Honoring History Through Design: The Award-Winning Anchorage 1770 Project

While awards aren’t our goal, they are a meaningful reminder that good design has a lasting impact. One project we’re especially proud of is The Anchorage 1770 project, a historic renovation that earned a Design Honor Award from the Hilton Head Island chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA HHI).

Originally built in 1770 (give or take a few years), The Anchorage 1770 is thought to be the largest existing tabby structure in the U.S. Over time, this 7,764-square-foot building had served a number of purposes—including as an office—but eventually sat vacant for five years. In 2013, we were brought in to lead its transformation into a boutique bed & breakfast, breathing new life into the structure while preserving its historic integrity.

The renovation began by converting the underutilized basement into a full kitchen and three guest suites. The upper levels were redesigned to include 10 additional suites, maintaining the character of the original architecture. We also added a small rear cottage with two more suites and created a courtyard that ensured both beauty and handicap accessibility. Altogether, the project now offers 15 suites within 11,828 square feet.

Our work at The Anchorage 1770 reflects what we value most: designing with intention, honoring the past, and creating spaces that serve new purpose without losing their story. Receiving recognition from AIA HHI for this project was an honor—and a testament to the power of adaptive reuse in architecture.

Questions about this project? Reach out to our team.