123 Carriage: A Historic Charleston Apartment Building

What 123 Carriage Offers

123 Carriage Street is a restored apartment building in Charleston's historic district, located in the heart of the city's walkable downtown. The building sits on Carriage Street, a narrow lane between King Street and East Bay Street that reflects Charleston's 18th-century street grid. Units in the building range from studios to two-bedroom layouts, and the property emphasizes period details alongside modern utilities.

The building's location puts residents within walking distance of the City Market, the waterfront, and dozens of restaurants and galleries. Parking is available but limited, as is typical for buildings in this part of downtown. The structure itself dates to the 1800s and has been renovated to meet current building codes while preserving exterior character.

Key Takeaways

• 123 Carriage Street is located in downtown Charleston's historic district, within walking distance of major attractions and dining.
• The building offers studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units in a restored 19th-century structure.
• Parking is available but limited due to the building's location on a narrow historic street.
• Residents have direct access to the City Market, waterfront parks, and King Street shopping without needing a car for daily errands.

The Historic District Location and What It Means

Carriage Street itself is one of Charleston's quieter historic lanes, named for the carriage houses and stables that once lined it. Today it connects two of the city's busiest commercial streets but remains relatively sheltered from traffic. The building's address places it in the heart of what locals call the Historic District—the area bounded roughly by Broad Street to the south, Calhoun Street to the north, the Cooper River to the east, and King Street to the west.

Living here means proximity to the Nathaniel Russell House, the Aiken-Rhett House, and dozens of other preserved structures open to the public. It also means living under the rules of the Historic District Design Guidelines, which govern what residents can do to the exterior of the building and any visible alterations. If you rent here, you will not be able to change window treatments, paint colors, or add signage without approval from the city's Board of Architectural Review.

Parking and Getting Around Without a Car

Parking at 123 Carriage is limited and typically assigned to individual units or available for an additional monthly fee. Street parking on Carriage Street itself is metered during business hours and restricted during certain times. Many residents in this part of downtown choose to rely on walking, biking, or the CARTA bus system rather than maintain a car.

The building sits on the edge of the CARTA's main downtown loop, and the nearest bus stops are a short walk away. Bike lanes connect Carriage Street to the Lowcountry Bike Trail and other routes heading toward James Island and Mount Pleasant. For residents without a car, this location is one of the most walkable in Charleston—groceries, pharmacies, and restaurants are all within a 10-minute walk.

Unit Types and Interior Layout

The building contains studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units. Studios typically range from 400 to 550 square feet and are designed for single occupants or couples. One-bedroom units usually offer a separate living area, bedroom, and kitchen, with square footage between 600 and 800 square feet. Two-bedroom units provide more space and are less common in the building.

All units include modern utilities—central air conditioning, heating, and updated plumbing—despite the building's historic exterior. Many units retain original hardwood floors, exposed brick, or tall ceilings that reflect the structure's age. Kitchens are typically compact, as is standard in older Charleston buildings, and some units have washer-dryer hookups or in-unit laundry, though this varies by floor and unit type.

Building Amenities and Services

123 Carriage does not offer the extensive amenities of newer apartment complexes—there is no fitness center, pool, or rooftop deck. Instead, the building emphasizes its location as the primary amenity. Residents have access to nearby public parks, including Waterfront Park and Marion Square, both within a five-minute walk. The City Market, an open-air shopping and dining area, is directly adjacent to the building.

The building typically includes basic services such as trash collection, water, and sewer in the rent. Some units may have access to a small courtyard or shared outdoor space, though this depends on the specific unit. Maintenance and repairs are handled by the building's management, and most leases include a requirement to report issues promptly.

Lease Terms and What to Expect

Leases at 123 Carriage typically run for 12 months, though shorter or longer terms may be negotiated depending on availability and the landlord's preference. Security deposits are standard and usually equal one month's rent. Renters insurance is often required or strongly recommended, particularly for units on upper floors or those with windows facing the street.

Utility costs vary by unit and season. Summer air conditioning bills can be significant in Charleston, and winter heating is minimal. Water and sewer are usually included in rent, but electricity, gas, and internet are typically the tenant's responsibility. It is worth asking the current tenant or the landlord for average utility costs before signing, as older buildings can have less efficient systems than newer construction.

The Historic District and Visitor Traffic

One aspect of living at 123 Carriage that differs from other Charleston apartments is the volume of foot traffic. The historic district draws thousands of visitors daily, particularly during spring and fall. Carriage Street itself is quieter than King Street or Meeting Street, but residents should expect to see tour groups, photographers, and tourists year-round, especially on weekends and during major events like Spoleto Festival USA in May and June.

This can be a draw for some residents who enjoy the energy and cultural activity of downtown. For others, the constant flow of visitors and the restrictions on exterior modifications can feel limiting. It is worth spending an evening or weekend on Carriage Street before committing to a lease to understand whether the atmosphere suits your preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there guest parking at 123 Carriage?

Guest parking is typically very limited or unavailable. Visitors usually need to use metered street parking or nearby paid lots. Check with the building management about their specific guest parking policy before signing a lease, as this can affect how often friends and family can visit comfortably.

Can I have a pet at 123 Carriage?

Pet policies vary by unit and landlord. Some units allow small dogs or cats with a pet deposit or monthly fee, while others prohibit pets entirely. This is something to confirm directly with the landlord or property manager before applying, as policies can change between lease renewals.

What utilities are included in the rent?

Water and sewer are typically included, but electricity, gas, and internet are usually the tenant's responsibility. Ask the landlord or current tenant for average monthly costs for these utilities so you can budget accurately. Older buildings sometimes have higher energy costs than newer apartments.

How noisy is Carriage Street?

Carriage Street is quieter than King Street or Meeting Street, but it is not silent. You will hear foot traffic, especially during the day and on weekends, and occasional vehicle noise. Upper-floor units tend to be quieter than ground-floor units. Spend time on the street at different times of day to assess noise levels before committing.

Can I make changes to my unit or the exterior?

Interior changes are typically allowed within reason, but exterior modifications—including window treatments visible from the street, paint colors, or signage—require approval from the city's Board of Architectural Review. This is a requirement of living in the historic district and applies to all buildings in the area, not just 123 Carriage.