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HPC approves Folly Road fitness center in Bee Field historic district over neighborhood objections, 5‑4
Summary
The Charleston County Historic Preservation Commission approved a certificate of historic appropriateness for a proposed two‑story, 2,995‑sq‑ft fitness/wellness building at 1773 Folly Road (B Field Community Historic District) with staff conditions; the vote was 5–4 after public opposition and debate about compatibility and community outreach.
The Charleston County Historic Preservation Commission on a 5–4 vote approved a certificate of historic appropriateness for a proposed two‑story, 2,995‑square‑foot building described by the applicant as a fitness/wellness center at 1773 Folly Road in the B Field Community Historic District.
Staff presenter Emily Pickett described the project as a subdued contemporary design intended to retain existing grand trees on the site. The applicant’s plans include a drive‑under first floor to preserve tree canopy, a gravel parking area, a rain garden and exterior cladding of stucco and wood‑grain cement board siding. Staff said the subject parcel is in the AE10 flood zone, has no identified contributing resources on site, and that total impervious surface coverage would be 25 percent.
Pickett recommended approval with conditions: select the applicant’s Option 2 for the south facade (additional architectural detail), change the proposed cement board siding from vertical to horizontal orientation on all facades, and require any major changes to return to the commission for review. Staff reported receiving six comments in opposition, one in support and three general comments.
Architect Kevin Herterfer told the commission the design compresses needed program area into a two‑story form and uses an inverted or butterfly roof partly to capture rainwater for irrigation and to limit tree impacts. Owner John Pierce described the proposed operation as appointment‑based, small‑scale personal training rather than a high‑traffic commercial gym.
Several neighborhood speakers — including Giovanni Richardson, president of the Battery Island Drive Neighborhood Association, and Elizabeth Singleton, a board member with the Briar (transcript: "Bridal") Area Association — urged the commission to deny the application or to require changes, saying the building form and roofline are out of character and that community outreach was inadequate.
Commission debate focused on the ordinance standard the HPC must apply (section 20‑1‑5 H3 and county guidelines reflecting Secretary of the Interior guidance for new construction in historic districts), balancing staff’s recommendation and design compatibility against community concerns and the absence of a community comprehensive plan for the district. Several commissioners said they were troubled by late or limited community input.
On the roll call vote, Chair English Hertel, Commissioner Joseph Dukes, Commissioner Gerard, Commissioner Jones and Commissioner Millar voted to approve; Commissioners Halverson, Michael German, Anna Johnson and Vice Chair Donna Gardner voted no. The motion passed 5–4. Staff reminded the public the decision is final and that an appeal to the Charleston County Circuit Court must be filed within 30 calendar days by a person with a substantial interest.
