Thank you for your interest in the Carolopolis Award program! Please review the following information before nominating a project.
The Carolopolis Award program was established in 1953 to promote excellence in historic preservation through recognition of projects that protect the historic resources of Charleston and the Lowcountry. Now in its 72nd year, the Carolopolis Award is a time-honored tradition celebrating the Charleston community’s commitment to preserving its rich history and heritage.
The Preservation Society of Charleston (PSC) is pleased to invite nominations in the following five award categories through Friday, September 19, 2025.
AWARD CATEGORIES
Projects may be nominated under multiple award categories if applicable. If you are submitting nominations in multiple categories, a separate project narrative will be required for each category.
CAROLOPOLIS AWARD – EXTERIOR:
Awarded for substantial and exceptional exterior rehabilitation, restoration, or preservation.
CAROLOPOLIS AWARD – INTERIOR:
Awarded in recognition of excellence in interior preservation of historic, publicly accessible buildings, including but not limited to houses of worship, as well as civic and cultural buildings.
CAROLOPOLIS AWARD – NEW CONSTRUCTION:
Awarded to bring focus to exemplary new construction projects. High-quality residential, commercial, and mixed-use buildings are all eligible and must demonstrate compatibility with the scale of surrounding historic buildings. New construction projects are not eligible for Interior award nominations.
CAROLOPOLIS AWARD – RESILIENCE:
Awarded to projects that sensitively adapt historic properties to changing climate conditions, while adhering to best practices for historic preservation, and retaining the integrity and character of the structure.
PRO MERITO AWARD:
Awarded in recognition of rehabilitation, restoration or preservation work undertaken on properties that received an initial Carolopolis Award at least 20 years ago and have undergone a subsequent, exceptional preservation effort.
ELIGIBILITY
- The Carolopolis Award is not presented for work that is considered routine maintenance. Carolopolis Award-winning projects are significant undertakings in historic preservation, rehabilitation, restoration, or new construction.
- Projects must have been completed within the last three years, with approval of the Board of Architectural Review, if applicable.
- All work must be completed by the submission date. Incomplete or partial projects will not be awarded.
- Additions will only be considered as part of a larger rehabilitation, restoration, or preservation project.
- Anyone can nominate projects with the consent of the property owner. Self-nominations are welcome.
- PSC employees shall not be eligible for an award.
- Properties that have received a Carolopolis Award within the past 20 years are not eligible to be re-nominated under the same category.
- Carolopolis Award winning projects must closely adhere to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, a series of concepts about maintaining, repairing, and replacing historic materials, as well as designing new additions or making alterations. This framework represents nationally observed best practices in historic preservation. Before nominating, please review the Standards to ensure your preservation, rehabilitation, or restoration project is consistent with these principles.
NOMINATION REQUIREMENTS
- Current PSC membership
- All nominators must be current members of the PSC.
- Visit the PSC website to become a member or contact PSC Membership Coordinator Mike Olson at molson@preservationsociety.org or 843.722.4630 ext. 124 to verify membership status.
- Completed nomination form
- All nominations require submission of a detailed project narrative, including information on property history.
- High-resolution images, including photos taken before, during, and after construction, are also required. High-quality images are crucial to understanding the scope of work and judging the merits of the project.
- You will receive a conformation email once your completed nomination has been received.
- Nomination fee
- Following the submission of your online nomination form, you will be re-directed to our website to pay the $100 nomination fee.
- If you are nominating multiple buildings as part of a single project, a nomination form and a $100 fee must be submitted for each building.
- (For the purposes of the Carolopolis Award program, a project is defined as the total scope of work involving any collection of associated buildings by a single project team).
- The nomination fee may be waived at the discretion of the PSC. If economic hardship is a factor, the applicant should include a written explanation with the nomination.
- All nominations are due no later than Friday, September 19, 2025
- If you are unable to submit an electronic application or otherwise need accommodation, please contact PSC Preservation Specialist, Flannery Antinoro, at fantinoro@preservationsociety.org or call 843.722.4630 ext. 125 for assistance.
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
- Carolopolis Award decisions are guided by a multidisciplinary, independent review committee based on award eligibility criteria.
- Special consideration will be given to projects that support generational homeownership, legacy businesses, affordable workforce housing, and/or provide meaningful community benefits.
- If a project is selected for a Carolopolis Award, the property owner consents to the PSC’s use of any nomination materials at the Carolopolis Awards ceremony, in printed or digital publications, and as part of materials shared with local press.
- A representative associated with the project (owner or project team member) should be present, if feasible, at the Carolopolis Awards to receive the plaque.
- The Carolopolis Awards ceremony is typically held in February. The date and venue will be announced later this year.
- Each award-winning project team will receive two complimentary tickets for use at their discretion. All other tickets will need to be purchased in advance of the ceremony.
- The recipient agrees to install and maintain a Carolopolis or Pro Merito Award plaque in a visible location on the primary façade of the building that received the award. Interior Carolopolis Award plaques shall be placed in a conspicuous location in the interior of the building, near its entrance.
- The plaque may not be transferred or sold, and if it is to be permanently removed from the façade or interior for any reason, it will be returned to PSC.
- If the plaque is subsequently lost or damaged, the property owner is responsible for the cost of replacement or repair.
If you have any questions about the nomination process or project eligibility, please contact Flannery Antinoro, Preservation Specialist, at fantinoro@preservationsociety.org.