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Lowcountry

Did You Know: 10 Great Facts About The Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse

June 10, 2024

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

By Mark A. Leon

Here are 10 key things to know about the Sullivan’s Island lighthouse, one of the most recognizable landmarks in the Lowcountry:

1. It is a triangular, 163-foot tall lighthouse built in 1962, making it one of the newest lighthouses in the United States.

2. It features an elevator and air conditioning, unlike older lighthouses with hundreds of stairs.

3. Its unique triangular design allows it to withstand hurricane winds up to 125 mph.

4. The lighthouse originally had a 28 million candlepower light, one of the brightest in the Western Hemisphere at the time, but it was reduced due to complaints.

5. It was designed by architect Jack Graham when he was just 23 years old and working for the U.S. Coast Guard.

6. Graham’s design was inspired by lessons from renowned architect Louis Kahn.

7. The lighthouse was initially painted red and white, but the red quickly turned pinkish, prompting it to be repainted black and white.

8. In 2008, ownership transferred from the U.S. Coast Guard to the National Park Service, though the Coast Guard still maintains the light.

9. The lighthouse grounds and nearby historic lifesaving station are opened to the public annually for National Lighthouse Day.

10. It replaced the Morris Island Lighthouse, which was in danger of being destroyed by erosion.

Want to Learn More? Check out some of these additional articles

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Lowcountry

Here are 10 key things to know about the Charleston’s Newest Luxury 5-Star Hotel, The Cooper Hotel scheduled to open in 2025

June 10, 2024

by Charleston Daily 1 Comment

By Mark A. Leon

There is tremendous anticipation around The Copper Hotel, the new luxury hotel experience opening in 2025 on the Charleston Harbor. Here are a few things you should know as well as related articles and links around the experience and career opportunities.

It’s a 209-room luxury hotel located on Concord Street, overlooking the Charleston Harbor and adjacent to Waterfront Park.
The six-story hotel is being developed by Beemok Hospitality Collection, owned by local businessman Ben Navarro.
It will feature over 20,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, including a ballroom.
Amenities include five distinct dining concepts, a 7,000 square-foot spa, rooftop infinity pool, boutique shopping, and a private marina with luxury cruising vessels.
The hotel’s design has been completely reimagined from the original plans, with a focus on timeless elegance and Charleston’s Lowcountry charm.
It is considered the “younger, cooler sister” to Beemok’s flagship property, the iconic Charleston Place hotel.
Construction began in 2020 but faced delays, pushing the opening to late spring 2025.
The Cooper aims to provide public access to Charleston’s waterfront, with an extended Waterfront Park, dock, and water taxi service.
It will offer panoramic views of the Cooper River and Ravenel Bridge from guest rooms, restaurants, and the rooftop.
The hotel is expected to drive tourism and local activity along Charleston’s waterfront area.

Bonus: They are hiring. Learn more on their LinkedIn Company Page.

Lowcountry

Why Tradd Street is such an important part of the Charleston, South Carolina Historic Landscape

June 8, 2024

by Charleston Daily 4 Comments

By Mark A. Leon

Tradd Street in Charleston, SC is renowned for its historic homes, many dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. In the course of my many years as a Charleston resident, I have walked the duration of this street over 100 times and still continue to discover something new.

Some of the most notable historic homes and neighborhoods on Tradd Street include:

1. The John Stuart House (106 Tradd Street), built around 1772. This single house is where Francis Marion, the “Swamp Fox” of the American Revolution, is said to have stayed before the British invasion of Charleston in 1780.

2. 62 Tradd Street, a c. 1852 structure that was originally a bakery with a dwelling upstairs. The current shell is awaiting interior renovation, presenting a unique opportunity to create a dream home within the walls of this historic gem.

3. 46 Tradd Street, built prior to 1750 and formerly the home of artist Alfred Hutty. This gate-fronted house exemplifies the iconic Charleston single house style.

4. Homes along Upper Tradd Street (also known as the Charlestowne neighborhood), featuring architectural styles from the Federal period to the early 20th century, including Charleston single houses and grand residences.

Tradd Street’s historic significance stems from its early establishment in the late 17th century, with many homes built by wealthy merchants, planters, and intellectuals in the 18th and 19th centuries, showcasing architectural styles like Georgian, Federal, Greek Revival, and Victorian.[1][2] The street’s well-preserved homes offer a glimpse into Charleston’s rich history and architectural heritage.

