Charleston Daily Seeking all the beauty that is Charleston, South Carolina

Downtown Charleston’s historic footprint and commercial corridors continue to evolve through late 2026. Key projects considered and approved for conceptual and preliminary design by the City of Charleston Board of Architectural Review (BAR-L) across August, September, and October 2026 highlight the city’s focus on mixed-use, healthcare expansion, retail revitalization, and hospitality.

Hospitality & Mixed-Use Projects

 194 Cannon Street (Westside): LS3P’s design for a new boutique hotel development received conceptual approval. Located in the Westside neighborhood, the project spans height districts up to 85/125 feet, aiming to bring additonal hotel lodging to the corridor near the downtown medical district.  

 Radcliffe Street & St. Philip Street (Radcliffeborough): Designed by Evans and Schmidt Architects, this major multi-use proposal received preliminary approval. The footprint will house a new multi-family apartment complex alongside an integrated public parking garage to alleviate parking pressures near the King Street corridor.  

Healthcare Infrastructure

 5 McClennan Banks Drive (Medical District): The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) gained conceptual approval for a new multi-story medical facility. The plans include an adjacent structural parking garage designed within the city’s 85/200-foot medical height district overlay to support growing downtown clinical and research space.  

Historic Corridor & Retail Renovations

 257–261 King Street: Conceptual design approvals were granted to update the mid-century structures along Upper King Street. The scope focuses on installing modernized storefront facades and exterior alterations intended to accommodate upscale commercial retail tenants.  

 152 Market Street (Harleston Village): Charleston Place Propco LLC secured conceptual approval for substantial exterior renovations. The project includes site hardscaping, structural updates, and a redesigned retail storefront to refresh street-level access along Market Street.  

Everything NEW and Coming Soon to Charleston SC

This video offers context on major ongoing construction projects, commercial transformations, and infrastructure updates taking shape across the Charleston peninsula.

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$656,000 investment will create 46 new jobs and training opportunities

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Obatala Sciences (Obatala), a biotechnology company, today announced it selects Charleston County for its first East Coast operation. The company’s $656,000 investment will create 46 new jobs and training opportunities in biotechnology and related fields. 


Based in New Orleans, Obatala develops and manufactures biomaterials, stem cells, media and advanced tissue models to support preclinical medical research. The company’s mission supports America’s ongoing efforts to increase its biomanufacturing and research capacity. 


Obatala’s new operation, located at Blue Sky Labs in Charleston, will facilitate partnership development, translational research, product development and future scale-up activities tied to its human-derived biomaterials and microphysiological model technologies. 

Operations are already online. Individuals interested in joining the Obatala team should contact the company (careers@obatalasciences.com).

QUOTES

“Obatala Sciences was founded to change the way new therapies are discovered, tested and translated for patients. Expanding into Charleston County through our partnership with MUSC and Blue Sky Labs gives us access to an extraordinary innovation ecosystem and creates a meaningful bridge between our New Orleans headquarters and South Carolina’s growing life sciences community. Just as importantly, this partnership helps answer a national call to scale domestic advanced biomanufacturing capacity for high-value biotechnology products that support FDA New Approach Methodologies goals. We are excited to collaborate with partners who share our commitment to advancing human-relevant research, strengthening U.S.-based biotechnology infrastructure and creating new opportunities for scientific and economic impact across the Southeast.” -Obatala Sciences Co-founder, President and CEO Dr. Trivia Frazier PhD, MBA

“We are proud to welcome Obatala to South Carolina. As our state continues to strengthen its position as a leader in manufacturing and technology, we are pleased to see the company bring 46 new jobs to Charleston County.” -Gov. Henry McMaster 

“Obatala’s investment in the Palmetto State will support South Carolina’s ongoing growth in the life sciences sector. We welcome the company to the Lowcountry and look forward to its growth in our state.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“Congratulations to Obatala Sciences on expanding its presence to Charleston County. This investment adds meaningful momentum to the region’s growing life sciences sector and strengthens our progress toward a thriving environment that delivers both economic opportunity and improved health outcomes for our community.” -Charleston County Council Chairman Joe Boykin

“Obatala Sciences’ investment is a great example of the innovation taking place within Charleston’s growing life sciences ecosystem. Their plans at Blue Sky Labs and partnership with MUSC demonstrate the value of having world-class research, clinical expertise and entrepreneurial resources working together in our region. We are proud to welcome this next phase of Obatala Sciences’ growth in Charleston County and look forward to their continued success.” -Charleston Regional Development Alliance Board Chairman Will Russell


FIVE FAST FACTS

• Obatala Sciences (Obatala) selects Charleston County for its first East Coast operation.
• The company’s $656,000 investment will create 46 new jobs and training opportunities.
• Obatala is a biotechnology company.
• The company is located at Blue Sky Labs in Charleston, S.C.
• Individuals interested in joining the Obatala team should contact the company (careers@obatalasciences.com).

