RENAISSANCE CHARLESTON HISTORIC DISTRICT

Charelston, South Carolina

The design challenge for this Rabun commission was to create a modern, full-service hotel in the oldest quarter of the Charleston, SC historic district.  The project faced demanding architectural limitations, rigorous design standards, and a high-profile status.  The success of the Rabun design demonstrates a masterful understanding of historic forms, scale, and detail.  Learning from a classic Charleston tradition, the hotel uses a courtyard entrance accessed via a lane off of the adjacent through-street.  The H-shaped tower neatly fits 6 compact floors on the dense historic site, and simultaneously addresses both main side streets with guest room frontage, blending with the adjacent historic context.  Many guest rooms feature french doors and balconies.  A fitness center and rooftop pool are in a south-facing location on the third floor, providing maximum sun exposure.