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On May 13, Battery Gadsden Cultural Center presented the third annual Roy Williams Memorial Lecture on historic preservation. The speaker was Brian Turner, president and CEO of the Preservation Society of Charleston, the oldest grassroots preservation organization in the country.
Turner earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Grinnell College in 2002 and a law degree from Vermont Law School in 2006. During 12 years as a staff attorney for the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Western Regional Office, he gained broad experience in federal, state and local preservation law and policy, as well as community-centered advocacy. In late 2020, Turner relocated to Charleston with his family to join the Preservation Society of Charleston as it entered its second century of work. He now works with property owners, developers, policymakers and the public to enhance stewardship of cultural resources in the region amid challenges posed by sea-level rise, tourism and development pressure.
Turner highlighted the ongoing tension between demolition, development and preservation. While the Preservation Society of Charleston’s primary focus is the Charleston peninsula, the organization has also become involved in preservation efforts in outlying areas, including the Phillips Community off Highway 41.
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He noted that the character of downtown Charleston is changing rapidly, particularly with the rise of taller buildings. Turner detailed both victories and setbacks the organization has experienced in efforts to shape that growth. Despite the number of large new hotels already built, he pointed out that 21 additional hotels have been approved by the city and remain in the pipeline, though construction has not yet begun. Some could be as large as 1,000 rooms.
Turning to Sullivan’s Island, Turner highlighted the four local properties that have received the coveted Carolopolis Award: the quartermaster dock and dock house, 413 Station 23, 1109 Middle St. and 2524 Middle St. He said these properties demonstrate what thoughtful preservation and rehabilitation can look like on the island.
Of particular interest was the role the Preservation Society of Charleston plays with Charleston’s Board of Architectural Review. The organization reviews all agenda items and writes constructive comments, attends meetings and site visits, advocates for preservation of historic structures and materials, promotes high-quality contextual new construction, helps interpret preservation standards published by the Secretary of the Interior, and meets with project teams before plans are submitted. One question left unanswered was whether a similar approach could be applied to Sullivan’s Island’s Design Review Board.
Turner concluded his remarks by outlining best practices for renovations, demolition, design concepts and additions. Regarding additions, he emphasized several principles: They should not overwhelm the historic structure, should have a smaller footprint and lower height than the original structure, and should allow observers to clearly understand the building’s evolution. He was particularly critical of “camelback additions,” describing them as top-heavy designs that obscure the historic form.
During the question-and-answer session, Turner also addressed the importance of zoning and the willingness of municipalities to uphold preservation ordinances, even in the face of litigation.
Turner’s presentation offered much to consider regarding historic preservation on Sullivan’s Island. Whether those in positions of authority will act on the issues raised remains to be seen.
Battery Gadsden Cultural Center thanked Turner for delivering an informative and thought-provoking lecture honoring the late island historian Roy Williams.