Here are some additional related articles

Lowcountry

8 Tips on How to Prepare for Hurricane Season in Charleston, South Carolina

June 8, 2024

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

Are you ready for hurricane season. Early indication, is that this may be an active season. Here are some key steps to properly prepare for hurricane season in Charleston, South Carolina:

Get flood insurance. There is typically a 30-day waiting period before new policies take effect, so don’t wait until a storm is approaching.
Develop an emergency communication plan for your family in case you get separated. Designate an out-of-state contact.
Prepare an emergency supply kit with enough food, water, and supplies for at least 3 days.
Protect your home by installing hurricane shutters or precut plywood for windows. Trim trees and secure loose objects outside.
Know your evacuation route and have a plan to leave if ordered. Charleston uses a staggered evacuation system based on zones. Pack supplies and leave early before roads get congested.
If evacuating, identify shelters or make plans to stay with inland friends/family. Bring supplies to shelters. Shelters should be a last resort.
Secure your property by boarding up windows and bracing exterior doors. Move valuables to higher floors if possible.
After the storm, avoid downed power lines, listen for instructions, and return only when authorities say it’s safe. Be cautious entering your home and check for damage.

By following these preparedness steps outlined in the Charleston County hurricane guides, you can help keep your family safe during hurricane season.

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Lowcountry

Here are 10 of the biggest changes in Charleston, South Carolina in the last ten years

June 8, 2024

by Charleston Daily 6 Comments

By Mark A. Leon

If you have been a part of the evolution of the Charleston, South Carolina over the last decade plus, you have bore witness to some significant changes. With any growing pains, there are ups and downs, but overall, this transition in the Charleston landscape has been embraced with excitement for our future. Here are a list of 10 significant changes over the last 10 years to the Charleston area:

1. Rapid population growth, with Charleston County’s population increasing from around 350,000 to 420,000 in the last decade.

2. Significant increase in development and construction, with 24 large cranes dotting the skyline at one point.

3. Worsening traffic congestion and longer commute times due to the influx of new residents.

4. Transformation of the city’s organizational structure for the first time in nearly 50 years to improve efficiency and customer service.

5. Consolidation of Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner production to its North Charleston facility in 2020.

6. Expansion of the Mercedes-Benz Vans plant and its selection to build the next-generation eSprinter electric van.

7. Growth of the aerospace, automotive, energy, life sciences, and IT/defense industries, attracting major companies like Boeing, Mercedes, and SPAWAR.

8. Increase in the number of restaurants, bars, and entertainment options, changing the city’s dining and nightlife scene.

9. Gentrification of downtown neighborhoods, with many homes becoming investment properties or vacation rentals.

10. Loss of some locally-owned shops and institutions that contributed to Charleston’s unique character.

Did we leave anything out? Comment below.

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Lowcountry

How did Edgar Allan Poe’s time on Sullivan’s Island Impact his writing?

June 7, 2024

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

By Mark A Leon

Edgar Allan Poe’s time on Sullivan’s Island significantly influenced his writing, particularly through the inspiration he drew from the island’s environment and his interactions with local figures.

1. Setting for “The Gold-Bug”: Poe’s story “The Gold-Bug” (published 1843) is set on Sullivan’s Island, reflecting his familiarity with the locale. The island’s isolation and natural beauty provided a vivid backdrop for the tale.

Excerpt:

“To avoid the mortification consequent upon his disasters, he left New Orleans, the city of his forefathers, and took up his residence at Sullivan’s Island, near Charleston, South Carolina.

This Island is a very singular one. It consists of little else than the sea sand, and is about three miles long. Its breadth at no point exceeds a quarter of a mile. It is separated from the main land by a scarcely perceptible creek, oozing its way through a wilderness of reeds and slime, a favorite resort of the marsh-hen. The vegetation, as might be supposed, is scant, or at least dwarfish. No trees of any magnitude are to be seen. Near the western extremity, where Fort Moultrie stands, and where are some miserable frame buildings, tenanted, during summer, by the fugitives from Charleston dust and fever, may be found, indeed, the bristly palmetto; but the whole island, with the exception of this western point, and a line of hard, white beach on the seacoast, is covered with a dense undergrowth of the sweet myrtle, so much prized by the horticulturists of England. The shrub here often attains the height of fifteen or twenty feet, and forms an almost impenetrable coppice, burthening the air with its fragrance.”

2. Influence of Local Figures: Poe developed relationships with prominent South Carolinians, such as Dr. Edmund Ravenel and Colonel William Drayton. These interactions likely enriched his intellectual and creative life, although concrete evidence of their influence is sparse.

