About the Lawton House
Ownership spanning generations
The Lawton House and Treadwell Street Historical Association was established to protect, restore, and sustain a historic home that has remained in the Lawton family for over a century - the longest continuously family-owned property in the district. Located in Orangeburg, South Carolina, The Lawton House is undergoing a full restoration and preservation process to become a central space for stewarding history, culture, and family legacy. This work is only the beginning—it's the mainstay of the revitalization of the entire Treadwell District.
About the Campaign
The Lawton House has launched its capital campaign, now entitled Lawton Living Legacy, to fulfill the vision of restoring the family home, preserving the district’s legacy, and becoming stewards of future scholarly research.
The campaign has been divided into three phases and we’re currently raising funds for the final phases.
PHASE ONE:
FOUNDING FUND
COMPLETE
Phase One established the foundation for how the preservation work will be completed and securing the seed funds to get this project started.
Initially launched in 2023, this foundational phase ensured that every step of the restoration was strictly aligned with historical standards before construction began.
Following close coordination with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), MOTA Design was selected to draft bid-ready architectural plans, which received official SHPO approval in July 2025.
During this phase, The Lawton House was awarded a grant from the South Carolina Department of Archives and History (SCDAH) to support our stabilization and restoration efforts.
By late October, C-Sculpture was awarded the construction contract, and physical site work officially kicked off on January 22, 2026.
$160K Raised in Phase One!
PHASE TWO:
EXTERIOR RESTORATION
IN PROGRESS
Phase Two focuses on the exterior stabilization and weatherization of the family home.
With visible construction started in 2026, we prioritized the revitalization of the building's structural integrity and historic character from top to bottom. Critical structural repairs addressed localized moisture damage by reinforcing the roof framing, porch joists, masonry foundation and restoring the façade.
In May 2026, we’ve completed key exterior restorations, which include:
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Systematically removed and stored window sashes
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Reinforced compromised porch joist and restored porch columns
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Stabilized masonry foundation and sealed chimney masonry
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Scraped, primed, and repaired deteriorated timber, restoring the exterior color
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Installed a traditional standing-seam metal roof system
All of this restoration work has been completed with historic preservation in mind, staying true to the authentic and accurate materials used during the house’s original construction in 1901.
However this phase still isn’t complete, remaining work includes:
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Restoration and installation of windows and exterior doors
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Replacement of exterior staircase
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Replacement of ceiling and flooring of the front porch
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Restoration of the back porch
Phase Two Funds Raised
PHASE THREE:
INTERIOR RESTORATION
LOOKING FORWARD
Phase Three covers the final renovation work required to meet our initial vision for the house.
The second floor will be a separate apartment that can be rented to visiting professors for long-term stays. The first floor will be redesigned to accommodate two separate living suites with a shared kitchen and laundry. Each suite will have a bedroom, living area and bathroom. One suite will be used as The Lawton House headquarters. The other suite will be used to host scholars, researchers, and curators for short-term stays.
Thank you to our Sponsors!
Our sponsors and donors have been integral in getting this project off the ground and moving forward. As we continue the work, there will be more ways to support the Lawton Living Legacy capital campaign. Presently, you can support us by sharing our story or becoming a sponsor.
Sponsorship Funds Raised
Lawton Legacy Society - $20,000+
South Carolina Department of Archives and History
Linda Stewart
Audrey Hipkins
Hipkins Family Fund
Restoration Partner - $10,000
Sean Jones
C. Kenneth Hipkins
Heritage Circle - $5,000
Carlos Garcia
Paula Sneed
Treadwell Street Supporter - $2500
Preal Haley and Associates
Preservation Partner - $1,000
Christopher Garrett III
Jonathan Montgomery
Michael Jones
Restoration Steward - $500
Colin Montgomery
Julian Hipkins Jr
Diane Hipkins-Duncan
Ronald & Lisa Fisher
Community Supporter and Friends
D&F Consulting and Management LLC
Reginald Williams
Carolyn Hipkins
Deborah Menkart
Eugene and Gloria Washington
Fran Alves
Governor Reese
Julian Hipkins III
Larry Thurston
Sheryll Cashin
She Loves Pamper LLC