News Summary
The Marion S. Hanckel Kindergarten in Charleston has been vacant for over 20 years and remains mired in legal disputes that have prevented its sale. Local interest in the property continues, but unresolved legal issues complicate potential transactions. Meanwhile, the historical significance of the site is underscored by its connection to early childhood education efforts in the region. Community members hope for a resolution that leads to restoration and revitalization.
Charleston – The long-vacant Marion S. Hanckel Kindergarten, located at 34 Pitt Street, remains in limbo due to ongoing legal disputes that have delayed its sale. The historic building has stood empty for over 20 years and is currently in disrepair, overran by vines and marked with graffiti. It has been the center of attention as the South Carolina Court of Appeals affirmed a ruling that mandates the sale of the property, which is owned by the Free Kindergarten Association of Charleston, a now-defunct charity.
Despite interest in the property, particularly due to its proximity to the College of Charleston campus, the building’s fate remains uncertain. Local lawyer Joe Qualey, appointed as receiver for the property, noted there has been considerable interest from potential buyers. However, ongoing legal issues have stalled any transactions.
Michael D. Royal, a Charleston resident, has been striving to purchase the kindergarten for more than a decade. He entered a purchase agreement for the property in April 2013, but this agreement was later deemed invalid by the courts. The South Carolina Attorney General’s Office raised concerns regarding the property’s valuation, and a trial judge ruled that the contract could not be enforced because the last living board member of the Kindergarten Association, June Wells, lacked authority to sell the building. Royal is currently appealing this decision to the South Carolina Supreme Court.
If Royal’s appeal is unsuccessful, Qualey will begin preparing the property for sale to new buyers. Residents, such as the Moise couple living next door, have expressed their hope for new ownership, wishing for a restoration that could lead to a beautiful home on the site.
The Marion S. Hanckel Kindergarten was originally named after Marion Hanckel, a pioneer in early education who passed away in 1957, leaving her estate to the Free Kindergarten Association. The kindergarten opened its doors in 1963 after relocating due to the razing of its previous location for the construction of Interstate 26. The building was financed with $100,000 drawn from Hanckel’s estate.
The kindergarten was initially established to serve underprivileged white children, helping families unable to afford early education. However, enrollment dwindled over the years; by 1994, only three students were registered. The kindergarten’s struggles continued into the late 1990s when it faced financial difficulties and had to operate on a minimal budget without government subsidies. The associated Confederate Museum, which had operated in the back room of the kindergarten, was relocated back to Market Hall in 2003.
As the legal proceedings continue, the fate of the historic building hangs in the balance. Residents hope for a resolution that will bring attention back to the property, transforming it from its current state of neglect into a valuable asset for the community.
Regardless of the outcome of the appeals process, the Marion S. Hanckel Kindergarten remains a significant landmark in Charleston’s history, reflecting both the evolution of educational access and the challenges of preservation amidst legal and financial struggles.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Charleston Hanckel Kindergarten
- Wikipedia: Charleston, South Carolina
- Post and Courier: Former CEO of Dairy Company
- Google Search: Charleston kindergarten
- Post and Courier: Historical Architecture at Risk
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- Post and Courier: Charleston’s Evolving Education Landscape
- Google News: Charleston education
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER 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.
