Beaufort: Five Hundred Years of History

Historic Beaufort Foundation proudly presents this 5-part lecture series on the History of the Old Beaufort District, Settlement to the 20^th Century

November 30, 2021

Beaufort, S. C. – November 30, 2021. Historic Beaufort Foundation will host a unique 5-part lecture series on the history of the Old Beaufort District from settlement to the 20^th century. The series to be held at the USCB Center for the Arts, 805 Carteret Street, will begin on Thursday evening January 13, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. and will continue every Thursday evening through February 10, 2022.

This rare opportunity to experience Beaufort’s history as presented by three of South Carolina’s leading historians: Dr. Lawrence S. Rowland, Dr. Stephen R. Wise and Dr. John M. McCardell, Jr., will bring to life the Beaufort District and its developmental role in the region, the state and the nation. Tickets may be purchased by individual lecture or 5-part series.

Thursday, January 13 – Exploration, Settlement & Revolution, 1521-1782 Presented by Dr. Lawrence S. Rowland and Dr. Stephen R. Wise
Thursday, January 20 – “King Cotton”, “Calculating the Value of the Union”, and the Mindset of Beaufort, 1783-1860

Presented by Dr. John M. McCardell, Jr. and Dr. Lawrence S. Rowland

Thursday, January 27 – The War of the Rebellion & the Rehearsal for Reconstruction, 1860-1868 Presented by Dr. Stephen R. Wise
Thursday, February 3 – Reconstruction, Recovery & Redemption, 1868-1913

Presented by Dr. Lawrence S. Rowland

Thursday, February 10 – The Twentieth Century, 1910 – 1970

Presented by Dr. Lawrence S. Rowland and Dr. Stephen R. Wise

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.historicbeaufort.org.

Speaker Biographies:

John McCardell, Jr. Ph.D.

Dr. McCardell, Vice Chancellor Emeritus of Sewanee, The University of the South and retired Professor of History, is a distinguished historian and respected national leader in liberal arts education. A scholar of the American South and a prolific writer, Dr. McCardell is author of The Idea of a Southern Nation, which won the Allan Nevins Prize in 1977, and has authored may essays, chapters, articles and book reviews. His specialty is U.S. history in the 19^th century with special emphasis on the Old South and on American historiography.

A member of Phi Beta Kappa and Omicron Delta Kappa, Dr. McCardell received his A.B. from Washington and Lee University and Johns Hopkins University; his doctorate from Harvard; LITT. D. from Washington and Lee University; L.H.D., from St. Michael’s College; and L.H.D. from Middlebury College. He has been honored with grants and fellowships from the American Philosophical Society, the National endowment for the Humanities, and the Institute for Southern Studies.

Lawrence S. Rowland, Ph.D.

Dr. Rowland is the Distinguished Professor Emeritus of History for the University of South Carolina, Beaufort and previously held roles with the University as Professor of History and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. He holds a Bachelors of Arts from Hamilton College (New York), and both a masters and doctorate from the University of South Carolina. Professor Rowland is author of numerous articles, books and book reviews on South Carolina and Sea Island history including the following:

The History of Beaufort County, South Carolina, Vol. I, 1514-1861, with Alexander Moore and George C. Rogers, Jr., 1996. (Columbia: USC Press, 1996) Window on the Atlantic: The Rise and Fall of Santa Elena, South Carolina Spanish City (South Carolina Department of Archives and History, 1990.) The Civil War in South Carolina: Selections from the South Carolina Historical Magazine, Co-editor with Stephen G. Hoffius, (Charleston: Home House Press, 2011). The History of Beaufort County, South Carolina, Vol. II and Vol. III, 1861-1990, with Steven R. Wise and Gerhard Spieler. (This volume is in process.)

Stephen R. Wise, Ph.D.

Dr. Wise, Museum Curator and Cultural Resources Manager at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, has written and edited a number of works including Lifeline of the Confederacy: Blockade Running During the Civil War, a highly acclaimed, comprehensive account of the Confederate effort to deliver supplies through the northern blockade and Gate of Hell: The Campaign for Charleston Harbor 1863, which received the South Carolina Historical Society award as the best book written in 1994 on South Carolina History.

