News Summary
A historic property in downtown Charleston, formerly the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, has been sold for $13.65 million after two years on the market. The sale was finalized to a Florida-based buyer, with the property retaining its current tenants including popular restaurants. Originally built in 1916, the site holds significant historical value, having served both as a church and as a sailors’ home. This transaction reflects confidence in Charleston’s real estate market and its appeal for properties steeped in history.
South Carolina – A historic property in downtown Charleston, located at 32 N. Market St., has been sold for $13.65 million after being on the market for two years. The sale was finalized on October 9, 2025, to a buyer from Florida. The property was originally listed in August 2023 for $15.5 million but saw several price reductions over its time on the market.
The property encompasses the former Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, which was converted into a restaurant in 1967. It also features a one-story middle structure that houses another restaurant and a former candy store located at the corner of Market and East Bay streets. These unique features contribute to the property’s historical significance.
The Burbage family owned the property since 1974, having inherited it from Wilbur Burbage. The property is in a prime location, situated near the historic City Market and the site of a future Marriott Vacations timeshare development at 235 East Bay St. The prominent building is recognized not just for its current use but also for its historical background.
Details of the Sale
The listing agent for the sale was Buddy Bebergal from Premier Properties of Charleston. The buyer, Historic Tours of America, is a national company based in Key West. This company operates in seven cities across the United States and plans to maintain the building’s current tenants. Notable restaurants, Tempest and Church & Union, will remain in operation within the complex, retaining the establishment’s vibrant dining scene.
Historical Significance
Originally built in 1916, the structure served as The Harriot Pinckney Home for Seamen, taking over from the Old Mariner’s Chapel, which was destroyed in the 1886 Earthquake. For nearly 50 years, the property operated both as a church and a sailors’ home before being deconsecrated in 1964 due to changes in the duration of seamen’s port stays. Charleston historian Robert Stockton notes that the structure is representative of the late-Gothic revival architectural style, highlighting its cultural and historical value within the community.
Current and Future Uses
The corner structure’s former candy shop was included in the transaction and is currently leased to a carriage company that sells tourism tickets, showcasing the property’s continued relevance in the tourism-driven economy of Charleston.
Bryon Burbage, the owner, decided to put the property on the market, noting that he felt the timing was right for a sale, despite having a sentimental attachment to the location. The sale signals confidence in the ongoing appeal of historic properties in Charleston, as well as the city’s growing tourism sector.
The successful transaction highlights the enduring value and interest in Charleston’s real estate market, particularly for properties with deep historical roots, as they continue to adapt and serve contemporary business needs while honoring their architectural heritage.
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Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
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