3. Literary Legacy: Poe’s brief stay has been mythologized by local writers and poets, who have linked his work to the region’s atmosphere and history. This has cemented his legacy in Charleston’s cultural heritage, even if some connections are speculative.

4. Cryptology Interest: During his time on Sullivan’s Island, Poe’s interest in cryptology grew, which later became a significant element in his works, including “The Gold-Bug”.

Overall, while Poe’s time on Sullivan’s Island was brief, it left a lasting imprint on his literary output and contributed to his enduring association with the region.

Related Articles

Lowcountry

South Carolina State University students are closing the gap in AI skilling earning almost 1000 badges

June 6, 2024

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

AI is set to create 69 million new roles by 2025, according to the World Economic Forum, but how are universities preparing the new generation of the workforce? As a South Carolina State University professor, Dr. Nikunja Swain, sought out to make sure those roles could be filled by his students, now professors and students at SCSU are preparing themselves for future careers by taking advantage of free IBM AI courses.

Dr. Swain utilized grant funds to make AI a priority in SCSU’s curriculum. Though this new curriculum was a requirement for freshman at the school to obtain one of the IBM SkillsBuild badges, many juniors and seniors took advantage of the free courses to pursue their own interests in AI. Students Keshawn Burns and graduate Juliana Chengula explored their passions in AI and technology and discuss how earned badges are equipping them the skills they may need to succeed in future careers. Including Juliana and Keshawn, the students at SCSU earned a collective 809 IBM SkillsBuild AI Badges in one year.

The integration of AI training in education is essential to staying at the forefront of technological advancements and ensuring preparedness for the future. IBM is dedicated to bridging the skills gap in AI by providing resources to develop a workforce of gifted individuals from underrepresented communities. With IBM’s resources and the dedication of Dr. Swain, the badges that these students earned are just the beginning of further closing the gap in AI skills at SCSU.

Below I’ve included short sound bites from interviews with Dr. Swain and the students mentioned above talking through how this work is pivotal to their future goals. If you would like to speak with someone from IBM, Dr. Swain, or either student to learn more about this work, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Dr. Swain clip
Keshawn Burns clip
Juliana Chengula clip
Learn more about IBM SkillsBuild here: https://skillsbuild.org/

Lowcountry

5 Things to Know About George Gershwin’s Summer on Folly Island in the Summer of 1934

June 5, 2024

by Charleston Daily 6 Comments

90 years ago this month, George Gershwin arrived in Charleston and spent a summer on Folly Island to gain inspiration for his adaptation of DuBose Heyward’s novel “Porgy” which would become the acclaimed “Porgy and Bess”. Here are five things to know about his time in the Lowcountry and some related articles:

1. The author DuBose Heyward, whose novel “Porgy” Gershwin was adapting into an opera, insisted that Gershwin visit the area to immerse himself in the local Gullah culture that inspired the book’s setting and characters.

2. Heyward arranged for Gershwin to rent a cottage on Folly Island, which at the time was a remote and undeveloped barrier island, providing an ideal retreat for Gershwin to escape distractions and focus on composing the opera.

3. Being on Folly Island allowed Gershwin to experience the Gullah traditions firsthand by attending church services and cultural events on nearby James Island, studying the spirituals, rhythms, and “shouting” dance rituals that influenced the music of “Porgy and Bess”.

A sketch of Gershwin’s front beach cottage at Folly Beach as sketched by his cousin Henry Botkin. Photo courtesy of The George Gershwin Family, The Ira and Leonore Gershwin Trusts, and the DuBose and Dorothy Heyward Memorial Fund.

4. The laid-back atmosphere and natural beauty of Folly Island, which Gershwin described as a “battered South Seas Island”, provided the creative inspiration he needed, leading to the iconic song “Summertime” being composed there.

5. Heyward believed that Gershwin’s firsthand exposure to the Gullah culture was crucial for capturing its essence in the opera, making Folly Island the ideal setting for this formative experience.

