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HCF Partners with Habitat for Humanity

Historic Charleston Foundation has partnered with Charleston's Habitat for Humanity and the City of Charleston on the rehabilitation of a small, single-style house at 66 Lee Street.

This is the first joint project between the three entities. The City of Charleston's Department of Housing and Urban Development identified the property and family in need. Habitat for Humanity (HFH) confirmed that the family met requirements for assistance and is supervising subcontractors and volunteers. HCF has been involved in the preservation of the historic elements of the building and is contributing funds for the joint project through its Neighborhood Impact Initiative program. Restrictive covenants will be placed on 66 Lee Street by HCF at the completion of the project to protect the property's historic integrity.

66 Lee Street before work began -Over time, the house had settled. Its eastern side was approximately 4" lower than its western side.

66 Lee Street was built in the early 1900s. The current owners were unable to sufficiently maintain the house to prevent its deterioration. The family had been unable to install a central heating and air conditioning system or to upgrade the plumbing and electrical systems.

The second floor of the piazza had become unsafe and several of the windows were broken and inoperable.

Through an unprecedented partnership, work on the house began the last week of March 2010, and the project is expected to be completed in the fall of this year.

HCF's primary focus is on the exterior of the house.

The house has been raised to comply with FEMA flood zone requirements; a new foundation has been constructed; the house has been leveled and straightened; the historic windows, doors, and shutters have been removed for restoration off-site; the lead paint on the siding has been abated; a wheelchair ramp has been constructed; a new roof has been installed; restored windows have been re-installed; and the piazza has been rebuilt. The next steps include regrading the driveway, rebuilding the front stairs and completing the interior. Volunteers will have the opportunity to be involved with the project this fall.

April Wood, HCF manager of easements and technical outreach, makes a site visit to review progress. She and Carrie Naas, also from the HCF preservation department, are visiting the site on a weekly basis.

Colleagues from the National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP) recently interviewed staff members of HCF and Habitat for Humanity about the project. They plan to include it as part of a case study regarding partnerships between Habitat and preservation organizations. Winslow Hastie, HCF director of preservation and museums, will make a presentation focusing on the 66 Lee Street project titled "Recreating a Historic Habitat" during a session at NTHP's annual conference held in Austin, Texas, in October 2010.

A work in progress - Once the exterior work is complete this fall, there will be opportunities to volunteer and to help with repainting and other, similar projects. Learn more.

We are beginning to look for new projects with a focus on freedman's cottages.

The following are criteria for future Neighborhood Impact Initiative projects:

  • The property must be an owner-occupied single family residence.
  • The project should help a long-term resident stay in the home, with a commitment of continued occupancy in the building.
  • The homeowner must meet the Habitat for Humanity qualifications for income and eligibility. This includes a certain amount of owner participation throughout the restoration process.
  • In line with HCF's mission, the property must have vernacular architectural merit, and the rehabilitation process must maintain the historic integrity of the building.
  • When possible multiple projects should be undertaken in the same neighborhood. This magnifies the impact and encourages other homeowners in the neighborhood to rehab their properties.
  • HCF should continue to solicit partners. HCF's focus will be on following preservation guidelines and promoting opportunities for sustainability.

If you would like to learn more about the project or to volunteer at 66 Lee Street, contact April Wood at awood@historiccharleston.org.

If you would like to support this and future preservation initiatives, please call (843) 724-8497 or donate now.