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Historic Resources Survey

Historical Sketch
Source: Truman Seymour 1861

OPEN HOUSE TO DISCUSS HISTORIC RESOURCE SURVEY WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2024 AT TOWN HALL FROM 5-6 P.M. BEFORE THE REGULAR SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING.

Project Description

In 2023, the Town of Sullivan’s Island embarked on an intensive-level survey to uncover new information about the historical features and architectural attributes of up to 300 houses and other structures across Sullivan’s Island. Newsouth Associates LLC are spearheading this survey which involves a property-by-property canvasing of the entire island, nearly 3 ½ square miles of survey area. It’s the first study of its kind in nearly 20 years and follows the Town’s initial comprehensive survey of 1986 and its update in 2005-07.

Funding for the survey was through a grant from the South Carolina Department of Archives and History which serves as the state Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). As per the Survey Manual for South Carolina Statewide Survey of Historic Properties, a historic resources survey is:

"The process of systematically identifying historic properties within the boundaries of a specific geographical area, documenting their location and physical characteristics, and evaluating their importance within an appropriate historical context."

This project will be conducted in two parts:

1. Historic Context – Will guide the field survey parameters – Assist in determining what is important and where are we likely to find it.

2. Identification and documentation of historic architectural resources – Will guide later research, projects, and planning
 

Process of Public Review


Project Kick-off (held March 2023): Meeting with Town Staff, SC Department of Archives and History and Newsouth Associates.

Town Council (held May 2023): Newsouth Associates presentation of goals & project objectives.

Town Council Review (scheduled for September 17, 2024): Preliminary draft of historic context & survey cards; Town Council initiates DRB review of historic designation list recommendations and any expansion of historic districts.  At this point properties proposed for addition into the historic designation list shall be governed by the Town’s ordinances for designated historic properties until the final determination is made by the DRB.

DRB Review: Preliminary draft of survey cards and any historic district expansion; Letters will be sent to all property owners being recommended for inclusion or exclusion on the designation list. This review may take place over multiple DRB meetings. 

DRB Review: Final draft of survey cards and any historic district expansion; DRB will vote on the designation or removal of historic properties on the list and will amend any historic district boundaries as needed. DRB will forward the finalized historic designation list to Town Council and Planning Commission. 

Planning Commission Review: Final draft of any required Zoning Ordinance text amendments.

Town Council Review: Newsouth Associates presentation of final draft of historic context, survey cards, text amendments and GIS online applications.

Project Documents