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By Mark A. Leon

Savannah is a city that rewards curiosity.

It is a place where wandering down a side street can reveal a hidden courtyard, where a piece of art may be tucked into an unexpected corner, and where history seems to exist alongside the present rather than behind glass. A heart-shaped lock, an old phonograph, a sculpture on a bench or the silhouette of a bridge over the Savannah River can become part of the experience.

From a city shaped by centuries of triumph, tragedy, reinvention and resilience, Savannah has evolved into one of the South’s most distinctive destinations for art, food, history and hospitality.

And now, there is a new place from which to experience it all.

Tempo by Hilton Savannah Historic District (220 E. Bryan Street) places travelers in the middle of that experience — just steps from River Street and some of the city’s most recognizable restaurants, shops and cultural attractions.

But the story of the property begins well before the hotel.

The site was once home to Savannah’s original FBI Field Office, a brick building dating to the 1950s. It was later used by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation before the land was acquired and now the home to the Hilton Tempo lifestyle brand..

Unlike many hotels in Savannah’s Historic District that occupy renovated historic structures, Tempo is a new construction, built with steel and concrete while intentionally positioning itself within one of the country’s most historic urban environments.

That contrast is part of the concept.

Tempo by Hilton was created with the independent business traveler and couples in mind — guests who want the reliability and loyalty benefits of a major hotel brand while also looking for the personality and atmosphere of a lifestyle hotel. It is designed for travelers who appreciate modern amenities, technology, wellness and thoughtful design without sacrificing the ability to step outside and immediately experience the character of Savannah.

The hotel’s location also places it close to one of Savannah’s most important creative institutions: the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).

That proximity has already created a meaningful connection between the hotel, SCAD students and their families. Parents visiting Savannah for campus events, move-in, family weekends, graduations and other milestones have become an important part of the hotel’s relationship with the university community. Students and their families aren’t simply visitors passing through — they are becoming part of the hotel’s growing local story.

It is a natural relationship for a property built around art, creativity and the modern lifestyle.

The hotel’s design reflects that philosophy.

The fitness center sits on the seventh floor, rather than being tucked into a basement or ground-level corner. From there, guests can take in views toward the Savannah River while working out, with Peloton-equipped rooms and other technology-driven wellness features adding to the experience.

Hydration stations throughout the property, high-end UHD televisions and thoughtful touches in the guest rooms reinforce the hotel’s modern approach.

There is also a strong emphasis on food and gathering.

At street level, Bluestone Lane, Australian Café and Coffe Shop brings its café concept to the property, offering breakfast and lunch to hotel guests and the public. It is the kind of space that works equally well for a morning coffee, a casual meal or simply watching Savannah move around you.

Above it all is Waving Girl Rooftop, named for Florence Martus, Savannah’s legendary “Waving Girl,” who became known for greeting ships entering the harbor.

And this is a place worth lingering over.

For a meal, start with the Whipped Goat Cheese Tartine or the French Onion Soup. For an entrée, the Seared Ahi Tuna and Firecracker Salmon Bowloffer two distinctly different choices. Add a glass of Marchesi di Barolo, and the combination makes for a satisfying evening overlooking the city.

The rooftop restaurant and bar offer the kind of elevated setting that makes the hotel feel connected to Savannah rather than simply occupying space within it.

The hotel is also designed to serve the community beyond overnight guests. Its conference and event spaces provide an opportunity for local businesses, organizations and residents to use the property for meetings, gatherings and special events — part of an effort to establish the hotel as a community partner rather than simply another place for visitors to sleep.

Perhaps the most interesting part of the Tempo concept is what happens at the front desk.

Rather than relying solely on a traditional concierge model, front desk agents are trained to help guests experience Savannah — from arranging trolley tours to recommending restaurants and helping visitors discover the city beyond the hotel doors.

And there is certainly no shortage of places to discover.

