S.C. Ports Authority Commits to Restoring Bennett Rice Mill façade
In an effort to preserve the historic architecture of Charleston, South Carolina, The South Carolina Ports Authority has announced they will be revitalizing the Bennett Rice Mill façade. The move is part of a larger undertaking that will also see the sale of the local land to a private owner. This plot is planned as part of an ambitious Union Pier project.
Brian Turner, president of the Preservation Society of Charleston, said, “The Rice Mill façade is one of the last historic features that’s visible in the landscape, and so naturally could be a centerpiece of a future redevelopment.”
The project carries a $1.6 million price tag, which the S.C. Ports Authority will foot in an effort to maintain the city’s unique culture and history. A statement from the port authority read, “The façade is: A unique landmark and a prominent piece of industrial architecture at Union Pier.”
Selection of Preservation Team
Although the restorative work will take place in a Charleston landmark, the job of renovating the façade was entrusted to Landmark Preservation, a team based out of Savannah. This decision was made as Landmark Preservation was the sole group to provide an immediate cost proposal. Turner endorsed this decision, stating that “Landmark had the capacity and the expertise to do this work.”
Excitement Surrounding the Project
The Historic Charleston Foundation shares the excitement of the Preservation Society, long advocating for the conservation of the Bennett Rice Mill façade. A statement from the foundation read, “We look forward to seeing how this landmark will be incorporated into the new vision for Union Pier.”
Fielding sentiments from the community also revealed a strong desire for the stabilization and repair of the charismatic façade. Barbara Melvin, CEO of S.C. Ports, affirmed this sentiment in an official statement. Melvin assured that the hired Landmark Preservation team would conscientiously continue the preservation efforts for the historical structure while future plans for its integration into the public realm of Union Pier are developed.
Schedule and Timeline
The renovation work according to the S.C. Ports action plan is set to start in May and the project is scheduled to complete by November this year. The onset of hurricane season adds an element of urgency to these preservation efforts, particularly given the progressive deterioration of the structure.
Celebrating the Past, Shaping the Future
As Charleston looks to the future, the city simultaneously seeks to honor its past. Bennett Rice Mill façade symbolizes industrial history, the significant role of rice production in Charleston’s economy, and the immense contributions of the enslaved people who powered this industry. Preserving this façade is a testament to the city’s commitment to remember and learn from its history while it shapes its future.
