History of 49 Immigration Street

Unknown to most Charlestonians, the mysterious Immigration Street runs from north of Columbus to the 98-year-old building that stands on edge of the water on the Cooper River.

Built in 1912 at a cost of $70,000, 49 Immigration Street was to be used by the U.S. government as a location to process immigrants. Though it was never used as an immigrant station, the Bell Manufacturing Company leased the building in 1919 to produce coveralls.

By 1922, It was evacuated and left vacant and in despair for 17 years.

In 1939, the county of Charleston bought the building and it then became the Charleston County Jail. However, this waterfront jail soon became known to these sentenced occupants as the “Seabreeze Hotel”, for it was similar to a 30 day vacation for most.

In 1983, Lewis. G. Seabrook purchased the building and the boat ramp from the county to use as a marine repair business for his tugboat company. After hurricane Hugo, the building was vacated and put up for sale. In 1999, the new owners welcomed their tenants to the new office building in 2000.

Forty-nine Immigration Street has remained an office building until today and now welcomes Coastal Yacht Charters to continue its historical legacy.
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