We are proud to announce that the Soapstone School Rehabilitation Project has been recognized with the 2025 Carolinas AGC (CAGC) Community Impact Award. This honor celebrates meaningful community initiatives across the Carolinas that combine volunteerism, charitable giving, and service to make a lasting difference.
Harper General Contractors was privileged to play a key role in the preservation of the historic Soapstone School, a one-room schoolhouse located in the Liberia community of Pickens County, SC. The project was led in partnership with the Soapstone Preservation Endowment, a nonprofit committed to preserving the legacy of the Soapstone Church, School, and surrounding community.
For the restoration, our team focused on carefully preserving and refreshing the structure while honoring its original character. Over two years, Harper contributed to the planning, volunteer coordination, and hands-on construction, with approximately 30 Harper team members involved throughout the process. The scope of work included repainting, repairing specially milled donated wood, replacing windows, and restoring the interior ceilings and walls. Every step was handled with care, with no more than 10 SF of wood replaced at a time to maintain the structural integrity of the building, which was originally constructed in the 1920s.
Through this collaborative effort, the Soapstone Schoolhouse has been stabilized and preserved for future generations. The site will serve as an educational resource along South Carolina’s Scenic Highway 11, for visitors to learn more about the school’s history, shared here.
For more details, you can view the full Carolinas AGC announcement here.
Image Credits: Kerri Natasha Photography