At Carroll College, St. Charles Hall is getting a much needed makeover to preserve the historic building for years to come.
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For facilities director Dan Byrd, it’s more than just a building.
“I lived in this building, my parents both lived in this building, three out of my five siblings have lived in this building,” Byrd recalled, “so it's definitely a family love of the building.”
Byrd says his family’s ties to Carroll date back to 1959, with more than 100 family members attending the college over the years.
The Carroll landmark is undergoing a $1.3 million roof restoration project after last year’s windstorms caused damage and dislodged tiles.
“This is just one of the many things that a 116-year-old building needs,” Byrd stated, “and so we're just working towards continually upgrading it.”
St. Charles Hall has stood at the heart of Carroll College since 1909 — the first building constructed on campus.
Today, the building still serves as a central part of campus life, housing more than 200 students, classrooms, faculty offices, and the president’s suite.
“Being our iconic building, we always try to ensure that we keep with the aesthetics and beauty that the past generations left us,” Byrd said.
Work began in November and continued in May, removing old tile, installing ice and water shielding, and relaying new tile with hurricane clips designed to help prevent future wind damage.
The same company that worked on the Cathedral of St. Helena is handling the project.
Despite scaffolding surrounding the building since June, staff say students shouldn't see disruptions as the fall semester begins.
“I've barely noticed them,” said Carroll College director of marketing Jeff Wald, who has worked in St. Charles for 10 years. “They've been super respectful, and I don't really hear much going on. Unless you looked outside, you wouldn't even know it was going on.”
Staff hope the renovations will be completed by mid-October, and they say they will continue to preserve this historic building for future generations.