Within an easy walk are The Olde Pink House, one of Savannah’s most recognizable dining landmarks; Alexandra’s Gift Shop and other Historic District shops; Lucas Theatre for the Arts; River Street Marketplace; and the Savannah River itself.  Of course, if shopping is your passion, Broughton Street is just a couple of blocks of away.

The legendary Waving Girl is also part of the neighborhood’s story, giving the rooftop restaurant its name and connecting the contemporary hotel to one of Savannah’s most enduring waterfront characters.

The location is equally convenient for business travelers, with conference facilities nearby and easy access to the Savannah Convention Center. A three-story parking garage is located about a half-block away, while valet service provides another option for guests arriving by car.

For Tempo, the next chapter may be even more local.

The hotel is working toward replacing some of its designer artwork with pieces created by local artists and exploring opportunities to bring local musicians into the property. Beginning in January, guest rooms are also expected to feature Bluestone Lane coffee, further connecting the café experience with the rooms themselves.

There is a certain irony in placing such a modern hotel on a site once occupied by federal investigators.

But perhaps that is Savannah.

The city has always been about reinvention — taking what came before and finding a way to make it part of what comes next.

Tempo by Hilton doesn’t attempt to recreate Savannah’s past.

Instead, it puts travelers within walking distance of it — and gives them a comfortable, contemporary place from which to look up, walk out the door and discover the city for themselves.

Click HERE for reservations.

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By Mark A. Leon

There are some Charleston holiday traditions that have been around for generations. Others are newer, but somehow already feel like they belong.

Aquarium Aglow at the South Carolina Aquarium is one of those newer traditions.

Each holiday season, as the sun sets over the Charleston peninsula, the Aquarium takes on an entirely different personality. The familiar galleries and exhibits are transformed by thousands of lights, colorful installations and holiday decorations, creating an immersive experience that has quickly become one of the Lowcountry’s favorite ways to celebrate the season.

Now entering its sixth year, Aquarium Aglow returns in 2026 on select evenings from November through December. The Aquarium describes it as “Charleston’s most colorful holiday tradition,” and the event has certainly earned a place on the city’s growing list of seasonal traditions.

A tradition born in 2021

Aquarium Aglow may feel like an established Charleston holiday event, but its history is surprisingly recent.

The South Carolina Aquarium introduced Aquarium Aglow in 2021, creating a new holiday experience at a time when the community was looking for reasons to gather, celebrate and find a little more joy.

The Aquarium’s own history notes that the event was created as a celebration of joy during the winter holiday season. Thousands of lights illuminated indoor and outdoor exhibits, and the response exceeded expectations, surpassing both attendance and revenue goals in its first year.

What started as a new idea has grown into an annual Charleston tradition.

The Aquarium’s 2026 event materials note that Aglow has become one of the Lowcountry’s favorite holiday traditions, with capacity expected to exceed 25,000 guests.

Where the Aquarium meets the holidays

Part of the appeal is that Aquarium Aglow doesn’t simply add Christmas decorations to an existing attraction. It changes the atmosphere entirely.

The Aquarium is transformed into a world of immersive holiday light installations, with dozens of displays throughout the building. Visitors can stop for festive photographs, enjoy holiday food and drinks, and explore the Aquarium after dark.

And then there is Scuba Claus.

Rather than arriving by sleigh, Santa makes his appearance beneath the water, diving nightly in the Great Ocean Tank. It is a distinctly Charleston take on a holiday tradition—and one that children have come to anticipate.

The event also offers plenty for adults, including festive refreshments and beverages for guests 21 and older.

A different kind of Charleston holiday experience

Charleston has no shortage of beautiful holiday traditions. There are decorated historic homes, holiday markets, downtown lights, concerts, parades and celebrations throughout the Lowcountry.

Aquarium Aglow offers something different.

It combines the wonder of the natural world with the spectacle of the holiday season. Visitors aren’t simply walking through a building decorated for Christmas. They are experiencing familiar aquarium exhibits in an entirely new setting.

The result is part holiday light show, part family outing and part uniquely Charleston experience.

That combination may help explain why Aglow has established itself so quickly.

In 2024, the event attracted more than 28,000 visitors, according to Our State magazine, demonstrating how rapidly the relatively new celebration has grown.

2026 Aquarium Aglow

This year’s Aquarium Aglow begins November 20 and continues on select evenings through December 31.

