Commission approves Folly Road fitness center, 5-4, despite neighborhood opposition over design and drainage

The Charleston County Historic Preservation Commission on Oct. 17 approved, by a 5-4 vote, a certificate of historic appropriateness for a proposed two-story fitness and wellness center at 1773 Folly Road (TMS 344-10-00-0016) in the B Field Community Historic District, imposing staff-recommended conditions on façade detailing and siding orientation.

Planner Emily Tiggett presented the application and staff recommendation. The proposal calls for a two-story, approximately 2,995-square-foot building with a drive-under layout to preserve large on-site live oaks (described in staff materials as "grand trees"), a gravel parking area and a rain garden. The parcel is in the AE-10 flood zone, is within the Folly Road Corridor Overlay Zoning District as neighborhood commercial and staff reported total impervious surface coverage of 25 percent. Tiggett said no contributing historic resources were identified on the subject parcel; staff relied on Secretary of the Interior guidance allowing contemporary designs in historic districts when size, scale and materials are compatible.

Staff recommended three conditions if the commission approved: select Option 2 for the south façade (which provides additional architectural detail), change proposed cement-board siding from a vertical to a horizontal orientation across all facades to increase compatibility, and require that any major changes be processed under the Historic Preservation Ordinance. Tiggett also noted the county received six comments in opposition, one in support and three general comments; most opposition related to use and potential neighborhood impacts rather than strictly design.

Several neighborhood speakers urged denial or reconsideration. Giovanni Richardson, president of the Battery Island Drive Neighborhood Association (which manages the B Field Community Historic District), said the association was not contacted in advance by the applicant and raised concerns about drainage and a poorly maintained rear ditch that, Richardson said, already floods surrounding houses. Elizabeth Singleton, a longtime neighbor and Brimble-area association board member, described the proposed design as "out of character" and said neighbors had not been adequately consulted.

The applicant's architect, Kevin Hoerdorfer, said the drive-under layout and the building's compressed massing were intended to preserve the large oak canopy and minimize removal of trees. The property owner, John Pearson, said the project is a small, appointment-based wellness facility rather than a high-traffic commercial gym and that the design seeks to be sensitive to the site's trees and constraints.

Commissioners divided over compatibility. Supporters cited staff analysis and the applicantwho prepared an alternate south-faade optionand favored the conditions recommended by staff. Those opposed said the building's contemporary butterfly roof, inverted pitch and drive-under design were not consistent with the community character and worried the approval could set a precedent without a community-driven area character plan.

On roll call the chair voted to approve; one commissioner was recorded as voting nay during the roll call and the motion ultimately carried 5 to 4. The commission's decision is final; the chair reminded the public that any person with a substantial interest may appeal to the Circuit Court of Charleston County within 30 calendar days.