Proactively Preserving the North Central Neighborhood: ACA at BAR
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As a HCF Preservation Intern in 2024, I had the opportunity to work alongside my fellow interns at the Preservation Society to write an Area Character Appraisal (ACA) for the North Central neighborhood. What is an Area Character Appraisal, and why does it matter?
Area Character Appraisals seek to document and analyze the characteristics that make a neighborhood unique. These features include local history, architectural styles and features, and urban form. ACAs not only document a neighborhood for future use, but they provide a user-friendly guide for residents of that neighborhood to identify and embrace their community’s distinct sense of place. Documenting all aspects of a neighborhood can assist local governments, preservation organizations and neighborhood associations as additional resources to make informed decisions around planning.
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The North Central neighborhood, located on the upper peninsula, between Rutledge Ave and I-26, is a mixed-use neighborhood made up of residential and commercial spaces – making it a desirable, walkable neighborhood that has seen increased traction in the past years. North Central still has that “Charleston before” feeling to it, with hidden gems everywhere and a tightly-knit community. To create the ACA, the team and I would spend day after day walking its streets, photographing its structures, and analyzing its patterns. North Central is full of a charm that you don’t get downtown. Its 20th century single home houses are colorfully quaint, with driveways and yards perfect for families and friends catching up. North Central features Charleston’s quieter suburbs while still having a commercial corridor running up King Street.
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It was important to develop an ACA for North Central because it is one of the neighborhoods most at risk of losing significant historic architecture. Located on the upper peninsula and many of its structures built in the early twentieth century, there are fewer protections in place by the City of Charleston and the Board of Architectural Review. The only purview North Central is under is the “Historic Materials Demolition Purview” meaning only structures up for demolition go to review. This lack of protection can lead to improper additions and alterations to historic structures, altering the character of the neighborhood. This Area Character Appraisal will act as a touchpoint for BAR officials, residents, and local preservationists to assist in planning and future mindful development in North Central.
The North Central Area Character Appraisal is not only for preservationists and local government officials to use--it’s for anyone who’s interested in getting to know different neighborhoods in Charleston. Compiled is a neighborhood history, points of interest like County Hall where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr spoke in 1967, archival photos, and the architectural features that make North Central special. At the August 28, 2025, Board of Architectural Review Small meeting, in a full-circle moment, I presented this work to the Board with words of appreciation from its members, in response. Stay connected with HCF for updates! We soon hope to see the ACA on the City's website in hopes of continuing to share the history, and thus preserve, North Central.
— Madelyn Reber