Dr. Wise received his Bachelor of Arts from Wittenberg University and a master’s degree from Bowling Green State University. He received his doctorate from the University of South Carolina.

HBF is a 501(c)3nonprofit education foundation created to preserve, protect and present sites and artifacts of historic, architectural and cultural interest throughout Beaufort County South Carolina. For more information on HBF’s mission and programs, please visit www.historicbeaufort.org and follow them on social media, including Facebook and Instagram.

For media inquiries and interviews, please contact:

Cynthia C. Jenkins, executive director

Historic Beaufort Foundation

info@historicbeaufort.org or

843.379.3331

Historic Beaufort Foundation

PRESERVATION ECONOMIST DONOVAN RYPKEMA PRESENTS

By Mary Thompson

PRESERVATION ECONOMIST DONOVAN RYPKEMA PRESENTS

Leading preservationist economist Donovan Rypkema will speak on the economic impact of historic preservation at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 3, at USCB’s Center for the Arts.

The talk is open to the public and will include a Q&A at the end. Masks are required. The event is being sponsored by the City of Beaufort, Historic Beaufort Foundation and USCB’s Center for the Arts. It will be livestreamed on the City of Beaufort’s Facebook page, Facebook.com/CityBeaufortSC.

Rypkema is principal of Place Economics, a real estate and economic development consulting firm in Washington, D.C. Educated at Columbia University, Rypkema earned a Master of Science in historic preservation, and is author of several publications including Community Initiated Development, The Economics of Rehabilitation, and the Feasibility Assessment Manual for Reusing Historic Buildings. His book, “The Economics of Historic Preservation: A Community Leader’s Guide,” is widely used nationwide and has been translated into Russian and Korean.

Rypkema has undertaken assignments for public and non-profit sector clients in 49 states. He has worked with such groups as the Urban Land Institute, the Mayors’ Institute on City Design, the American Planning Association, Smart Growth America, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and the International Downtown Association. His federal clients have included the Department of the Interior and the Advisory Council for Historic Preservation.

Rypkema shared in an interview in 2018 with South Dakota Public Broadcasting, “We’re really in the business of economic development, and so we don’t advocate for historic preservation with historic preservation as an end, we argue for it as a means to a lot of things, including its economic impact, and that manifests itself in a greater labor intensity, so it means local jobs, it means a difference in property value appreciation, which means money in the pockets of homeowners, it means a central role in downtown revitalization, it means a lower level of foreclosure patterns in historic districts, it means an incubator for small and startup businesses, there’s a whole range of contributions that historic buildings make that aren’t because of some stupid gargoyles. It’s really of the kind of character and quality of those buildings.”

Historic Beaufort Foundation

THE HISTORIC BEAUFORT FOUNDATION’S FALL FESTIVAL OF HOUSES & GARDENS

By Mary Thompson

THE HISTORIC BEAUFORT FOUNDATION’S FALL FESTIVAL OF HOUSES & GARDENS

Have you ever wanted to step back in time and experience the history of beautiful Beaufort, South Carolina?

Historic Beaufort Foundation (HBF) would like to invite you to our Fall Festival of Houses & Gardens. Explore Beaufort’s history, architecture, and landscape in one unforgettable weekend as HBF introduces you to the Beaufort Style.

Friday Luncheon and Lecture
October 22^nd 11:30am-1:00pm
Members: $65 | Nonmembers: $75

Historic Beaufort Foundation’s Executive Director, Cynthia Jenkins, 2021 recipient of The Governor’s Award for Excellence in Preservation, will discuss The Beaufort Style and Beaufort’s impact on architecture in the South.

Friday Walking Tour of National Landmark Historic District*
October 22^nd 2:00pm-6:00pm
Members: $65 | Nonmembers: $75

We invite you to join us for a rare peek into Beaufort’s history as gracious property owners welcome you into their private homes and gardens to experience the history, architecture, and style of historic Beaufort. Each of the homes on this year’s tour are representative of The Beaufort Style— ranging from a mid-19^th century manor to a charming Victorian cottage.

*A Walking Tour Bundle is available for this event. You’ll receive $10 off when you book the Friday Walking Tour in combination with the Saturday Afternoon Country Retreat and Lowcountry Picnic.