Summertime for George Gershwin – Smithsonian Magazine

Rhapsody at Folly: George Gershwin’s 1934 Folly Beach Vacation

Gershwin on Folly: Summertime and the livin’ was easy – Folly Beach

Gershwin at Folly Background Information – Julian Wiles

Lowcountry

4 Farm-To-Table Concept Restaurants in Charleston, SC That Offer Vegan Options

June 5, 2024

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

Mark A Leon

There are several farm-to-table restaurants in Charleston that offer vegan options:

Basic Kitchen (82 Wentworth St, Charleston, SC 29401) is a health-conscious restaurant that uses local, seasonal produce and has a rotating daily menu with simple, seasonal vegan dishes.
Sorghum & Salt (186 Coming St, Charleston, SC 29403) offers a vegan tasting menu in addition to their regular seasonal menu with veggie-focused small plates that can be made vegan upon request.
FIG (232 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401) is a pioneering farm-to-table restaurant known for its seasonal Lowcountry cuisine using locally-sourced ingredients, including vegan options.
Herd Provisions (106 Grove St, Charleston, SC 29403) is a farm-to-table restaurant with a focus on Yes, there are several farm-to-table restaurants in Charleston that offer vegan options:

So while not exclusively vegan, these farm-to-table spots in Charleston provide delicious plant-based options sourced from local farms and purveyors.

Restaurants in Charleston – Discover South Carolina

8 Best Vegan Restaurants in Downtown Charleston | OpenTable

10 veggie-forward restaurants in Charleston – Charleston City Paper

Charleston Plant-based Vegan Guide | The Refined Hippie

Vegan, Vegetarian & Gluten-Free Guide to Charleston

Herd Provisions is one of the most satisfying dining experiences you will find in Charleston, South Carolina – Charleston Daily

Sorghum & Salt – An intimate farm to table Charleston dining experience – Charleston Daily

Lowcountry

Goose Creek, SC Based JW Aluminum Achieves Aluminum Stewardship Initiative Certification for Entire OperationsGoose Creek, SC based

June 4, 2024

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

JW Aluminum’s South Carolina and Arkansas locations are the first continuous cast rolling facilities
in the U.S. to be fully certified to ASI’s Performance Standard V3 (2022).

CHARLESTON, S.C., June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — JW Aluminum, a leading producer of high-quality flat-rolled aluminum products, today announced that it has achieved Aluminum Stewardship Initiative (ASI) Performance Standard Certification across its entire operations. The company’s South Carolina and Arkansas plants are the first continuous cast rolling facilities in the U.S. to be certified to ASI’s latest Version 3.0 standard.

JW Aluminum Achieves Aluminum Stewardship Initiative Performance Standard Certification for Entire U.S. Operations

JW Aluminum Achieves Aluminum Stewardship Initiative Certification for Entire Operations. The company's South Carolina and Arkansas locations are the first continuous cast rolling facilities in the U.S. to be fully certified to ASI’s Performance Standard V3 (2022). JW Aluminum serves the building products, HVAC, and transportation markets.

JW Aluminum serves the building products, HVAC, and transportation markets. ASI is a global, multi-stakeholder nonprofit certification body that sets standards to promote sustainability throughout the aluminum value chain.

To be certified, JW Aluminum underwent rigorous third-party audits to assess its adherence to the ASI Performance Standard’s robust environmental, social, and governance requirements and practices. ASI’s Performance Standard V3 defines principles and criteria for sustainability factors like production and sourcing, including greenhouse gas emissions, waste management, material stewardship, human rights, and more.

“We are extremely proud to have achieved ASI Certification across all of our operations,” said Ryan Roush, Chief Operating Officer at JW Aluminum. “As a domestic aluminum rolled products producer, our business model is inherently circular, and our corporate culture fosters integrity and accountability in every facet of our operations. Customers in our core markets and our stakeholders share these values. We will continue to communicate our performance and hold ourselves to these high standards so we can all work together successfully and sustainably for years to come.”

Fiona Solomon, Chief Executive Officer of the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative, said, “We congratulate JW Aluminum on achieving Performance Standard Certification V3 (2022). With products that are destined for several key downstream industries, this Certification demonstrates JW Aluminum’s commitment to responsible manufacturing processes and their important role in fostering improved environmental, social, and governance outcomes across the aluminium value chain.”

To learn more about JW Aluminum’s certifications and sustainability initiatives, visit www.jwaluminum.com.

About JW Aluminum:
At the heart of American manufacturing for over 40 years, JW Aluminum produces infinitely recyclable flat-rolled aluminum that is used to make products essential to our everyday lives, like building products and HVAC components that keep our homes comfortable and safe. Over 400 teammates at our Goose Creek, South Carolina and Russellville, Arkansas facilities process the aluminum to support these vital industries. The JW Aluminum team is committed to working safely every day to secure a sustainable future for our teammates, customers, communities, and ultimately, American manufacturing.

SOURCE JW Aluminum