Charleston, October 24, 2025
News Summary
The historic Bennett Rice Mill at the Port of Charleston’s Union Pier Terminal has been successfully restored, marking a notable achievement in the city’s preservation efforts. The restoration involved a $1.6 million investment and included crucial repairs after years of weather damage. This mill, commissioned in 1844 and a reminder of Charleston’s rice-producing history, stands as a rare example of Palladian industrial architecture. City officials view its completion as essential to future redevelopment plans for the waterfront area.
Charleston has officially completed the restoration of the historic Bennett Rice Mill at the Port of Charleston’s Union Pier Terminal, marking a significant milestone in the city’s preservation efforts. The project, which concluded on October 21, 2025, involved an investment of $1.6 million to restore and stabilize this important structure.
Charleston Mayor William Cogswell described the Bennett Rice Mill as one of the city’s most “endearing” and “enduring” landmarks. The extensive restoration work included replacing damaged bricks and woodwork on the backside of the mill, addressing significant damages that resulted from extreme weather events over the years. The site was previously affected by Hurricane Donna in 1960, which destroyed much of the structure.
Cultural preservationist and former National Park Ranger Michael Allen, along with structural engineer Daniel Campbell and S.C. Ports project manager Edward Stehmeyer III, were present at the completion ceremony and inspected the newly restored mill. This rehabilitation project is noted as the most thorough restoration since the S.C. State Ports Authority acquired the property in 1958.
The Bennett Rice Mill holds historical significance as the only significant remnant from Charleston’s rice-producing past, having been commissioned in 1844 by former Governor Thomas Bennett. It remained operational until approximately 1910, with a capacity to process up to 200 bushels of rice per day. Its architectural significance lies in being one of the nation’s rare surviving examples of Palladian industrial architecture.
The restoration project involved intricate repairs to masonry and timber elements and involved enhancements to the existing steel support system. Custom-made replacement bricks were sourced specifically for the restoration, costing $19 each. Scaffolding was set up to allow workers to access and stabilize the weakened structure during the renovation process.
Winslow Hastie, CEO of the Historic Charleston Foundation, emphasized that the mill symbolizes preservation, and Mayor Cogswell pointed out the significance of the restoration in relation to the future development of the waterfront area. The completed mill is expected to play a vital role in broader redevelopment plans for the 67-acre Union Pier site, which the S.C. Ports Authority plans to sell to private developers by 2027 for an estimated $250 million.
Community engagement was highlighted as a critical factor for the project’s success, demonstrating local interest in preserving the mill. The unique preservation challenges faced during the restoration process were noted, as there are no established guidelines for restoring such historical structures. The technical complexities required precise assessments and monitoring tools to ensure the stability of the facade.
The completion of the Bennett Rice Mill restoration adds to Charleston’s rich historical narrative and serves as a foundation for future development initiatives, ultimately contributing to the city’s heritage and cultural landscape.
FAQ
What is the significance of the Bennett Rice Mill?
The restored mill is the only significant remnant from Charleston’s rice-producing past and holds architectural significance as one of the nation’s rare surviving examples of Palladian industrial architecture.
How much did the restoration project cost?
The restoration and stabilization project cost $1.6 million.
Who was involved in the completion ceremony?
Cultural preservationist and former National Park Ranger Michael Allen attended the completion ceremony, along with structural engineer Daniel Campbell and S.C. Ports project manager Edward Stehmeyer III.
When was the restoration project completed?
The restoration project was completed on October 21, 2025.
What does the restoration project contribute to?
The restoration is seen as part of a broader redevelopment initiative for the 67-acre Union Pier site, which is expected to be sold to private developers by 2027 for $250 million.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Restoration Completion Date | October 21, 2025 |
| Project Cost | $1.6 million |
| Historical Significance | Last significant remnant from Charleston’s rice-producing past |
| Commissioned By | Former Governor Thomas Bennett in 1844 |
| Operational Period | Until approximately 1910 |
| Brick Replacement Cost | $19 each |
| Future Site Plans | Part of redevelopment initiative for Union Pier, expected sale in 2027 for $250 million |
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Charleston’s Historic Rice Mill Restoration Completed
- Live 5 News: Historic Rice Mill Restoration Completed
- ABC News 4: Bennett Rice Mill Restoration Marks New Chapter
- Post and Courier: Commentary on Bennett Rice Mill Restoration
- Wikipedia: Bennett Rice Mill
- Google Search: Bennett Rice Mill Restoration
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