The 2026 schedule includes November 20–22, November 27–29, and numerous evenings throughout December, culminating with a special New Year’s Eve celebration.

Aglow runs from 5:30 to 9 p.m. with scheduled entry times. The special New Year’s Eve celebration will feature entertainers, face painting, a DJ, Scuba Claus and a family-friendly countdown featuring a pufferfish ball drop—all designed to wrap up before bedtime.

Tickets are currently available, with early-bird pricing offering 15% off through October 31, 2026. Aquarium members receive 20% off, and ticket prices increase by $3 on the day of the event. Proceeds from Aquarium Aglow support the South Carolina Aquarium’s work in animal care, education and conservation.

Buy Aquarium Aglow tickets

A tradition in the making

Perhaps the most telling sign that Aquarium Aglow has become part of Charleston’s holiday calendar is that people are beginning to return year after year.

For some families, it is becoming the night when the holiday season officially begins. For others, it is an annual photograph, a night out with friends or a way to introduce visiting family to something uniquely Charleston.

That is how traditions are made—not necessarily over generations, but through experiences people want to repeat.

Aquarium Aglow may have begun in 2021, but after several years of growing attendance and increasingly elaborate displays, it is becoming something much more familiar: a Lowcountry holiday tradition that Charleston can call its own.

And for one evening, beneath the glow of hundreds of thousands of holiday lights, the Aquarium becomes more than a place to see the wonders of the ocean.

It becomes part of the wonder of Christmas in Charleston.

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By Mark A Leon

Marbled & Fin’s Team Plans New Mount Pleasant Restaurant for Summer 2027

Neighborhood Dining Group is bringing a new restaurant concept to Mount Pleasant, with plans to open in summer 2027 at 1434 Ira Road.

Mount Pleasant’s dining scene could be getting a new addition from the team behind two of the Lowcountry’s best-known restaurant names: Husk and Marbled & Fin.

Neighborhood Dining Group will manage the new restaurant, which is planned for the Ira Road property originally built for Frank & Jack’s, according to reporting by The Post and Courier.

The project is targeting a summer 2027 opening, although the restaurant’s name, menu and specific concept have not yet been announced in the information currently available.

The new venture adds to Neighborhood Dining Group’s presence in the Charleston-area restaurant industry. The group is associated with Husk, the acclaimed Southern restaurant known for its focus on regional ingredients and Lowcountry culinary traditions, as well as Marbled & Fin, its steak and seafood concept.

For Mount Pleasant diners, the planned restaurant represents another potential addition to the community’s growing dining options. The Ira Road location offers an opportunity to bring a new concept to an existing restaurant space rather than starting with a newly constructed building.

More details about the restaurant’s identity, menu, design and opening plans are expected as the project moves forward.

Planned location: 1434 Ira Road, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
Target opening: Summer 2027
Restaurant operator: Neighborhood Dining Group

This story is based on currently reported plans. The summer 2027 opening is a target, not a confirmed opening date

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Photo credit: Marshall Walker Real Estate

by Mark A Leon

Charleston’s biggest celebration of food, wine and culinary talent is officially on the calendar — and tickets are now on sale for the 2027 Charleston Wine + Food Festival.

The festival returns March 3–7, 2027, bringing five days of dinners, tastings, cooking classes, wine and beverage experiences, parties and special events to venues throughout the Charleston area.

The 2027 festival also marks 21 years of Charleston Wine + Food, which continues to highlight the chefs, restaurants, farmers, makers and hospitality professionals who make the Lowcountry food scene nationally recognized.

🎟️ Tickets and Festival Information

• Tickets: Buy 2027 Charleston Wine + Food tickets
• Festival dates: March 3–7, 2027
• Schedule: View the complete 2027 festival schedule
• Talent: Meet the 2027 chefs, beverage professionals and other talent
• Festival information: Visit the official Charleston Wine + Food website

The 2027 schedule includes a wide variety of experiences, from intimate restaurant dinners and brunches to hands-on cooking classes, beverage workshops, large tasting events and late-night celebrations. Events will take place throughout the Charleston region.

