Charleston’s Porgy House Faces Uncertain Future as Community Fights for Preservation

Charleston’s Historical Treasure at Risk: The Porgy House Faces Uncertain Future

Charleston, a city rocking a rich history, is currently holding its breath as the iconic “Porgy House” on Folly Beach is up for sale. This charming abode, where legendary music figure George Gershwin spent his summers, encapsulates decades of culture, creativity, and unforgettable melodies. However, with a hefty price tag of $3 million, the future of this historical landmark looks murky.

A Peek Into the Past

Back in the summer of 1934, Folly Beach was very different—a serene oasis filled with big band music, beauty contests, and scenic sandy roads shaded by luscious trees. At the heart of this paradise stood the Porgy House, where the talented duo, DuBose and Dorothy Heyward, found inspiration in the coastal landscape and the vibrant culture of the Gullah community. They wrote the acclaimed play Porgy, which laid the groundwork for Gershwin’s famous musical, Porgy and Bess, giving a voice to Black protagonists in a time when such representation was rare.

Fast forward to today, and the Heyward home still captures that same magic, largely thanks to the hard work of local architect Myles Glick and his late wife Kathy, who dedicated their efforts to restoring the home. But as Glick prepares to pass this cultural treasure to a new owner, pressing concerns arise—rising home values, the absence of dedicated historical preservation, and the looming threat of hurricanes endanger this piece of Charleston’s history.

Community Comes Together

On December 3rd, concerned Folly Beach residents and local preservationists gathered in the salon of the Porgy House to brainstorm ideas on how to protect this landmark. Organizer Layle Chambers reflected on the significance of the home, highlighting it as a meeting ground for creative souls: “Something special happened here, and if we do nothing, that could just be a memory.”

Dr. James Ward, a former professor at the College of Charleston, emphasized the creative energy that flowed through the house in the 1930s, saying, “This is not set up as a house but as a meeting place.” The salon, with its classic cypress wood design, served as a hub for writers and artists, including novelist Dorothea Benton Frank and Charleston Stage director Julian Wiles. They found inspiration within these walls that led to creative masterpieces reflecting the essence of Folly Beach.

Facing the Future

Sadly, following Kathy’s passing in 2022, maintaining the house has become a struggle for Myles Glick, who has pursued a sale since June 2023. Despite investing in repairs, Glick feels that the city lacks the resources to support the house’s maintenance, leading to concern over the direction the property could take under new ownership. “I don’t want anybody tearing it down,” Glick shared, hoping that an easement attached to the sale would assure preservation.

However, Folly Beach currently lacks a program to support historic homes, causing some to wonder what would happen if a buyer were to see the property simply as a lucrative opportunity to tear it down and build new homes. The city’s demolition permits show a disheartening trend—ten permits have been issued since January 2023, resulting in lost architectural history.

A Call to Action

Citizens and local officials aren’t willing to let that happen silently. Chambers emphasized the goal of forming a community action committee to secure the Porgy House for future generations, similar to the successful preservation of the Angel Oak tree on Johns Island. Efforts for funding and support are ongoing, with hopes of historical markers and revitalized interest in the home within the community. “You can’t put a value on this house,” Chambers stated, calling for unity in securing this slice of history.

The Future Unfolds

As the community remains engaged, the urgency for preservation grows stronger. With no serious buyers yet stepping forward, discussions continue, and meetings are open for anyone who wants to join the movement on January 15th. The collective goal is clear— to save a piece of Charleston’s soul and ensure that the story of the Porgy House, along with its rich musical legacy, continues to echo through the ages.

A chunk of history hangs in the balance, and it’s up to the people of Charleston and Folly Beach to ensure that this musical legacy isn’t lost to time. One thing is clear: the heart of the community beats strongest when they come together to protect what truly matters.