Charleston, September 20, 2025
News Summary
A demolition proposal for the historic building at 280 Meeting Street has been postponed following strong community opposition. The architect withdrew the application, recognizing public concern. With significant support for preservation, over 200 comments were submitted to the Charleston Board of Architectural Review. The building, home to three businesses, holds cultural and architectural significance. Advocates urge for the protection of such structures to maintain Charleston’s identity. The next BAR meeting is scheduled for October 8 to address community feedback.
Charleston Community Responds to Demolition Proposal for Historic Meeting Street Building
A proposal to demolish the historic building located at 280 Meeting Street, which currently accommodates three businesses—The Bicycle Shoppe, 319 Men, and Theatre 99—has been postponed due to significant community opposition. Architect Eddie Bello of Bello Garris Architects withdrew the demolition application before it could be reviewed by the Charleston Board of Architectural Review (BAR). This decision follows a wave of public concern that emerged swiftly through social media channels.
The structure in question is a two-story building constructed in the 1910s, with a one-story showroom addition added in 1951, followed by a rear accessory structure in 1952. Many tenants were taken aback when they found out about the demolition proposal, highlighting a lack of communication from their landlord regarding the potential changes to their shared space.
Brian Turner, President and CEO of the Preservation Society of Charleston, expressed a sense of relief that the architect is now considering community feedback. The BAR’s agenda was modified on September 8, pushing the original review date from September 10 to allow for continued public input on the matter. Turner’s sentiments echo the views of many within the community, who have voiced over 200 comments in favor of preserving the building, emphasizing its cultural, architectural, and aesthetic significance to Charleston.
An ongoing concern noted by Turner is that many 20th-century buildings face skepticism from the BAR, and he urged the city to focus on protecting cultural spaces vital to Charleston’s unique identity. Despite ongoing discussions about possible future developments, BAR regulations dictate that demolition applications must be evaluated based on their merits alone.
Comments submitted to the BAR but left unaddressed during the postponed meeting on September 10 will be reviewed at the next scheduled meeting on October 8. Community members are actively encouraged to keep submitting their thoughts on the proposal as the BAR continues to gather public opinion.
Since its purchase for $3.9 million in 2015 by W.E. Applegate III and 280 Meeting Street Associates LLC, the future of the property has come into question, particularly following the recent redevelopment of a nearby property at 284 Meeting Street into a luxury condominium complex after its demolition in 2024. This history of redevelopment has added to the anxiety among the existing tenants about their own future.
Tenant Timothy Shaw Jr., co-owner of 319 Men, described the moment of discovering the demolition threat as shocking, stating that he only learned about the proposal while grocery shopping through friends. The building has received recognition from local historians not merely for its age but also for the role it plays in the community and local economy.
Anna Catherine Alexander, Director of Advocacy at the Preservation Society, referred to the building as an “incubator for locally owned businesses,” advocating for the adaptive reuse of historic structures as a means to sustain local commerce.
Key Information
- Location: 280 Meeting Street
- Constructed: 1910s, with additions in 1951 and 1952
- Purchased for: $3.9 million in 2015
- Tenants: The Bicycle Shoppe, 319 Men, Theatre 99
- Community Comments: Over 200 in support of preservation
- Next BAR Meeting: October 8
Community Involvement and Response
The community’s response has been swift and overwhelmingly positive towards preserving the historic structure, highlighting the significant role it plays in supporting local businesses and contributing to Charleston’s cultural fabric.
Chart: Key Features of the Meeting Street Structure
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 280 Meeting Street |
| Historic Significance | Constructed in 1910s, culturally important |
| Current Tenants | The Bicycle Shoppe, 319 Men, Theatre 99 |
| Community Support | Over 200 comments received for preservation |
| Next Steps | Next BAR meeting on October 8 |
FAQ
Q: What is the proposal for 280 Meeting Street?
A: A proposal to demolish the building at 280 Meeting Street, which houses three businesses: The Bicycle Shoppe, 319 Men, and Theatre 99, faced strong community disapproval.
Q: Who deferred the demolition proposal?
A: The architect, Eddie Bello of Bello Garris Architects, deferred the demolition application before the Charleston Board of Architectural Review (BAR) could consider it.
Q: How old is the building?
A: The building is a two-story structure built in the 1910s, supplemented by a one-story showroom addition in 1951 and a rear accessory structure in 1952.
Q: When is the next meeting regarding the proposal?
A: Comments submitted to the BAR that were not read on September 10 will be addressed at the next meeting on October 8.
Q: What was the community’s response to the proposal?
A: The Preservation Society noted a significant amount of community support, receiving over 200 comments regarding the building’s preservation.
Q: What was the building purchased for?
A: The property was purchased for $3.9 million in 2015 by W.E. Applegate III and 280 Meeting Street Associates LLC.
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Additional Resources
- Charleston City Paper
- Post and Courier
- ABC News 4
- Live 5 News
- Google Search: Meeting Street Charleston preservation
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