News

Messages of Hope at One80 Place Beam Signing

July 25, 2025

Choate’s Charleston team had the honor of celebrating a special moment at One80 Place: a beam signing ceremony that brought together the people who are making this project possible. Donors, staff, and supporters came out to sign the final steel beam before it was lifted into place, adding their names and heartfelt messages into the project itself.

It was a powerful reminder that this facility is built with more than just concrete and steel, but also with care, commitment, and community. It was also a chance to recognize and celebrate the generous donors who made this milestone possible: Karen and Bob Sywolski, Mickey Bakst, John and Julia Royall, John and Claire Mistretta, Scott and Kelly Adams, and Bill and Frank Kee.

Before the ceremony, the Sywolskis toured the site and signed a beam that will go in the café they’re sponsoring—a space that will offer warmth and nourishment in more ways than one. Remarks from Board Chair Dorie Condon Wallace and Choate Charleston Director of Operations Kyle Spraberry helped ground the celebration in what this project is really all about: creating a safe, supportive place for individuals and families to rebuild their lives. Once complete, this 65,000-SF building will provide 70 affordable apartments, a 65-bed family shelter, office space, and plenty of communal areas, all within a formerly vacant lot.

It’s being developed by Spandrel Development Partners, LLC in partnership with One80 Place and the Housing Authority of the City of Charleston. One80’s mission goes far beyond housing. With services like legal aid, job training, therapy, and counseling, they’re helping people not just get back on their feet, but stay there. And with a 95% success rate of residents remaining housed after two years, it’s clear their approach works. Choate is proud to be part of this project and honored to support One80 Place’s mission that everyone deserves a home and the support they need to keep it.

ABOUT CHOATE CONSTRUCTION Known for their proven results and partnership-driven approach, Choate Construction Company’s employee-owners provide nationally recognized commercial construction services for their clients and industry partners. Offering the benefits of a nationwide contractor with the dedicated touch of a local firm, Choate Construction’s specialized personnel consistently deliver successful projects across a variety of market sectors, including industrial, healthcare, corporate, retail and mixed-use, and more. From its innovative OneLife safety program to its philanthropic efforts to “Build Up” its communities, Choate’s ultimate purpose is to enrich the world through the people, places, and relationships it builds. Please visit www.choateco.com for more information.

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