RESIDENTIAL: Historic Renovation

CHARLESTON, SC

COMPLETED: August 2025

PROJECT FEATURES:

• Preservation of original 1832 Federal-style structure
• Restoration of historic architectural elements, including Palladian and elliptical windows, original stair approach, and piazzas
• New architecturally sensitive addition introduced an informal living room, office, and family entrance
• Modern kitchens and baths are integrated within original spaces to retain layout and material integrity
• Reconnection of interiors to side porches and gardens through restored openings and flow improvements
• Custom millwork and detailing to complement historic fabric

Thomas Street is a carefully executed historic renovation and addition of a Charleston single house, originally constructed in 1832 in the Federal style. Located in the heart of Charleston’s historic peninsula, the project reflects a deep respect for the city’s architectural legacy while thoughtfully adapting the home for modern family life.

Signature Federal details—including a Palladian window, elliptical fanlight, and curving entry steps—remain beautifully intact, preserving the refined elegance of early 19th-century design. Over time, the home evolved: by the late 1800s, it had been divided into three apartments with an exterior staircase replacing the original. Between 1890 and 1905, broad piazzas were added, introducing Victorian charm, and a detached garage was constructed.

By 2022, the house had returned to its single-family use but showed signs of prolonged neglect—rotting wood, water damage, and insect infestation. Despite these conditions, its historic character remained remarkably resilient. The renovation focused on restoring the pre-1905 structure and integrating a new, carefully scaled addition that includes an informal living room, office, and a new family entrance.

The result is a home that balances preservation and practicality. Historic side porches—once closed off—are now focal points of daily life, with restored double doors opening each room to garden views and outdoor space.

Thomas Street embodies the essence of preservation in Charleston, South Carolina—honoring original materials and craftsmanship while creating space for contemporary life in one of the city’s most enduring cultural landscapes.