Jenkins Village Will Seek Dash Hall Relocation
The nonprofit aims to save the historic dance hall from demolition before the October 2026 deadline.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in African-American
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The Jenkins Youth and Family Village is working to relocate the remaining Dash Hall structure in Charleston to preserve its history. The organization plans to submit an offer by October 30, 2026, to prevent the city-approved demolition of the former jazz hall.
Why it matters
Saving the building allows the organization to honor the legacy of the Jenkins Orphanage Band and create a space for education and community use. Relocating the site would provide a permanent home for the structure on the organization's 54-acre campus.
Located at 148 Smith St, the Dash Hall remnant is the last physical piece of the Black-owned dance and jazz venue. The proposed move would relocate the building to the Jenkins Youth and Family Village campus, which spans 54 acres.
The players
Jenkins Youth and Family Village
This organization supports children and is the successor to the historical Jenkins Orphanage founded in 1891.
Ashley Hall Foundation
This entity currently owns the property at 148 Smith St where the Dash Hall remnant is located.
The details
Jenkins Youth and Family Village has cleared the building and is collaborating with the Preservation Society and the American College of Builders Arts to finalize a restoration plan. The nonprofit envisions repurposing the structure into a community tearoom and educational facility.
Timeline
1891: The Jenkins Orphanage was founded by Rev. Daniel Joseph Jenkins.
October 30, 2026: Deadline for submitting offers to relocate Dash Hall.
Culture Shift
The effort to relocate Dash Hall reflects a broader trend of grassroots preservation seeking to protect African-American cultural landmarks from urban redevelopment. This initiative extends the legacy of the Jenkins Orphanage Band by physically preserving the structures associated with its history.
Residents and history enthusiasts can support the preservation project as it moves through the authenticity assessment and relocation planning phases. The successful relocation would provide the community with a new educational resource and tearoom located on the village campus.
The takeaway
The potential preservation of Dash Hall highlights the critical role of community organizations in maintaining local history through building relocation. Residents interested in cultural heritage can monitor the progress of the relocation plan as the 2026 deadline approaches.
What happens next
The Ashley Hall Foundation will review any relocation offers submitted by the October 30, 2026, deadline. If no qualifying offer is accepted, the property owner will proceed with the demolition of the structure.
Further reading
Learn more about local cultural preservation efforts in the African-American section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Live5news.
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