Lowcountry Art Celebration
October 22^nd 4:30pm-9:00pm

Beaufort’s Annual Fall Artwalk through historic Downtown Beaufort features 13 of Beaufort’s premier galleries. This thriving arts community represents more than 400 artists celebrating the Lowcountry.

Saturday Afternoon Country Retreat and Lowcountry Picnic
October 23^rd 1:00pm-4:00pm
Members: $75 | Nonmembers: $85

If you are seeking a uniquely southern experience, look no further. Enjoy a picnic at a beautiful southern estate tucked in the banks of the Combahee River in Prince William Parish. A delicious Lowcountry picnic lunch is included in this event. The estate is a short 30-minute drive from downtown Beaufort.

Sunday In the Beaufort Style-A Part of HBF’s Scholar Series
October 24^th 9:30am-12:00pm
Members: $100 | Nonmembers: $125 Tickets are limited for this exclusive event.

Spend your morning immersed in the Lowcountry with a visit to the Barnwell Gough House and enjoy a truly southern brunch in the home’s formal gardens. This magnificent house showcases the influence of Adams and the burgeoning Federal style of architecture. With its southern facing orientation, T-shape design, hipped roof, two-story portico, and raised foundation, this home is a perfect example of the tabby form of architecture. Notable experts in the field will provide in-depth interpretations of this beautiful home In the Beaufort Style. Together, we’ll celebrate The Beaufort Style and its unique contribution to the southern landscape.

The Historic Beaufort Foundation’s Fall Festival promises to be an enchanting weekend celebrating the beauty, influence, and community of historic Beaufort. We would love for you to join us for any-or all-of our unique and informative events as we come together to learn about the history and impact of Beaufort, South Carolina.

Register today!

Historic Beaufort Foundation

CYNTHIA JENKINS RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS GOVERNOR’S AWARD

By Mary Thompson

CYNTHIA JENKINS RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS GOVERNOR’S AWARD

The Historic Beaufort Foundation is so pleased to announce that our executive director, Cynthia Jenkins, is this year’s recipient of the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Preservation!

This prestigious award recognizes excellence in the field of historic preservation and an individual’s commitment to preserving South Carolina’s history. The Governor’s Award is the highest honor given by the State of South Carolina and acknowledges achievements in support of historic preservation in South Carolina. This award is only presented to individuals who have exemplified lifelong dedication to the preservation of South Carolina’s historic buildings, structures or sites. No one epitomizes a love of South Carolina’s historic preservation more than Cynthia Jenkins.

Historic preservation has long been an integral part of Cynthia’s life. As the first person to receive an undergraduate degree in Historic Preservation, Cynthia has always understood the importance of maintaining and cultivating the history of people and places. Cynthia began her impressive career in historic preservation at the Lowcountry Council of Governments in Yemassee, South Carolina. From there, Cynthia joined the Tennessee State Historic Preservation Office and developed the methodology of

conducting statewide historic site surveys. While there, she also assisted in creating an efficient National Register program.

Cynthia quickly became a sought-after expert in the field of historic preservation. In 1996, the Preservation Society of Charleston saw the benefit of her experience and hired Cynthia as their Executive Director. While there, she focused on preservation advocacy, preservation education and preservation planning. Under her leadership, the Society’s endowment increased from less than $20,000 to more than $2,000,000. Cynthia’s love for preservation is contagious and the Preservation Society of Charleston’s membership increased by close to one third in number.

Over the years, Cynthia has served on over two dozen boards and commissions. She has also worked as an Adjunct Professor at Clemson University and the University of Charleston and educational adviser at Middle State Tennessee University. Additionally, Cynthia continues to serve as a volunteer and on several Boards of Directors. Cynthia has had the opportunity to work with many different historic organizations in several places. In each of these roles, she has made important advancements in historic preservation.

But perhaps her favorite accomplishment has been her long association with the Frank Lloyd Wright designed Auldbrass Plantation near Yemassee, South Carolina. Cynthia was instrumental in securing its listing on the National Register of Historic Places. She also directed the monitoring of covenants for restoration required by the Historic Charleston Foundation.

