Storm damage forces relocation of city offices
By Samantha Lyles, Staff Writer, slyles@newsandpress.net
The historic Julius A. Dargan Home, built in 1856 and now home to the City of Darlington Administration offices, sustained significant damage from rain and wind during the Oct. 2 through 5 storms, causing a chimney to collapse and breach the roof above the second floor Mayor’s office. A section of the broken chimney was visible through a crawlspace opening near the second floor landing. 
Water leaked through the ceiling, damaging flooring and furnishings.
Members of the Darlington Fire Department used a ladder truck to reach the damaged area and secure the roof breach with a tarp.
A second chimney located on the opposite side of the building is similarly compromised and will require repairs.
“The mortar between the bricks on both chimneys has basically turned to sand,” says Darlington city manager Howard Garland. “We’ve moved our staff working on that side of the building over to City Hall for their safety and the safety of the public.”
Until further notice, all City of Darlington business license and building department operations will be based at City Hall, located at 400 Pearl Street.
Garland says that repairing the admin building is complicated by property’s historic designation, so all repairs must meet federal standards for historic preservation work. Architect Ben Whitener of Cummings and McCrady (a firm which has previously worked with the city to stabilize and renovate the Carnegie Library on North Main Street) will assess the damages and advise the city on how to proceed.
