-Drew Grossklaus – Sales Director / BIC
The holiday season is upon us here in Charleston. While we may not have snow and the occasional day when the temperature rises into the mid-70s, it is always a wonderful time of year. With the holidays comes the great tradition of giving gifts.
The wonderful gift that Charleston continues to enjoy is the Board of Architectural Review. Known as the BAR, it has the purpose of “the preservation and protection of the old historic or architecturally worthy structures and quaint neighborhoods which impart a distinct aspect to the city and which serve as visible reminders of the historical and cultural heritage of the city, the state, and the nation.”
This gift gives us all the peace of mind that the timeless beauty of Charleston will endure for generations to come. Organizations like the BAR will always face difficult questions and at times opposition and disagreement. However, the BAR is one of the reasons that Charleston receives accolades from tourists year after year (including being named the #1 City in the World in 2016) and continues to be one of the most desirable places to live.
I was surprised to find out that the first time Charleston was gifted with the BAR was in 1931. The Board was established that year with the creation of the first preservation ordinance in the United States. The amazing thing about the BAR is that their gift is one that can be enjoyed every day of the year, which is the best gift of all!
Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!
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