So many things make Charleston, Charleston — and history is undoubtedly one of those things. Recently, 29 projects were recognized for playing a role in preserving history.

Did you know? The name Carolopolis comes from the Latin Carolus, meaning Charles (aka King Charles II), and the Greek polis, meaning city.

The Preservation Society of Charleston hosted the Carolopolis Awards — honoring residential, commercial, and institutional projects that help buildings maintain the character + authenticity of the Charleston area. This year’s Carolopolis Awards are located in downtown Charleston, West Ashley, Sullivan’s Island, Edisto Island, and, for the first time, Park Circle.

Fun fact: In 2025, the Preservation Society handed out its 1,500th award since the program began in 1953.

Nearly 1,500 awards have been awarded since 1953. | Photo by the Preservation Society of Charleston

Categories

Award-winners showcase preservation excellence, and the Carolopolis plaques are awarded in five areas.

Exterior
Interior
New Construction
Resilience
Pro Merito

Both private and public projects are recognized in these awards. President + CEO of the Preservation Society, Brian Turner, said, “More than ever, people throughout the Charleston region are seeing themselves as caretakers of a shared heritage. That is perhaps the most meaningful achievement of all.”

“Charleston is known as the birthplace of the American historic preservation movement... through the Carolopolis program, Charleston continues leading the national conversation about how the building trades can adapt to put an emphasis on repair, rather than replacement or demolition,” said Turner.

Next time you’re downtown or near one of these properties, take note of the Carolopolis plaques. Tap below to see a few of the before-and-after photos of the projects.

2026 Winners

You might recognize this award winner. The 50-year-old downtown building that once housed Hampton Pharmacy was restored and is now home to the beloved Sightsee Shop.

2025 Winners

Twenty-One Magazine was one of the 25+ projects honored in 2025.

2024 Winners

Built in the 1850s by enslaved workers to house a cotton gin, the building later served as storage, worker housing, and operated as a gift shop and restaurant before Hurricane Hugo.