Proposal to demolish former Charleston kindergarten sparks mixed reactions

A proposal is under review by Charleston’s Board of Architectural Review to demolish the former Marion S. Hanckel Kindergarten located on Pitt Street, WCIV reported. The building once served as an educational facility for children and housed historical artifacts, including items related to the Confederacy, according to the applicant's presentation.

The kindergarten has been vacant for some time and currently shows signs of neglect, including holes in the roof and graffiti on the exterior. Documents presented noted the school struggled financially in the 1990s, lacking support from city, state, or federal agencies, as reported by WCIV.

Local residents have expressed mixed opinions about the demolition proposal. One neighbor supports the demolition and hopes the site will be replaced with a single-family home, while another neighbor cited issues such as rats and debris caused by the building’s condition but also welcomed new residents. Conversely, a frequent pedestrian voiced opposition to demolition, emphasizing the importance of preserving historic buildings that contribute to Charleston’s character.

City Councilman Mike Seekings, representing the district, noted that the Board of Architectural Review will take the building’s historical significance into account during the decision process, according to WCIV.