In addition to her leadership roles, Cynthia has also found time to publish informative literature in areas of historic preservation. She surveyed, researched and wrote Historic Resources of the Lowcountry: A Regional Survey. She also assisted the City of Beaufort in developing The Beaufort Preservation Manual, which remains one of the most successful preservation design manuals for individuals and cities.

At the Historic Beaufort Foundation, we recognize how lucky we are to have Cynthia as our Executive Director. In 2019, she returned to the Historic Beaufort Foundation as the Executive Director. Here, she is focusing on the organization’s efforts of ensuring that preservation in Beaufort remains at the forefront by raising the organization’s profile, increasing membership, adding diversity and rehabilitating the Verdier House, a Beaufort landmark. Among other pivotal Beaufort projects, Cynthia was a key player in the development of the City’s Tourism Ordinance, the Tour Bus Ordinance and Film Guidelines. Wayne Vance, Chairman, HBF Board of Trustees, recognized Cynthia’s receipt of the Governor’s Award with the following words: “This is well deserved recognition of Cynthia’s talent, knowledge and dedication. Her leadership is invaluable to our community and to accomplishing the Foundation’s mission to preserve and protect Beaufort’s historic and architectural legacy.”

Congratulations to Cynthia!

Historic Beaufort Foundation

HISTORIC BEAUFORT FOUNDATION FILES APPEAL OF HISTORIC REVIEW BOARD’S APPROVAL OF LARGE FOOTPRINT DEVELOPMENTS

By Mary Thompson

HISTORIC BEAUFORT FOUNDATION FILES APPEAL OF HISTORIC REVIEW BOARD’S APPROVAL OF LARGE FOOTPRINT DEVELOPMENTS

July 9, 2021

Today, Historic Beaufort Foundation (HBF) filed a petition in Circuit Court appealing the June 9 decision by the City of Beaufort’s Historic Review Board to allow construction of a four-level parking garage and a four-story hotel in the heart of Beaufort’s National Historic Landmark District.

HBF Executive Director Cynthia Jenkins said, “Beaufort is unique and has been fortunate to maintain a significant portion of our architectural legacy and historic integrity. The Historic Review Board’s recent decisions not only impact our city now but, more importantly, set precedents for all future development.”

“HBF sees these as generational projects that will forever adversely impact Beaufort. Our objective, as always, is not to prevent progress or development, but to ensure that all new construction is compatible with the significant character of Beaufort’s National Historic Landmark district,” Jenkins said.

HBF is a 501(c)3 nonprofit education foundation created to preserve, protect, and present sites and artifacts of historic, architectural, and cultural interest throughout Beaufort County, South Carolina. For more information on our mission and history, please visit historicbeaufort.org and follow us on social media, including Facebook and Instagram.

Historic Beaufort Foundation

YOU’RE INVITED TO DINNER WITH ROBERT MILLS

By Mary Thompson

YOU’RE INVITED TO DINNER WITH ROBERT MILLS

July 8, 2021

Sponsored by the South Carolina Historical Society.

We are pleased to inform you of our next Dinner and a Lecture: Robert Mills: America’s First Native Born Architect. HBF’s lecture series is an opportunity to immerse yourself in a specific aspect of Beaufort and South Carolina history while making a deeper connection with our beautiful city. You are invited to join us as we learn about the life and legacy of Robert Mills, America’s first native-born architect, by lecturer William S. Davies, Jr.

Robert Mills was born in Charleston in 1781 and was the first architect to be entirely trained in the United States. Unlike other architects of this period who trained in Europe, Robert Mills’ style was completely developed out of his experiences within this country and influenced by the topography and character of the nation.

While he is most known for designing the Washington Monument, Robert Mills has been very influential in the architecture of South Carolina. Mills fell in love with architecture early on in his life. He studied under James Hoban and Benjamin Henry Latrobe, gaining extensive knowledge of the Classical Revival style. Before returning to his native South Carolina, Mills designed and worked on many historic buildings in the Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., areas. Later, he moved his family back to South Carolina and worked as the State Architect and Engineer for South Carolina. During this time, he designed 12 courthouses and the state’s asylum. Importantly, it was his training in the Classical Revival style that guided his architectural preferences. He was heavily influenced by Thomas Jefferson and believed the Classical Revival style signified the revitalization of the ancient republics. He further felt that this architecture represented the birth of a new nation following the Revolutionary War.

