St.
- 9 Limehouse St.
- 21 Lamboll St.
- 39 Meeting St.
New Construction Awards
- 1080-1090 Morrison Dr.
- St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church (Daniel Island)
Resilience Awards
- 4 Gadsden St.92 Morris St.508 E. Ashley Ave. (Folly Beach)
Interior Awards
- 1099 King St. (also awarded for exterior)
Note: You might only count 26 projects, but there were a total of 27 awards; one winner earned an award for two categories.
2024 Winners
Exterior Award
- 94 Sheppard St.
- 59 Chapel St.
- 123 King St.
- 22 Sheppard St.
- 95 Line St.
- Starlight Motor Inn
Pro Merito Award
- 322 King St.
- 66 Warren St.
New Construction Award
- Father Grants Court
- 151 Queen St. — New Construction Award
- 741 Meeting St. — New Construction Award
Interior and Exterior Awards
- Boone Hall Gin House
