18 Broad—The People's Building
Owner
The People's Building HOA
Contract Amount
$3,000,000
Completion Date
April 2026
The People's Building restoration preserved and strengthened one of Charleston's historic commercial structures through a comprehensive program of structural rehabilitation and building envelope restoration. Originally constructed in the early 20th century, the building has long served as a landmark within Charleston's historic downtown. Years of weather exposure, moisture intrusion, and age-related deterioration had compromised portions of the exterior envelope and structural framing, requiring carefully planned repairs that would preserve the building's historic character while extending its service life.
The restoration included significant structural steel repairs, reinforcing the building's original columns with supplemental steel to improve rigidity, increase load-carrying capacity, and provide long-term structural stability. Exterior restoration efforts included historic masonry repair and repointing, installation of new historically compatible windows, waterproofing at window openings and stone water tables, application of high-performance protective coatings at window lintels, construction of new exterior control joints, and restoration of window trim and architectural finishes. Interior repairs, including drywall restoration and custom millwork, completed the project in areas affected by the exterior improvements.
Following the successful completion of the initial phase, the owner expanded the project to include restoration of the stairwells along the building's west elevation. This scope involved removing the existing stairwell glazing and infilling the openings with brick masonry carefully matched to the original façade, restoring the building's architectural continuity while improving long-term durability and weather resistance.
Throughout both phases, Kennedy Richter Construction combined specialized structural rehabilitation, historic masonry restoration, and advanced building envelope repair techniques to preserve the building's architectural integrity while significantly enhancing its structural performance, weather protection, and long-term resilience. The project reflects KRC's expertise in delivering complex historic restoration projects where craftsmanship, technical knowledge, and creative problem solving are essential to preserving irreplaceable structures for future generations.
