Charleston is a city unlike any other. With elegant architecture, enriching culture, longstanding history, and cobblestone streets lined with palm trees, there’s an ancient yet comforting feeling in the air. A true architectural standout is the Charleston single home, often recognizable by its double-stacked porches or piazzas. As a true peninsula surrounded by water on three sides and situated about seven feet below sea level, the city sees its fair share of geographical challenges and hardships that often take a toll on the infrastructure. The Preservation Society of Charleston, founded in the 1920s when Susan Pringle Frost fought to save a house, has been advocating for over 100 years to protect and preserve our Charleston homes. Known as America’s first grassroots community preservation organization, the Preservation Society of Charleston has over 1,000 members, all working together to maintain the integrity and honor of this beautiful city we are lucky to call home.
The Preservation Society of Charleston created the Carolopolis Award in 1953 to honor outstanding achievement in regard to historic preservation. In recognition of incredible efforts to preserve the historical character of both private and public infrastructure, the PSC has given out over 1,500 awards. Over the years, this award has expanded to include the Exterior, Interior, New Construction, and Resilience categories. The 72nd Carolopolis Awards were held on February 27th this year, honoring properties in downtown Charleston, West Ashley, Park Circle and on Sullivan’s Island and Edisto Island. According to President and CEO Brian Turner, these awards hold significant meaning for Charleston residents, as “more than ever, people throughout the Charleston region are seeing themselves as caretakers of a shared heritage”. Learn more about the 2026 recipients here.
William Means Real Estate’s very own President and Broker-in-Charge, Lyles Geer, is a lifelong member of the Preservation Society of Charleston. He currently serves on the Board of Directors, elected in 2022, and gives back to this organization, which holds significant value to him and his family. Lyles and his wife Katie, owner of the local art gallery Meyer Vogl Gallery, were awarded a Carolopolis Award for the outstanding restoration of their historic circa 1920s home: “Receiving the Carolopolis award for our Hampton Park Terrace home was a real honor for Katie and I. We put our hearts into restoring a neglected 1920s home to its once-proud self and renewing its beautiful, original design for all who pass by. Preserving and protecting Charleston’s built environment is essential to maintaining this living city’s core identity and character — and we are happy to have played a small part in that.”
Other William Means Real Estate agents have had the honor of receiving a Carolopolis Award or representing homes that have received it. Helen Butler and her husband received the Carolopolis Award back in 1990 for their renovation of 136 Queen Street. Helen describes receiving such an award as a great honor. Paula Yorke represented the buyers of 1 Meeting Street, a property that was awarded in 2019.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Preservation Society of Charleston or would like to become a member, visit their site for more information. Here at William Means Real Estate, our agents take great pride in their knowledge and appreciation for Charleston, and they go above and beyond to help their clients call Charleston home, too.
Source: The Preservation Society of Charleston
