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Our MissionWe are dedicated to reinvesting the inherent value of historic used building materials back into the well-being of our local communities; preserving the built environment's architectural and lived histories; and reviving traditional crafts and skills that build healthier relationships between People, Place, and Planet.
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How We Make a Difference
DeconstructionDeconstruction is the careful disassembly of structures, an alternative to traditional demolition. Our process diverts used, often historic, building materials away from landfills, creates stable entry-level jobs, and supports more sustainable construction practices.
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Virtual Reality ReconstructionThe process includes the use of drones and 360° 3D rendering to revive historic structures and cultural heritage through virtual reconstruction. Lost structures can be visualized as they once existed, thanks to the integration of archaeological methods and virtual reality technology.
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Historical DocumentationWhen homes and businesses are lost to demolition, so is the chance to record their histories. Alternatively, deconstruction provides the opportunity to research, document, and preserve the stories that connect people and communities.
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Our History
Conway Architectural Salvage and Heritage Project was incorporated as a nonprofit in August 2023. To launch as a grassroots, community-driven project, the organization relied on local support and connections built over the previous few years, including:
- Guidance from leaders of local communities and nonprofits, such as the Whittemore Racepath Historical Society and CREATE! Conway Inc.
- Collaboration with the owner of the local historic McIver-Shaw Lumber Co. and Old Icehouse properties located near downtown Conway
- Fundraising efforts for the first deconstruction project
- Engagement of Coastal Carolina University students and faculty in salvage and reuse projects, such as art installations, community garden structures, and historic materials processing
- On-the-ground deconstruction training provided by Re:Purpose Savannah
To date, this volunteer-powered community project has kept over 1200 tons of historic building materials out of landfills and instead repurposed for the well-being of local communities. This is only the beginning. With the acquisition of the historic Old Icehouse property, Conway Architectural Salvage and Heritage Project is now located adjacent to the local historic McIver-Shaw Lumber Co. Soon, both properties will be revived as the base of operations for the nonprofit to provide access to salvaged materials for the general public, space for research into the architectural and lived histories of disassembled structures, workshops for the revival of traditional trade crafts, and cultivation of a community garden and arboretum to highlight sustainability concepts.
Community Partners
A special collective thank you to the many individuals committing their time, energy, and creativity to this community vision.
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Alan ToddExecutive DirectorAfter moving with his family to Conway, South Carolina, Alan became passionate about preserving building materials and trade crafts that would otherwise be lost to demolition due to the area’s rapid population growth. Studying the economic model of deconstruction implemented in Savannah, Georgia and other preservation-focused cities, Alan learned how to successfully replicate deconstruction in Horry County and established the Conway Architectural Salvage and Heritage Project. His life’s work comes together in this project, saving old-growth lumber from the landfills, archiving the histories of family homes, and reviving traditional building crafts. With the help of dedicated volunteers and community members, Alan is currently working with the City of Conway, multiple departments at Coastal Carolina University, and the Horry County Solid Waste Authority to implement a broad communal vision for the project.
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