This $5.85M historic SC building for sale has 4 huge vaults in it. Take a look

An imposing brick building along historic Georgetown’s Front Street that once served as a customs house and post office is for sale for $5.85 million.

As a customs house, the 17,000square-foot, four-story building was where officials collected taxes on imported goods coming through the port.

It was built in 1905 by the Federal Government and, as a place where lots of money and documents were stored, has four huge vaults.

It has most recently served as offices for lawyers and an architect.

The owner is Bill Duncan, a lawyer for more than 30 years turned inventor. Among his creations is an easy to connect clasp for necklaces and a self watering planter that looks like a picture frame. He holds dozens of patents.

His wife, Sherri, is a veterinarian in Murrells Inlet, where they live.

They’re selling to tighten up some investments, listing agent Cal Harrelson said.

Located at 1001 Front St., the building was designed by architect Amii B. Young, who also designed the U.S. Treasury and Customs Houses in Charleston, Richmond, Chicago and the Vermont State House.

When it opened, the editor of the Georgetown Times wrote, “Everything speaks of comfort and elegance. The Terraza floor of the Post Office lobby and marble base, with the polished walnut finish, is exceptionally attractive and reflects the great credit of the Government and its Officers.”

The building overlooks Winyah Bay from the upper floors and is next door to the Kaminski House, which was built in 1769 and is open to the public for tours and events.

It’s also near the Parker-Stewart house, where President George Washington wrote in his diary he was entertained while on his southern tour in 1740.

Georgetown is about to embark on a major re-envisioning with the closing of the port and the steel mill across the bay.

Georgetown County is seeking proposals for the 40-acre port property. International Paper closed the mill in 2024 and is tearing it down. It had operated on the site for almost 90 years.

International Paper officials told county leaders earlier this year they had received multiple bids for the property but did not say specifically what the proposed use was.

“This building is literally on the edge of this new development,” Harrelson said.

He said the building could be used as a number of things besides offices such as a boutique hotel and/or restaurant, shops.

It was last sold in January 2002 for $1 million. Property taxes in 2024 were $13,688.

This story was originally published November 14, 2025 at 6:00 AM.