🍴 Events to Watch

Among the featured experiences for 2027 are:

• Gullah Geechee Sunday Supper — Chefs BJ Dennis and Simeon Hall Jr. bring together a group of chefs for a special dinner at Joseph Fields Farm on Johns Island celebrating the foodways connecting the Lowcountry and the Bahamas.
• Fire + Fin — Commercial fisherman Captain John Mallette and Chef James London of Chubby Fish showcase a whole bluefin tuna before cooking it over live fire.
• Island Time — Chef Tristen Epps presents a multi-course dinner inspired by the culinary routes connecting Charleston and the Caribbean.
• Freshest Fields — Hannah Welton of Welton’s Tiny Bakeshop leads guests through a Johns Island farm experience that culminates in a meal created from ingredients gathered along the way.
• Hands-On Classes — Cooking and culinary classes will be offered at the Trident Technical College Culinary Institute, featuring chefs including Carrie Morey and Kelly Franz.
• Late Nights — A new category of events gives festivalgoers options after the traditional dinner hours, including The Jack’s Diner Party and a late-night takeover featuring The Archer and Gus’ Sip & Dip.

👨‍🍳 A Look at the Talent

The festival’s 2027 talent roster includes hundreds of chefs, beverage professionals, wine experts, farmers, artists and other culinary personalities. The official participant directory includes Charleston chefs, guest chefs, beverage professionals, wine professionals, farmers and purveyors, and artists and experts.

For Charleston food lovers, the festival offers a chance to experience both familiar Lowcountry favorites and visiting culinary talent from around the country.

With the full schedule now available and tickets officially on sale, those interested in specific dinners, classes or special events may want to start planning early.

Charleston Wine + Food Festival 2027 runs March 3–7.

Get tickets and explore the 2027 festival

Follow the journey on Instagram.

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Photo Credit: Charleston Wine + Food

Related: How Culinary Scholars Are Shaping the Future of the 2026 Charleston Wine + Food Festival

At the Museum of Late Human Antiquities, curators piece together the fragments of a vanished civilization. How did humans live? What did they cherish? What did they believe would endure? As glimpses of life flicker into view—moments of invention, intimacy, ambition, and connection—the analog world begins to dissolve into something faster, smarter, and far harder to define. 

“a play that has more to say in 95 minutes than most TV shows manage in eight seasons” —Chicago Tribune

CHARLESTON, SC | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: PURE Theatre continues its 24th season with the Southeastern Regional Premiere of The Antiquities by Jordan Harrison (Marjorie Prime), directed by PURE Co-founder and Artistic Director Sharon Graci. The production runs from October 22 through November 14 at the Cannon Street Arts Center, with a Pay What You Will preview on October 21.

Presented by PURE Theatre and spanning centuries—from 1816 through 2240, The Antiquities by Jordan Harrison is a mind-blowing and haunting “brilliantly imagined drama” (The Wall Street Journal) that explores what we leave behind, and what continues on without us.

“Oh my goodness, what a play. One of the ways I know I’m still on the right path in life is by how excited I am to go to work and direct theatre. And I am so, so excited to direct The Antiquities.

PURE seems to live under a very favored sun that shines relevance on our work, and The Antiquities is another remarkable example. The play unfolds across 22 scenes, beginning in 1816 with Mary and Percy Shelley, then moving chronologically forward to the year 2240 before reversing course and traveling backward through time to where we began.”

The production features PURE Theatre Core Ensemble members Joy Vandervort-Cobb, Anna Lin, David Mandel, Andrew Puckett, and Michael Smallwood, joined by Sarah Callahan Black, John Black, Charley Smith, and Davion Gibson.

“The Antiquities is one of the smartest plays I’ve ever read. It’s funny, deeply moving, wildly theatrical, and asks enormous questions about humanity, technology, memory, and what we leave behind. And at this particular moment in our relationship with artificial intelligence, it feels almost unnervingly timely. It’s anchored by PURE’s Core Ensemble, one of the strongest resident companies working in the Southeast, and I cannot wait to put it on our stage. Let the conversations begin!”

Tickets for The Antiquities range from Pay What You Will to $53. Pay What You Will performances will be held on October 22 and 28, with Pay What You Will tickets available for online purchase one week before opening. Student tickets are available for $12 for every performance. 

Tickets are available now at puretheatre.org.

Additional information about The Antiquities can be found on PURE’s website at puretheatre.org or by calling the box office at 843.723.4444, Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

ABOUT PURE THEATRE

Founded in 2003, PURE Theatre is Charleston’s award-winning professional theatre company, now entering its 24th season. Built around a resident ensemble of actors, directors, and designers, PURE produces bold contemporary plays, often Southeastern and world premieres, that bring the most current voices in American theatre to Charleston. Known for exceptional ensemble work at close range, PURE offers audiences a boutique cultural experience that complements the city’s historic and culinary landscape.

