A Charleston building from the late 1890s that once served a social hub for Black residents has been saved from demolition.

The city's Board of Architectural Review voted unanimously to deny a proposal to demolish 148 Smith St., citing neglect by the owner as the reason it has fallen into such disrepair.

The unassuming, 400-square-foot structure is what remains of Dash Hall after the second story was torn down in the 1950s to make way for apartments. The name refers a former multi-generational Black-owned dance hall, according to the Preservation Society of Charleston.

Ashley Hall Foundation has owned the property since 2005, according to county tax records. A request for full demolition of the building went under review by the BAR on Aug. 28.

James "Billy" Bishop of GBA Architecture,

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