As we study the life of Robert Mills in a discussion led by William S. Davies, we will uncover the deep ties and impact of the Revolutionary War on the architecture of South Carolina. More importantly, we will have the opportunity to more fully understand the motivations and intentions of one of South Carolina’s most famous architects, as interpreted by well-known historian William S. Davies.

A prominent figure in this field of research, Davies focuses his presentation on Mills’ historic relationships to South Carolina. Davies was a partner of Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP for 34 years and practiced law in Columbia, S.C. He earned a Juris Doctorate from the University of South Carolina School of Law after earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the Citadel. Currently, Mr. Davies is a member of the South Carolina Historical Society, the Fort Sumter-Fort Moultrie Historical Trust, the Edisto Island Historic Preservation Society, the South Carolina Archives & History Foundation, the Charleston Museum, the South Carolina State Museum and the Sons of the American Revolution, just to name a few. While his resume is impressive, we will have the opportunity to learn from Mr. Davies in an intimate setting, allowing for questions and conversation.

Please join us on July 26^th for a glass of wine, refreshments, and conversation – and enriching experience for the mind and body. Tickets are on sale now for this fabulous event. You can purchase tickets on our website Historicbeaufort.org, by phone (842) 379-3331, or by coming into our office at 208 Scotts Street, Beaufort, S.C. We are limiting occupancy, so get your tickets soon! Please also support HBF partner and “Dinner and a Lecture” sponsor Saltus River Grill. Lecture attendees receive a 10% discount on dinner following the lecture when they present their lecture tickets.

Historic Beaufort Foundation

IN THE BEAUFORT STYLE

By Mary Thompson

IN THE BEAUFORT STYLE

June 3, 2021

As you stroll along the streets in Beaufort, South Carolina, the charm and sense of nostalgia are unmistakable. There is something special about Beaufort. Is it the breeze off the water, the tree-lined streets, or the beautiful old homes reminding us of the past? It is the combination of these elements that truly represent Beaufort and it’s unique and idyllic charm.

Combining architectural beauty and its distinct terrain, Beaufort’s city plan was designed to fit the landscape and benefit from the Beaufort River. Beaufort is defined by its coastal setting, strategic location, and the architecture that developed over three centuries. Out of this design, a unique sense of place and a link to the Lowcountry has developed. One of the most defining forms of Beaufort architecture has grown out of this marriage of coastal land and history: the Beaufort Style.

The Beaufort Style is based on five architectural elements that are conventionally found in more rural settings. Different from the rowhouses of Savannah or Single Houses of Charleston, Beaufort homes were built on spacious lots—more like smaller versions of plantations.

Colonial settlers of Beaufort designed homes with techniques that incorporated the topography and climate of the area—and specifically the South Carolina Lowcountry. Large windows take advantage of the breezes from the water, deep porches provide shade from the hot summer sun, and low-pitched roofs don’t hold onto the heat. But what architectural elements particularly set the Beaufort Style apart from other historic southern architecture?

The Beaufort Style typically employs these architectural elements:

A raised foundation of usually tabby or brick.

Tabby is a type of concrete that is made by combining lime, oyster shells, water, sand, and ash. This was popular foundation used by colonist settlers up and down the coast. A tabby foundation was an extremely popular choice in Beaufort, due to the abundance of oyster shells on the shoreline. Beaufort County has one of the largest collections of tabby structures in the country.

Houses that do not have a tabby foundation, will have a brick foundation. As bricklaying was an art previously known to settlers, it is no surprise that some homes feature this type of foundation.

A southern orientation toward the Beaufort River. Early settlers of Beaufort knew the importance of capturing cool breezes off the river.

Porticos and piazzas on the southern façade, facing the river and the breeze.

Beauty and function combine with beautiful porticos and piazzas on houses throughout Beaufort. Shady porches help residents manage the heat, but they also serve as key architectural elements that characterize the Beaufort Style.

Low pitched roofs.

Again, in an effort to beat the heat, colonial settlers focused on low pitched roofs that would prevent the heat from being trapped in the house. This picture of the Tabby Manse House shows this popular roof line.

A T-shaped plan.

