S.C. Ports set to revitalize Bennett Rice Mill façade ahead of Union Pier Project

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — A prominent historical landmark is getting a much-needed facelift.

The South Carolina Ports Authority has voted to restore and renovate the Bennett Rice Mill façade downtown.

As they finalize the sale of the land to a private owner, that will be part of the Union Pier project.

"We've literally watched the deterioration accelerate, and the port got the message," said Brian Turner, president and chief executive officer of the Preservation Society of Charleston.

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The message? To save a sterling example of early Charleston architecture.

"This is industrial architecture, but built with these classical elements that really shows something about the way that we built back in those days. The Rice Mill façade is one of the last historic features that's visible in the landscape, and so naturally could be a centerpiece of a future redevelopment," says Turner.

The S.C. Ports Authority is footing the $1.6 million price tag for the work. In a statement, they said the façade is: "A unique landmark and a prominent piece of industrial architecture at Union Pier."

"What this project will do is give it life. The façade could be incorporated in a new structure, or it could be further refined and stabilized to exist as an independent monument. The most important thing is doing the work now to make sure that we can have those options," said Turner.

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It's a unique Charleston landmark. However, the project was awarded to Landmark Preservation out of Savannah. S.C. Ports noted they were the only group to provide a cost proposal and could start right away.

"Landmark had the capacity and the expertise to do this work. We agreed that they have a very compelling resume with dealing with structures like this. It's really about creating the right conditions for the best possible team to come to the table," said Turner.

The Historic Charleston Foundation is also excited about the project. They say they've long advocated for the preservation of the façade and said in a statement in part, "We look forward to seeing how this landmark will be incorporated into the new vision for Union Pier."

"The structure has significance as a place of learning and as a place of recreation. A park we hope or something that would really honor this history and provide Charlestonians the ability to access it once again," Turner said.

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According to the S.C. Ports action plan, the work will begin in May and is expected to be finished in November of this year.

“The Bennett Rice Mill façade is a unique landmark and a prominent piece of industrial architecture at Union Pier. We know from engagement with community members and leaders that stabilization and repair of the façade is important to Charleston," said Barbara Melvin, the president and chief executive officer of S.C. Ports, in a statement.

"Recognizing this priority, SC Ports has hired Landmark Preservation to carefully continue preservation efforts for this historical structure for generations to come while plans develop for its future role in the public realm space of Union Pier. This firm was chosen in collaboration with the preservation community, and we are pleased to see this project undergo additional protections for the benefit of the Charleston community.”

The Historic Foundation added its perspective.

"Historic Charleston Foundation is thankful to the Ports Authority for allocating funds to stabilize the Bennett Rice Mill façade, for which we have long advocated. With greater urgency due to increased deterioration, we are encouraged that the Port is not going to wait for the property to transfer to the new owner with hurricane season around the corner," said Winslow Hastie, the president and chief executive officer of the Historic Charleston Foundation. "This nationally significant façade is an important reminder of the industrial history of the working waterfront, the role of rice production in the economy of Charleston, and the massive contributions of the enslaved people that powered this industry. We look forward to seeing how this landmark will be incorporated into the new redevelopment vision for Union Pier."