Image by Port of Charleston

One of the most curious and historical landmarks in downtown Charleston, the crumbling facade of Bennett's Rice Mill between East Bay Street and the Charleston Harbor, will soon undergo a much needed restoration.

In an effort to strengthen the structure against further damage due to age and the upcoming hurricane season, The State Ports Authority will begin work on the structure that was erected back in 1844. According to The Post and Courier, the redevelopment plan calls for creating a one-acre "Rice Mill Park" around the facade, which would serve as the park's focal point.

The State Ports Authority's website has a detailed history of the building, chronicling it's construction spearheaded by Governor Thomas Bennett to its subsequent demise which came after Hurricane Donna in September of 1960.