PURE Theatre creates exceptional theatre experiences that enliven thought, ignite conversation, and heighten consciousness for a diverse gathering of artists and audiences.

PURE’s staff includes Sharon Graci, Co-founder and Artistic Director; Rodney Lee Rogers, Co-founder and Producing Director; David Mandel, Associate Artistic Director; Joy Vandervort-Cobb, Associate Artistic Director; Tippy Trombly, Patron Experience and Marketing Manager; and Isabella Gardner, Associate Patron Experiences Manager.

Serving on PURE Theatre’s board of directors are Stephanie Hunt, President; James M. Ward, CPA, Treasurer; Michael Culler; Amy Gaffney; David Smalls; Bea Wray; and Josh Wilhoit.

The rooftop pumpkin patch returns to The Loutrel Hotel in downtown Charleston, South Carolina

Details

WHO: Charleston’s Two-Key Michelin hotel, The Loutrel

WHAT: The Loutrel’s annual rooftop pumpkin patch returns this month, bringing a taste of fall to the heart of downtown. Featuring new seasonal cocktails and plenty of gordeouspumpkins supplied by James Islands’ Dreaming Farms, locals are invited to enjoy the hotel’s private rooftop terrace and take home a pumpkin from the patch with purchase of select cocktails or beer from The Veranda Lounge’s specialty fall menu. New this year is The Loutrel’s “Find the Golden Pumpkin” challenge. Hidden daily, those who find the golden pumpkin and present it to hotel staff will receive a Loutrel prize.

WHEN: Opening day – Friday, October 16 from 5:30-8:30pm | Ongoing – open daily Saturday, October 17 through Saturday, October 31 from 12-8pm

WHERE: The Loutrel (rooftop), 61 State Street, Charleston, SC 29403

MENU:

• Hobcaw Übergang Oktoberfest $10
• Scarecrow’s Sweet Tooth $17- Butterwashed Rum, Amontillado Sherry, Sweet Corn Syrup, Dulce de Leche Cold Foam, Caramel Corn
• Orange Screamcicle $17- Vanilla Vodka, Fresh Orange Juice, Orange Syrup, Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur, Spiced Pear Liqueur, Vanilla Wafer Cold Foam
• Vampire’s Kiss $17- Beet Infused Vodka, Dry Vermouth, Pickle Brine, Saline Spray, Infused Olive Oil
• Cinder & Sage $18- Mezcal, Spice Pear Liqueur, Apple Cider, Fresh Lemon Juice, Sage-Honey Syrup, Orange Bitters

VISIT: Please stop by the Veranda Lounge inside the hotel lobby to gain access to the rooftop.

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Federal award will support stabilization Middleton Place’s oldest and most significant surviving structures

CHARLESTON, S.C. October 6, 2026. Middleton Place Foundation has been awarded a $650,997 Save America’s Treasures grant from the Historic Preservation Fund, administered by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior, for the stabilization and preservation of the historic Chapel & Spring House at Middleton Place National Historic Landmark.

The highly competitive federal award requires a dollar-for-dollar non-federal match, which the Foundation is actively raising, bringing the total approved project to $1,301,994. The funding will support critical preservation work to address structural deterioration and help ensure the Chapel & Spring House can once again serve as a place for education, interpretation, and public engagement.

“This award is an extraordinary investment in the preservation of Middleton Place and in our responsibility to care for a place of national significance,” said Dana Hand Evans, President and CEO of Middleton Place Foundation. “The Chapel & Spring House connects nearly three centuries of history, from the colonial period and the founding of the nation to the lives of the enslaved and free people who worshiped here. This support allows us to preserve the structure while continuing to tell those interconnected stories with greater depth.”

The Spring House was constructed around 1741, making it the oldest surviving structure at Middleton Place. In 1850, Williams Middleton, grandson of Declaration of Independence signer Arthur Middleton, constructed the Chapel above it. Today, the building provides a rare setting in which visitors can explore the social, religious, and cultural forces that shaped the American experience.

The Chapel is believed to be the only publicly accessible plantation chapel remaining in its original location in South Carolina and one of only a small number nationwide that retain their historic setting. As a contributing resource within the Middleton Place National Historic Landmark, it is an important part of the site’s nationally significant history.

