July 9, 2025

Marion S. Hanckel Kindergarten Property to be Sold

News Summary

The historic Marion S. Hanckel Kindergarten property in Charleston, which has languished in disuse for two decades, is set to hit the market following a court ruling. The Free Kindergarten Association must dissolve and sell the property, allowing for potential revitalization. Despite deteriorating conditions and past legal disputes, community members remain hopeful for new ownership to restore its function in the local area.

Charleston – The long-neglected Marion S. Hanckel Kindergarten property located at 34 Pitt Street is set to go on the market after two decades of disuse and legal disputes. The South Carolina Court of Appeals recently ruled that the Free Kindergarten Association of Charleston, which has owned the building since the death of its namesake, must dissolve and sell the historic structure. This decision comes after years of complications surrounding the property’s ownership and declining enrollment, which saw the kindergarten operationally falter in the mid-1990s.

The Marion S. Hanckel Kindergarten is notable not just for its architectural features but also for its connection to Marion Hanckel, a significant figure in early education advocacy who passed away in 1957. Upon her death, she bequeathed her estate to the Free Kindergarten Association, which operated the school until it closed its doors in the 1990s due to increased competition from public schools. At its lowest point, in 1994, the kindergarten had only three students enrolled.

The building has deteriorated significantly over the years and is now overgrown and covered in graffiti. For a period, it also housed the backroom of the Confederate Museum, but that institution relocated to Market Hall in 2003, leaving the property completely vacant. While the site has drawn community interest, it has remained surpassed by legal disputes surrounding its ownership.

The most prominent interested buyer, Michael D. Royal, has spent more than ten years attempting to acquire the property. However, his pursuit has been hampered by legal challenges, primarily a dispute regarding the validity of a previous sales agreement, which has been ruled as invalid by the courts. The last known member of the Free Kindergarten Association, June Wells, did not retain the authority to sell the site, complicating matters further.

The Court of Appeals decision on May 16 emphasized the necessity for the kindergarten association to dissolve, allowing for the sale of the property. Community members and local residents, such as Robert and Sissy Moise, expressed their hope for new ownership, suggesting that the property could be revitalized into a functional space that could serve as an asset to the Charleston area. The Moises noted that numerous prospective buyers have expressed interest in the property over the years, yet the ongoing litigation has stalled progress.

As Charleston’s landscape evolves, the location of the kindergarten near the College of Charleston could present viable opportunities for redevelopment. Historically, the kindergarten thrived until decreasing student enrollment led to its eventual closure. This decline was largely due to the quality of education provided by public schools, which became the preferred choice for families in the area.

The rich history of the Marion S. Hanckel Kindergarten, combined with recent judicial decisions, indicates that this property could soon transition from a site of regret into one of potential—if a buyer can be secured and plans for revitalization move forward. The chapter of neglect may finally be closing, making way for new possibilities.

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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.