Rainbow Row | 107 E. Bay St. Renovation [Part 1]

As young architecture students exploring the streets of Charleston, sketch books and (SLR) cameras in hand, Rush and I knew we were walking on hallowed architectural ground. Charleston's best of times and worst of times were visible in her historic structures - some preserved as museums, some renovated for current day functions, and the less lucky, waiting for their day of restoration.  It was, therefore, a humbling moment when one of our wonderful clients asked for our assistance with a renovation to 107 E. Bay Street, one of the 13 historic and connected structures, currently known as Rainbow Row. 

"Excellent examples of early-eighteen-century wharfside construction, the dwellings along East Bay Street provide insight into the mercantile life of Charleston." [Jonathan Poston, The Buildings of Charleston] 

Originally designed and built as stores on the ground level and merchant's living quarters above, these buildings served Charleston's port and directly fronted the Cooper River. (The water's edge at this part of town has since shifted away.) As row houses, they mostly share a party wall in between houses with private access to the residences from the rear alley. Subsequent fires, the effects of the Civil War and the earthquake in 1886, all gave these buildings scars, dark chapters and in some instances a complete rebuild. 

107 East Bay is located at the corner of East Bay and Elliot St. and is the start of the 13 attached structures that is now called, "Rainbow Row"

"In the pre-Revolutionary period this was the site of George Flagg's paint shop, which stocked pigment and oils for the painting of Charleston's houses. After the structure was destroyed in the fire of 1778, Flagg sold the empty lot in 1791 to John Blake." [Jonathan Poston, The Buildings of Charleston] As evidenced in the photo comparison, the building was once had a hipped roof which was altered to have a gable parapet wall. Alterations through the decades are common place as buildings undergo repairs, adapt to new families and functions.  

The entire Rush Dixon Architects studio is humbled to be a part of the team for this next generation of 107 E. Bay which includes the very talented design and construction stewards at C. B. Elrod Construction. We look forward to updating you on construction and design progress. 

1 Elliot St is a brick out-building associated with the property.

Adaptive Reuse - North Charleston

It's a privilege to participate in the built environment of Metro Charleston and the ever changing needs of the community. On the boards: Our proposal for a concept design for the next chapter of an auto repair shop in North Charleston, SC.

Existing building as it currently stands.

CrossFit Discovery Progress

Building progress for new Cross Fit and Peace-Love-Hip Hop studio on Daniel Island, SC. 

Park Circle Dental

Dr. Scott McClary of Park Circle Dental will be moving his practice to a new location on North Rhett Ave. in North Charleston in 2016. We are delighted to be a small part of this chapter for this established practice. The design goal was to create a building that uses traditional forms and elements in a current manner.  Deep parapet walls are carved away to create openings and plane changes. Wood, brick, metal roof panels and painted siding offer a welcoming, familiar palette to the North Charleston, SC patients. 

Contractor: Harbor Contracting

Structural Engineer: ADC Engineering

Civil Engineer: Empire Engineering

Mechanical / Electrical / Plumbing Engineer: Charleston Engineering

Designing for a Dentist

One of the projects we are delighted to be working on is Dr. Randall Pagenkopf's new facility, which will be located on Wando Park Blvd. in Mount Pleasant.  "Dr. Randy" as he is known to his pediatric patients, and his business partner / wife, Cullan, envisioned their new building to be rooted in the coastal vernacular while providing a professional image with quality, durable materials. The design needed to be a place that would make families feel welcome and comfortable as well as house the technology and equipment necessary for this vibrant dental practice to continue to provide exceptional dental care. 

Rush Dixon Architects' rendering of the new facility for Dr. Randy

At a time when the medical and dental community is changing at lightning speed, it is inspiring to know there are physicians such as Dr. Randall Pagenkopf, who are successful by being true to their passion and values.  Dr. Randy and Cullan have built a vibrant practice in Mount Pleasant with an approach to practicing dentistry that strikes a chord with both patients and their parents - to garner confidence by providing exceptional care and preventative education, delivered by a solid team of familiar, smiling faces.   

Dr. Randy graduated from The Medical University of South Carolina in 1996, and then completed his pediatric dental training in 1998 at Children's Hospital Medical Center. He has treated more than 10,000 patients in his career thus far, and enjoys participating in medical missions trip to Honduras. His practice focuses exclusively on children and he, Cullan, along with their entire staff are advocates for their patient's parents. “People underestimate the importance of good dental care. It is so directly related to one’s overall health.” The Dr. Randy team helps them develop good oral health habits for life. In many cases, restorative treatment is done via water laser, which minimizes tooth loss and can sometimes be done with no or very little anesthesia. Dr. Randy is very proud to offer zirconia (tooth colored) crowns for primary teeth; the only option until very recently was a silver filling which is not a very popular option for parents or children. This speaks to his eye for relevant technology and forward thinking practices.

Beyond seeing patients throughout the week, Cullan and Dr. Randy lead their team by supporting the community in meaningful ways.  Every February, during Children’s Dental Health month, they visit local elementary schools to educate children and spread dental health awareness. Education is a big passion as evidenced by their blog: www.smilesbydrrandy.com. Content includes medical studies, best dental practices, and nutritional advice to fully support their patients.  And every Halloween, Cullan organizes “Operation: Candy Buyback” where patients can bring their treats to the office and trade it for money.  Once all of the candy has been collected, it is packaged up and sent to troops serving in the U.S. Military.

Yes, we keep good company and are lucky to spend time helping to create a new facility for them to work their magic.  Look for construction activity to begin prior to the end of the year, and if you have a little one that needs a dentist, by all means call Dr. Randy at 843-971-6221.

Rush Dixon Architects is a small part of this endeavor. Meet the rest of the project team:

General Contractor | Harbor Contracting

Civil Engineering / Landscape Architecture | Seamon Whiteside

Structural Engineering | ADC Engineering

Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing Engineering | Charleston Engineering

Dental Design Consultant | Unthank Design Group