Charleston, October 22, 2025
News Summary
Charleston has unveiled the fully restored facade of the Bennett Rice Mill, a significant milestone in architectural preservation. The $1.6 million project took one year and is the first complete restoration on the Union Pier property since its acquisition in 1958. The mill, commissioned in 1844, represents 19th-century American industrial architecture, and its restoration highlights the city’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage while planning future developments.
Charleston has celebrated the full restoration of the historic Bennett Rice Mill facade, marking a significant milestone in preserving the city’s architectural heritage. The $1.6 million project, which took one year to complete, was unveiled on Tuesday and is located in the Union Pier area of downtown Charleston. The restoration represents the first complete refurbishment and stabilization of any structure on the Union Pier property since the South Carolina Ports Authority acquired it in 1958.
The Bennett Rice Mill, commissioned in 1844 by former South Carolina Governor Thomas Bennett, was once known for its production capabilities as it was one of the smallest of three rice mills in Charleston yet became one of the most productive in the nation before its closure. The South Carolina Ports Authority characterized the mill’s facade as one of the finest remaining examples of 19th-century American industrial architecture.
For many years, the facade has suffered from severe deterioration, particularly due to natural disasters. Hurricane Donna in 1960 resulted in substantial damage, leaving only the western facade intact, while Hurricane Hugo caused additional destruction in 1989. Over the years, the facade had not undergone adequate repairs, making the recent restoration a significant rehabilitation effort after nearly seven decades of neglect.
The restoration project involved restoration experts from Landmark Preservation and GEL Engineering, who diligently worked to repair missing and deteriorated bricks. Furthermore, crews reconstructed timber elements, reinforced the steel support structure, and employed materials that closely matched the original construction to maintain historical authenticity.
City officials, including Charleston’s Mayor William Cogswell, highlighted the importance of the facade as a symbol of the city’s resilience and craftsmanship, attesting to its historical significance. Local preservation advocates, such as Winslow Hastie, noted that the mill facade serves as a reminder of Charleston’s dedication to cultural memory and historic preservation.
The restoration coincides with plans to redevelop the Union Pier property, which will soon be transferred to Beemok Capital. Community advocates are calling for the inclusion of the restored mill facade in a future public park or civic space within the waterfront development, emphasizing the facade’s potential role in shaping the area’s collective history and identity.
The restored Bennett Rice Mill facade stands as a testament to the city’s commitment to preserving its historical architecture while paving the way for future developments that respect and honor the past.
Key Features of the Bennett Rice Mill Restoration
- Cost: $1.6 million
- Duration: 1 year
- Location: Union Pier, Charleston
- Historical Significance: Commissioned in 1844 by Governor Thomas Bennett
- The facade represents 19th-century American industrial architecture
- First complete restoration on Union Pier property since 1958
- Deterioration due to Hurricanes Donna (1960) and Hugo (1989)
- Involvement of preservation experts: Landmark Preservation and GEL Engineering
- Future development plans involve public park inclusion
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the cost of the Bennett Rice Mill restoration project?
The restoration project cost $1.6 million.
How long did the restoration project take?
The restoration project took place over the course of one year.
When was the Bennett Rice Mill commissioned?
The Bennett Rice Mill was commissioned in 1844 by South Carolina Governor Thomas Bennett.
What significance does the facade hold in Charleston?
The facade is described as one of the finest examples of 19th-century American industrial architecture and represents Charleston’s commitment to preservation and cultural memory.
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S.C. Ports Authority to Restore Bennett Rice Mill Façade
Additional Resources
- ABC News 4
- Wikipedia: Architecture of Charleston
- Live 5 News
- Google Search: Bennett Rice Mill Charleston
- Post and Courier
- Google Scholar: Bennett Rice Mill
- Count On 2
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Charleston
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
