Charleston, SC, August 15, 2025
News Summary
A $3 million restoration project is now underway for the historic twin smokestacks at the St. Julian Devine Community Center in Charleston. Standing at 135 feet tall, these smokestacks are vital to Charleston’s industrial heritage. Following public advocacy against their demolition, the Charleston City Council approved the restoration contract, emphasizing the structures’ importance in the community. The project aims to secure the smokestacks ahead of hurricane season, with completion targeted for early 2026.
Charleston, SC – A nearly $3 million restoration project is officially underway for the twin smokestacks at the St. Julian Devine Community Center, which are iconic in the city’s East Side neighborhood. The 135-foot tall smokestacks were originally part of a trash incinerator built in 1935, contributing to Charleston’s rich industrial history.
The city announced the start of the restoration on August 13, 2025, after several years of scrutiny over the smokestacks’ structural integrity. Five years prior, a city building official called for the demolition of these historical structures due to safety concerns, prompting a significant public outcry from preservation advocates and local residents who valued the smokestacks’ historical significance.
In July, the Charleston City Council approved the $3 million contract with the International Chimney Corporation (ICC) and Commonwealth for the restoration work. Mayor William Cogswell emphasized the smokestacks’ role in maintaining Charleston’s historic skyline and as a point of pride for the community.
These smokestacks served as a facility for burning trash until the incinerator’s closure in 1956. Following this, the smokestacks were integrated into the community center, which was renamed in 1992 to honor St. Julian Devine, the first African American elected to the City Council in Charleston since Reconstruction.
In 2021, a city task force recommended preserving the smokestacks, but noted that the city would only cover half of the restoration costs, leading to a need for $1.5 million in private fundraising. Unfortunately, this funding did not materialize, necessitating temporary stabilization measures that cost $527,000 to prevent an immediate collapse.
Documents concerning the restoration project revealed that the city did not seek public bids for the restoration work; ICC was chosen due to its unique knowledge of the smokestacks’ structure. The comprehensive restoration will involve several critical steps: re-mortaring bricks, replacing those that are broken, reinforcing bases, and securing interior chimney linings.
The restoration work is expected to commence immediately, aiming to secure the smokestacks before the onset of hurricane season, with anticipated completion by early 2026. Funding for the project includes roughly $100,000 allocated by the Charleston Parks Conservancy, and $650,000 from the city’s general fund reserves. The majority of the funding will be derived from the Cooper River Bridge Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district, which collects new property tax revenue from developments in the area for public projects.
Community activists have been instrumental in advocating for the restoration, with organizations such as the Historic Charleston Foundation and the Preservation Society of Charleston responding to local residents’ feedback. For many, the smokestacks have come to symbolize the resilience and industrial history of the East Side neighborhood.
Key Features of the Restoration Project
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Cost | $3 million |
| Height of Smokestacks | 135 feet |
| Initial Use | Trash incineration (1935-1956) |
| Funding Sources | City fund reserves, Parks Conservancy, TIF district |
| Estimated Completion | Early 2026 |
FAQ
What is the purpose of the smokestacks restoration project?
The purpose of the restoration project is to preserve the historic twin smokestacks at the St. Julian Devine Community Center, which serve as significant symbols of the East Side neighborhood’s industrial past.
When did restoration work begin?
Restoration work officially began shortly after the announcement on August 13, 2025.
How much is the restoration project expected to cost?
The total expected cost of the restoration project is approximately $3 million.
When is the project expected to be completed?
The project is expected to be completed by early 2026.
Who is funding the project?
Funding sources for the project include the Charleston Parks Conservancy, the city’s general fund reserves, and the Cooper River Bridge Tax Increment Financing district.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Sarah Spangler Announces Candidacy for Charleston City Council
Charleston Launches Restoration of Historic Smokestacks
Georgetown Faces Tough Times as International Paper Announces Mill Closure
Additional Resources
- CHS Today: Historic Smokestacks Restoration
- Wikipedia: Charleston, South Carolina
- Post and Courier: Charleston Restoration of Smokestacks
- Google Search: Historic Smokestacks Charleston
- ABC News 4: Preservation of Iconic Smokestacks
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Industrial History
- Live 5 News: City Approves Smokestack Restoration
- Google News: Charleston Smokestacks Restoration
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.