The Beaufort “T” first appeared in the late Federal Period and allows for better cross-ventilation in the back area of houses. In 19^th century examples, we can see the T-shape design being extended to outdoor spaces. The T-shape was tied to piazzas wrapping around three sides of the house—always on the southern elevation.

A distinctly southern town, Beaufort, South Carolina architecture makes it unique. The Beaufort Style has grown out of a combination of architectural preferences and livability. Large city lots and stately residences bring the grandeur of plantation architecture to the city—a unique combination only found in Beaufort. As observed by Russell Wright in the early 1970’s, “Beaufort houses, free-standing on large lots, are more akin to the architecture of southern plantations of the period, plantations brought into town, than anything found in Charleston or Savannah.”

Historic Beaufort Foundation

GET INVOLVED IN PRESERVING OUR HISTORY

By Mary Thompson

GET INVOLVED IN PRESERVING OUR HISTORY

May 25, 2021

At Historic Beaufort Foundation (HBF) we are extremely grateful to our many patrons and for the generous donations that support our mission to preserve and protect Beaufort’s historic and architectural legacy. Through both one-time and annual donations and gifts, we are able to ensure that Beaufort’s history will not be forgotten.

HBF is proud to be a beneficiary of the Francis and Anne Griswold Trust. This generous and unrestricted gift assists HBF annually in meeting our preservation objectives. Although Francis Hanmer Griswold was originally from New York, he travelled to the southeast to perform research. During those years, Griswold spent time in Beaufort. Of the two novels he authored, one was set in Beaufort and the Carolina Lowcountry, A Sea Island Lady, and chronicled life in Beaufort from 1865 to 1930. Although Griswold moved to California for the remainder of his life, he held a special place in his heart for Beaufort. The Francis and Anne Griswold Trust was established at his death in 2001. The Historic Beaufort Foundation is so thankful to be one of the five non-profits who benefit from this annual benevolent gift.

We are grateful for every donation we receive. If you’re interested in supporting Historic Beaufort Foundation, there are several ways you can be involved!

There are many ways to help preserve Beaufort’s important history. We hope you’ll join us in whatever way works best for your schedule and life. As we look at the important impact that the Francis and Anne Griswold Trust has on maintaining Beaufort’s past, we’re excited at the future potential of similar gifts that will ensure the character of Beaufort endures for generations to come.

Join us today!

Historic Beaufort Foundation

THE ANNUAL BEAUFORT SPRING ARCHITECT’S TOUR

By Mary Thompson

THE ANNUAL BEAUFORT SPRING ARCHITECT’S TOUR

March 12, 2021

The Historic Beaufort Foundation cordially invites you to join us for this year’s annual Spring Architect’s Tour. Taking place on Saturday, March 20, 2021, our annual tour will guide you on a unique journey of Beaufort through examples of both traditional and contemporary architecture, showcasing the creative and distinctive imprint of some of our most accomplished architects. The homes chosen for this year’s tour specifically interpret the Lowcountry in the 21^st century. This year, we are featuring properties that have been recently completed and “hard hat” tours of properties under construction.

THE TOUR

Beaufort has boasted some of the best of southern architecture since building began here in the 18^th century. Today’s local architects continue that tradition of excellence. This year, the tour highlights the work of Allison Ramsey Architects, Frederick and Frederick Architects and Montgomery Architecture & Planning. Architects, Builders and Contractors will also be onsite to answer questions during the tour, including: Broad River Construction, Allen Patterson Builders, Howell Builders, Phifer Contracting and TD Commercial Builders.

Properties included in this year’s tour are located in historic downtown Beaufort, Lady’s Island, Cane Island, St. Helena Island and Fripp Island.

Cara May Cottage

Location: Beaufort Historic District
Architect: Allison Ramsey Architects
Builder: TD Commercial Builders
Interior Designers: Jeremiah & Emily Smith

This beautiful cottage, full of curb appeal, is similar in size to the original freedman cottages built throughout the North West Quadrant of Beaufort’s Historic District in the late 19^th century.

Cane Island Home

Location: Cane Island
Architect: Frederick & Frederick Architects
Builder: Patrick McMichael, Broad River Construction
Builder: Matt Phifer, Phifer Construction
Interior Design: Frederick & Frederick Architects

This home’s custom design provides a more contemporary feel than the traditional Lowcountry style and emphasizes the owner’s desire for a light-filled house with clean lines.

