Nestled in the heart of downtown Charleston, a corner property that once catered to visiting sailors and offered a place of worship has now come onto the real estate market, igniting a conversation about preserving history while embracing the evolving landscape of the city. The century-old structures at North Market and East Bay streets, which housed the Harriott Pinckney Home for Seamen and the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, are up for sale at a listing price of $15.5 million.
Represented by Buddy Bebergal of the esteemed commercial real estate firm Premier Properties, this historic property showcases a blend of architectural beauty and cultural significance. What once served as a haven for sailors seeking respite and a spiritual refuge, the property now houses a delightful candy shop on its lower floor, while the former chapel and courtyard have been transformed into the beloved sister restaurants, Tempest and Church & Union.
The decision to put these properties on the market stems from a desire to find a new steward for these historical gems. Owner Bryon Burbage, who inherited the properties from his late father, Wilbur Burbage, believes that while the buildings hold sentimental value for him, their significance might not resonate as strongly with the younger generation. “It’s time to put it out there and see what we can get for it,” Bryon Burbage stated.
The tale of the sailors’ home and chapel dates back to the mid-1860s when Harriott Pinckney bequeathed the land at the corner of Market and East Bay streets. Her vision was to establish a church where visiting seafarers could freely practice their faith. However, it wasn’t until five decades later that these historic structures, now emblematic of the late-Gothic revival style of the early 20th century, were finally completed in 1916 under the watchful eye of the Historic Charleston Foundation.
Charleston historian Robert Stockton describes these buildings as more than just brick and mortar; they are a testament to an era gone by, capturing the essence of the late-Gothic architectural revival that graced the early 20th century. These structures stand as living history, offering a glimpse into the past while remaining a vital part of the present.
For nearly half a century, the sailors’ home and chapel served their purpose faithfully. However, changes in seamen’s schedules, coupled with the relocation of docks away from the worship site, led to their eventual decline. In 1964, the church was deconsecrated, and the religious symbols were removed from the stained glass windows.
The narrative takes a twist in 1967 when Wilbur Burbage, a former front dining room manager at the iconic lower peninsula restaurant Perdita’s, embarked on his own culinary venture by opening The Market Place restaurant within these historic walls. His son, Bryon, fondly recalls his father’s entrepreneurial spirit, as he ventured into the realm of food and hospitality.
By 1974, Wilbur Burbage had managed to scrape together the funds necessary to acquire the former church and sailors’ home. While the exact amount he paid for the property remains unclear, it’s safe to say that it was a fraction of the current multimillion-dollar asking price.
As this piece of Charleston’s history goes up for sale, it opens up a discussion about the delicate balance between preservation and progress. The story of the sailors’ home and chapel is a testament to the city’s rich maritime heritage, a slice of history that deserves to be cherished and safeguarded even as the urban landscape evolves.
While the buildings may change hands, their significance will forever be etched into the fabric of Charleston’s past, present, and future. As prospective buyers consider the potential of these properties, they step into the shoes of stewards entrusted with preserving the legacy of a bygone era—a legacy that continues to inspire and captivate all who come across its path.
