In 1926 The Standard Oil Company built what is the present-day structure known as 1600 Meeting Street. Costing $75,000, the building served as the headquarters for their Charleston refinery. Charleston was specifically chosen for its refinery operations because petroleum products were separated from crude oil in vast quantities. This specific refinery in turn played an extensive role in both the social and economic development of Charleston. In 1926, Charleston became the oil center of the Carolina’s with the Charleston refinery supplying all of the gasoline being sold by The Standard Oil Company in both North and South Carolina. Additionally, asphalt from the Charleston refinery was extensively used to pave the streets of downtown Charleston. The building also had an obvious impact on job creation, and subsequently created a sense of community.

After being vacant for nearly 20 years, 1600 Meeting Street was restored and has become a creative center home to artists & designers, non-profits, creative small businesses, community centers, and performing & visual arts.