Update to the Sullivan’s Island

Historical and Architectural Survey

The Town of Sullivan’s Island is asking citizens for input to help identify potential properties for inclusion in the Historical and Architectural Survey. Citizens are invited to attend the Town Council Meeting on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at 6:00 PM at Town Hall, located at 2056 Middle Street, Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482. Staff will provide an overview and purpose of the project, as well as how the survey will be conducted and the project’s timeline.  Following the presentation, citizens will have an opportunity to ask questions, share oral histories, and provide information on historical or architectural sites.

In 2022, the Town of Sullivan’s Island was awarded a Federal Historic Preservation Grant from the National Park Service (administered by the South Carolina Department of Archives and History) to fund a survey update; the last historic architectural survey was conducted in 2007. The project will support the town’s current overlay district.

New South Associates (NSA), Inc., a cultural resources consulting firm, has been hired to complete this project, which includes identifying and surveying properties that have historical or architectural significance. The survey update will include those properties on Sullivan’s Island that were constructed in the last 40 years.

*What is a historic resource survey?

A historic resource 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 significance within an appropriate historical context.

*Why are historic resource surveys important to communities?

Information produced through historic resource surveys serves many purposes. The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) uses survey information to identify properties eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.  City, county, and regional planners use survey information to develop preservation management plans and in preparing comprehensive community plans. Economic development programs rely on survey information to attract investors to communities and to promote heritage tourism. Survey information provides educators, civic organizations, and interested citizens with a basis for learning about the history of their community and making decisions about the care of historic properties.