To save or not to save - that was the question up for debate during a February 15, special called meeting of the Kingstree Zoning Board of Appeals and the owners of a historically significant building on Hampton Avenue. Thomas and Sadie Cooper appeared before the board to appeal an order to demolish the building. “We count it a privileged to be able to be here in Kingstree and to help build this town,” said Mrs. Cooper. “That’s our only purpose and motive….I hope we can get on the same page and work together.”
The building, known as the old Belk’s Bargain Building, is one of several that have fallen under the town’s recent efforts to regulate deteriorating structures. The Coopers purchased the three-story building several years ago and have been consulting with engineering and architectural firms but renovations have yet to begin.
In October 2009, the town’s code enforcement department initiated actions to inspect and evaluate the level of damage to the building and later met with the Coopers. In December 2009, the owners were issued an order of demolition after the code enforcement department found the structure to be so deteriorated that repair was considered cost prohibitive.
The Coopers’ plea to allow for nearly a two-year extension to stabilize then renovate the structure was backed by Attorney Billy Jenkinson, who appealed to the board on behalf of the Williamsburg Historical Society.  Jenkinson argued that the building is considered one of the most historically and architecturally significant buildings in the downtown business district and demolition would create an empty lot and an eyesore, leave a negative impact on the area and wipe away any potential for future development. “We’ve come prepared to offer advisory assistance to the Coopers to save this building,” said Jenkinson who also asked the board to consider the current renovating efforts of other historical structures. Besides the restoration of six dilapidated homes and the Carnegie building, the Nexsen building, which is the only other three-story building, is currently undergoing renovations. The Williamsburg County Court-house is slated for a complete overhaul within the next 12 months. “These are unrealistic timelines when you start renovating historic structures,” said Jenkinson. “To say you can have a plan in 30 days is about as possible as passing the health care plan in Washington next week. It just isn’t going to happen.”
Jenkinson handed the board a resolution that will be passed by the society to rescind the demolition and to initiate efforts to stabilize the structure. The attorney then repeated his appeal to revisit the town ordinance. “We need to rethink this policy and it needs to start here tonight,” he said. “Let’s not create holes that are just going to be empty.”
The sad truth is that many structures in Kingstree have been the victim of neglect or poor construction practices which have led to their decay and potentially dangerous conditions for its citizens. The Coopers’ goal may be to help “build the town” but financing or funding for the construction remains to be seen. The Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously to allow the owners a 150-day extension to stabilize and close in the structure while providing monthly reports on the progress.