Navy Yard Charleston Restoration: Award-Winning Historic Preservation
We’re thrilled to announce that Edifice Construction’s work on Navy Yard Charleston restoration has been honored with a 2024 ABC Excellence in Construction Eagle Award. This prestigious award celebrates our dedication to historic restoration, construction innovation, and the revitalization of Charleston’s significant landmarks.
A Project with Deep Personal and Historical Value
The Navy Yard Charleston project holds special meaning for Edifice Construction. Led by Assistant Project Manager Cameron Dyson and Superintendent Matt Haynie, both of whose families have deep roots in the Navy Yard, and Matt, a proud Navy veteran, our team approached this historic restoration with profound respect and care.
Preserving Historic Integrity in Storehouses 8 and 9
Our work focused on the meticulous restoration of two key structures: Storehouse 8 and 9.
Storehouse 8 – Originally built in 1904, Storehouse 8 has been transformed into a 40,000-square-foot space for future retail, restaurant, office, and event use. We preserved its historical character with exterior renovations, including cleaning and repairing brick and cast stone, and replacing windows to match the building’s original style. New storefronts were installed to blend seamlessly with the historic freight openings, all while meeting rigorous approvals from the State Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service to ensure adherence to preservation standards. Inside, original hardwood floors were refurbished, decorative slate stairs were protected and restored, and wood-trimmed archways were constructed to enhance the historic corridor.
Storehouse 9 – Constructed in 1918, Storehouse 9 has been adapted into 86 residential apartments and two commercial spaces, with a new partial fifth story for rooftop restaurant use. This building’s adaptive reuse included repairing historic brick, demolishing and reconstructing loading docks, and restoring unique mushroom columns that support the structure while serving as architectural focal points.
Overcoming Restoration Challenges
Edifice Construction faced unique challenges in preserving Navy Yard Charleston’s historic details. For Storehouse 9, restoring 106-year-old brick walls involved close
collaboration with design teams, consultants, and stakeholders. Efforts included repointing deteriorated mortar joints and applying a specialized sealant to safeguard the historic masonry.
In Storehouse 8, sourcing historic materials like antique heart pine flooring required ingenuity, as the limited supply meant materials had to be collected from various locations. Additional challenges included replicating intricate copper gutters, metal cornices, and sourcing slate shingles from Virginia to closely match the building’s original features.
Navigating Complex Infrastructure
During the restoration, we discovered undocumented 100-year-old utilities, including a historic steam chiller line and an active storm sewer along Hobson Avenue, which required innovative solutions and site reconfiguration. The site’s proximity to the Palmetto Rail line added complexity, with our team ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols to keep operations efficient and safe.
A Lasting Legacy for Charleston’s Low Country
The revitalized Navy Yard Charleston offers a blend of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, establishing it as a landmark destination. This Navy Yard Charleston restoration is a testament to Edifice Construction’s expertise in adaptive reuse, historic preservation, and our commitment to preserving the Low Country’s heritage.
Trusted Partner in Historic Restoration
Our dedication to quality and safety has set a new standard for adaptive reuse construction. Ned Miller, Head of Development at Navy Yard Charleston, praised our team, saying, “I wholeheartedly recommend Edifice Construction to organizations seeking a construction partner with a strong emphasis on safety, expertise in historical renovations, and a commitment to delivering exceptional results.”
At Edifice Construction, we’re excited to expand our expertise in historic renovations, preserving the past while building for the future.
Skyline Navy Yard Charleston Historic Preservation – Edifice Construction