Clemson recognized with awards from Preservation South Carolina

Clemson University has been recognized with several awards from Preservation South Carolina, an organization dedicated to preserving the state’s historic buildings, structures and sites.

The statewide Historic Preservation Awards are also sponsored by the Office of the Governor and the South Carolina Department of Archives and History. They given annually to recognize accomplishments in the preservation, rehabilitation and interpretation of South Carolina’s architectural and cultural heritage.

Clemson received the Preservation Service Award for the Hopewell Carriage House Archaeology Field Lab. A partnership between the Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice; the Department of History and Geography; and Historic Properties, the field lab is located in the carriage house at Hopewell Plantation, the historic home of Revolutionary War General Andrew Pickens. The building, which had fallen into disrepair, was restored to be used as a field lab for archaeological research, artifact processing and experiential learning.

Clemson also received the Preservation Honor Award for the project to restore the Tillman Hall auditorium. The award was presented to Rick Owens, Clemson’s historic preservation officer, as well as Tyler Dawson, Don Beyer and Austin Johnson from Harper General Contractors, and Julie Arnold and Josh Andrews from Lord Aeck Sargent. The project restored the 14,000-square foot auditorium to its appearance in 1924 while also introducing new technology and accessibility improvements.

“I am deeply thankful for the individuals who worked so hard to make sure Clemson’s history is preserved, celebrated and made available for students and the community,” said Clemson University Historian Otis Pickett. “Rick Owens has dedicated much of his career to this effort, and these awards are a testament to his hard work and passion for historic preservation. Our University’s history owes much to his passion, dedication, and expertise.”

Richard “Moby” Marks was recognized with the Governor’s Award, which awarded for significant achievements or landmark efforts in the support of historic preservation in South Carolina. Marks has served as a faculty member in Clemson’s graduate program in historic preservation, and he is a member of the Historic Properties Alumni Advisory Council.

“I was so happy to see Richard Marks receive an award as he has been a long teacher and practitioner in Clemson’s Historic Preservation program in Charleston,” Pickett said. “On top of that he has served for several years on our Historic Properties Alumni Advisory Council, and I am deeply thankful for his service, expertise and passion for Clemson’s historic properties.”