St. Helena Island House

Location: Station Creek
Architect: Montgomery Planning & Architecture
Builder: Allan Howell, Howell Builders
Interior Design: Susan Loeffler

This ultra-modern home sits along the marshes of Station Creek with views to St. Phillips Island, Bay Point, and the mouth of the Port Royal Sound.

Fripp Island Home

Location: Fripp Island
Architect: Allison Ramsey Architects
Builder: Allen Patterson, Allen Patterson Builders
Interior Designer: Allen Patterson Builders

This custom waterfront house has a great view of the Atlantic Ocean and is high on southern coastal charm. Garden spaces and a pool accent the interior side of the lot, adding to outdoor living opportunities.

Factory Creek Home

Location: Lady’s Island
Architect: Montgomery Planning & Architecture
Builder: Matt Phifer, Phifer Construction

This innovative project is a blend of old and new by reimagining a 1970’s split-level house into a sensitive and sustainable design.

Your safety during this event is a priority. The Historic Beaufort Foundation is mindful of the continuing Covid-19 concerns and will make every effort to ensure that protocols are in place for signage, social distancing, access, masking, hand sanitizer and other necessary precautions. Masks will be required when inside the properties.

THE DETAILS

Spring Architect’s Tour

Date: Saturday, March 20, 2021 – rain or shine

Time: 10AM to 4:30PM

Price: $65 per person – Advance Reservations are recommended and available by calling HBF at 843-379-3331 or by visiting this link. The tour is self-paced and self-driven.

This year’s tour sponsors include: Gilbert Law Firm, Broad River Construction, Allen Patterson Builders, Howell Builders, and Phifer Construction

Whether you are a history buff, a lover of architecture, or looking for inspiration for your own home, this year’s architectural tour has something for everyone. Please join us and enjoy this unique opportunity to get a look at some of the most fabulous new architecture in Beaufort.

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Historic Beaufort Foundation

ANNUAL BEAUFORT SPRING ARCHITECT’S TOUR, SET FOR MARCH 20, TO FEATURE CONTEMPORARY HOMES

The homes chosen for this year’s tour interpret Lowcountry architecture through 21^st century design, and all the featured properties have either been recently completed or are under construction and will be part of the “hard hat” portion of the tour.

BEAUFORT, SC — MARCH 8, 2021 — Historic Beaufort Foundation is preparing for its annual Spring Architect’s Tour, which is set for 10 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Saturday, March 20 and includes houses spread across five Lowcountry Islands. This year’s event – sponsored by Gilbert Law Firm, Broad River Construction, Allen Patterson Builders, Howell Builders and Phifer Construction – will guide attendees on a unique journey of Beaufort through examples of both traditional and contemporary architecture, showcasing the creative and distinctive imprint of some of the area’s most accomplished architects. The houses chosen for this year’s tour interpret Lowcountry architecture through 21^st century design, and all the featured properties have either been recently completed or are under construction and will be part of the “hard hat” portion of the tour.

HBF has prioritized tour participants’ safety during the event and will ensure that protocols are in place for signage, social distancing, masking, hand sanitizer usage, and other necessary precautions. Masks will be required when inside the properties.

Beaufort has boasted some of the souths most interesting architecture since the city began to take shape in the 18^th century. Today, local architects continue that tradition of excellence. This year’s tour will highlight the work of Allison Ramsey Architects, Frederick and Frederick Architects and Montgomery Architecture & Planning. Throughout the tour, architects, builders, and contractors will be onsite to provide information, talk about the homes and answer questions. Representatives from Broad River Construction, Allen Patterson Builders, Howell Construction, Phifer Contracting and TD Commercial Builders will also be in attendance.

Properties included in this year’s tour are located on the Port Royal Island in historic downtown Beaufort, on Lady’s Island at Factory Creek, Cane Island, St. Helena Island at Station Creek and Fripp Island.

