City of Charleston releases report for new Board of Architectural Review Concepts

CHARLESTON, SC – The City of Charleston and the Historic Charleston Foundation hired architectural consultant Andres Duany and his firm DPZ to study and propose changes to the City’s Board of Architectural Review. The report was created after a week-long visit by the consultant’s team in March 2015. Local citizens, architects, developers, board members and other stakeholders were interviewed by the consultant to assist in formulating improvements to the BAR. In addition, several forums were held to present concepts to the public.

The report has been submitted in final form from Andres Duany and his firm DPZ. Among the consultant’s recommendations are specific suggestions to create two separate boards, one for larger projects and one for smaller projects. The smaller and more streamlined boards would therefore have fewer agenda items, allowing meetings to move faster. The consultant’s report is available for download at http://charleston-sc.gov/index.aspx?NID=1309

Regarding the Board, Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. said, “The Board of Architectural Review plays a vitally important role and is important to Charleston because it helps to ensure great architecture. Refining the role is important to the planning and design process. The quality of our buildings, and the quality of the street experience, is what makes Charleston unique among cities in America.”

The City also emphasized the importance of an effective BAR for economic development. “Our consultants have done an outstanding job. This report will help us build a more predictable BAR process that gives better results for everyone involved,” added Jacob Lindsey, the City’s Director of Planning, Preservation and Sustainability.

Architect and urban planner Andres Duany will first present the report at a public special meeting of the City’s Planning Commission to be held Sept. 24th at 5 PM at the Sottile Theatre, 44 George Street, Charleston.