Re: Charleston RMC - Steven J. Coker
Subject: Re: Charleston RMC
From: Steven J. Coker
Date: November 19, 1998

David Dangerfield wrote:
> The Charleston County RMC office is at the four corners of law, in a Pink
> Stucko looking building behind the old torn down courthouse.

The Old County Courthouse is not "torn down."  It is still standing.  Since
Hurricane Hugo in 1989, the building has been undergoing archaeological,
architectural, and engineering study in preparation for renovation.  I think,
but am not sure, that they do plan to tear down the annex building where the RMC
is housed to construct the new Judicial Center.

There was discussion and debate for some time about whether or not to tear down
the existing Old Courthouse structure and build new on the site.  Finally, a bit
of reason prevailed and the decision was made not to completely destroy the
character of one of the most historic areas in the USA.  Sadly, the decision was
somewhat of a pyric like victory.  While the old building will be renovated, the
area will not have the old historic flavor after they construct the massive new
judicial center behind it.  

Such changes in the historic character of Old Charlestown are happening fast and
furious all around the town. Some for the better, but many which degrade or
destroy the historic character of the place.  

* Streets which always had sun are slowly becoming walled-in dark passages as
multi-story buildings are built up to sidewalks edge.  Height restrictions and
setback requirements not applied or waived.  

* Massive buildings consuming entire city blocks being placed in neighborhoods
where small "Charleston Style" buildings historically stood.  

* Sprawling growth related to the Medical University campus and its adjacent
hospitals rapidly consuming portions of the city with parking garages and
massive buildings.  

* Historically confused and out of place designs being considered and
constructed on Marion Square where once the battleworks to protect the City from
invading armies stood.  

* Etc., etc., etc.

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