The GARCo Mill project is a renovation of an 84,000 square feet, two story historical warehouse located in North Charleston, SC. The project involves installation of new exterior windows, new roofing, construction of new entrance vestibule, new restrooms, and elevator. With preservation in mind, our team had structural wood decking made to match the original decking in the building. The building also consists of original wood beams and post construction. All construction for this project will comply with the State Historic Preservation Office requirements.

The GARCO plant, originally built in 1915, was a major regional employer while being tied to some of the most significant national events of the 20th century. GARCO helped supply the American war efforts during WWI and WWII by producing brake lining for Allied tanks, among other products. Later, the company supplied the soles of the spacesuit boots worn by the astronauts on the Apollo 11 mission to the moon, as well as other Apollo programs. They also produced materials used on the Apollo spacecraft. The operations at GARCO Mill stopped shortly after the conclusion of NASA’s Apollo space program in 1972.

The mill is the last surviving structure associated with the major GARCO manufacturing presence in Charleston. Having sat vacant for decades, GARCo Mill will now be restored and serve as creative office space and a food hall for the North Charleston community.