In recent years, movement in the walls and foundation has raised serious preservation and safety concerns, and the Chapel & Spring House is currently closed to visitors. The grant will support work to stabilize the structure, address drainage and water issues, repair historic masonry and finishes, and preserve the roof, windows, doors, and interior.

“This project is about much more than saving a building,” Evans said. “It is about preserving an authentic place where visitors can encounter the complicated and interconnected stories of American history.”

The award builds on several years of planning and study by the Middleton Place Foundation. Permitting and final approvals are expected to begin in 2027, followed by stabilization and preservation work through 2028. The Foundation plans to reopen the Chapel & Spring House to the public following completion of the project.

More than 100,000 people, including students and teachers, visit Middleton Place each year. Once reopened, the Chapel & Spring House will continue to support the Foundation’s educational and interpretive work for future generations.

ABOUT MIDDLETON PLACE FOUNDATION

Middleton Place Foundation preserves and shares the landscape, architecture, collections, and stories of Middleton Place, a National Historic Landmark, inspiring a deeper understanding of all who shaped this place and our nation. Through preservation, stewardship, research-driven interpretation, education, and public engagement, the Foundation connects people, place, and history and explores the complex foundations of the American experience. Middleton Place Foundation is working to advance Middleton Place as a nationally recognized leader in preservation, interpretation, and cultural landscape stewardship while ensuring this extraordinary place is preserved for future generations.

Photo credits: Provided by Middleton Place Foundation

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From biscuit-driven breakfasts and daytime bites at Angel Biscuit Co. to burgers, pizza and late-night hangs at Emily, the new dual concept shifts gears from day to night.

CHARLESTON, S.C. – A new day-to-night dining destination is now open in Avondale at 835 Savannah Highway, taking over the former Ruby Sunshine space and giving the neighborhood a fresh new reason to stop by from morning to night. Angel’s & Emily will bring two distinct restaurant experiences under one roof: Angel Biscuit Co., a breakfast-forward concept built around housemade biscuits and craveable breakfast fare, will welcome guests during the day before transforming into Emily after dark, serving up juicy burgers, pizza and a lively nighttime atmosphere. Emily, sister restaurant to Pizza Loves Emily, is a proven, award-winning concept making its way south for the first time. Since debuting in New York, Emily has earned national acclaim from outlets like Eater, Bloomberg, and The Wall Street Journal, and built a cult following for its pizza and standout burger.

This concept was born from a longtime friendship between restaurateur and owner, Howard Greenstone and a friend and collaborator who calls Avondale home. On her recommendation, Greenstone chose the neighborhood for Angel’s & Emily, knowing it was exactly the kind of place this concept belonged.

“Avondale has a real neighborhood feel, which is hard to find these days,” said Greenstone. “People know each other and care about each other, and the whole area just has a great vibe. I’m thrilled to be in Charleston, of course, but West Ashley specifically.”

Open Wednesday through Sunday, Angel’s & Emily is designed to change with the rhythm of the day. Weekdays begin at 7 a.m. with Angel Biscuit Co., offering everything from a quick coffee and morning treat after school drop-off to grab-and-go muffins for the kids. As the day progresses, the space naturally shifts into a casual neighborhood hangout before Emily takes over in the evening, turning up the music, dimming the lights and welcoming guests for dinner, drinks and late-night bites.

Weekend brunch will be the one time when both sides of the concept come together. Guests can order from both the Angel Biscuit Co. menu and the Emily menu at the same table, making brunch a true choose-your-own-adventure experience. Whether settling in for a leisurely morning with biscuits and coffee or going all in on burgers and pizza, the weekend offering is designed to be a full event — and one worth lingering over.

The bar program will be a curated selection of classics joined by a lineup of crushable cocktails developed by acclaimed local mixologist Megan Deschaine, creating an easygoing drink menu built for everything from an afternoon catch-up to a late-night round with friends.

It’s the same room, but never quite the same experience — and that is exactly the point. Angel’s & Emily brings something new to Avondale: quality food and drinks paired with a relaxed, playful energy that invites guests to stop in for five minutes or stay for the whole evening. 

Official Website or follow the journey on Instagram.

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Related: Cheeky Brings a New Chapter for Neighborhood Dining Group to Meeting Street – Opening this Fall in Charleston, SC

Related: Scenes from Avondale: Photographic Journey of a Community with a Story to Tell