The Cara May Cottage – a cozy small house – in Beaufort’s Historic District
(Port Royal Island) was designed by Allison Ramsey Architects and built by TD Commercial Builders. The interior design was done by owners Jeremiah and Emily Smith. The cottage is 400 SF with one bedroom and bath, similar in size to the original freedman cottages built throughout the North West Quadrant of Beaufort’s Historic District in the late 19^th century. The 11’ ceilings, 6.5’ tall casement windows and the chic modern interiors bring this home design into the modern day. The cottage porch and cozy built-in breakfast nook on the street side bring curb appeal and encourage outdoor living and engagement with neighbors. The cottage is named after the owner/architect’s daughter, Cara May.

The Cane Island House was designed by Frederick & Frederick Architects, and is being built by Patrick McMichael of Broad River Construction and Matt Phifer of Phifer Construction. Interior design is by Frederick & Frederick Architects. The home’s custom design provides a more contemporary feel than the traditional Lowcountry style and emphasizes the owner’s desire for a light-filled house with clean lines. This contemporary design uses the local vernacular vocabulary of single width rooms with great cross ventilation, a raised first floor, large porches, and high ceilings. The 21^st century twist is seen in the large lift and slide doors on the front and back, the dramatic staircase with clear story windows and skylights combined with clean details.

The house has a super-efficient building envelope with the addition of a geo-thermal HVAC and hot water system and solar panels; the house will be net-zero. The solar panels will charge a Tesla battery wall for backup electricity and excess power will be sold to the power company through net metering.

The St. Helena Island House at Station Creek was designed by Montgomery Planning & Architecture and was built by Allan Howell of Howell Builders. This ultra-modern home sits along the marshes of Station Creek with views to St. Phillips Island, Bay Point, and the mouth of the Port Royal Sound. The site provides enjoyment of the Lowcountry landscape with sweeping natural vistas. The design emphasizes the expansive views of the surrounding maritime environment. The contemporary interior of the house was designed by the owner, Susan Loeffler.

The Fripp Island House was designed by Allison Ramsey Architects, and is being built by Allen Patterson of Allen Patterson Builders. Interior design is also being done by Allen Patterson Builders. This custom waterfront house has a great view of the Atlantic Ocean with southern coastal charm. Garden spaces and a pool accent the interior side of the lot, adding to outdoor living opportunities. The house plan interior floorplan is that of an “upside-down house,” where the kitchen and living spaces are located on the top floor to take in the expansive views and large porches. The exterior design has Caribbean influence with southern details. 2500 SF of covered porches, screened porches and rooftop deck with fireplaces provides outdoor living at its best.

The Factory Creek home on Lady’s Island was designed by Montgomery Planning & Architecture and is being built by Matt Phifer of Phifer Construction. This innovative project is a blend of old and new by reimagining a 1970’s split-level house into a sensitive and sustainable design. The original 2-story bedroom wing has been retained and a new living, kitchen, and dining area, along with a third floor “perch” was designed to incorporate an expansive screen porch for better interaction with the surrounding environment and views of Factory Creek. Solar panels and cistern for rainwater harvesting have also been incorporated into the design.

“Whether you are a history buff, a lover of architecture, or looking for inspiration for your own home, this year’s architectural tour has something for everyone. Please join us to enjoy this unique opportunity for a behind the scenes look at some of the Lowcountry’s most exciting new architecture,” said Cynthia Jenkins, Historic Beaufort Foundation’s Executive Director.

The Spring Architect’s Tour will take place rain-or-shine. Advanced reservations are strongly recommended as this popular event tends to fill up quickly. Tickets are $65 each and may be purchased by calling HBF at 843-379-3331 or going online to https://historicbeaufort.org/event/spring-architects-tour/. The tour is self-paced and self-driven.

HBF is a 501(c)3 nonprofit education foundation created to preserve, protect, and present sites and artifacts of historic, architectural, and cultural interest throughout Beaufort County, South Carolina. For more information on the entity’s mission and history, please visit historicbeaufort.org and follow them on social media, including Facebook and Instagram.

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For media inquiries, please contact Hollie Barnidge at hollie@lesleyfrancispr.com or 912-272-8651, Lesley Francis at lesley@lesleyfrancispr.com or 912-429-3950, or the team at 912-417-LFPR (5377).

LFPR
March 8, 2021

Historic Beaufort Foundation