The Holliday House has been a place where people could step into history, take part in tours, join events, and experience paranormal investigations. But right now, we are at a crossroads—and without help, we may be forced to sell.

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We are now a non-profit organization fighting to preserve this 130+ year-old home. But the truth is simple: we have very little time and very little money left to continue.​​

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If you would like to continue being able to visit, investigate, and enjoy the Holliday House, we need your support now more than ever. The City of Marion and the Fire Marshal are now requiring us to hire an architect to construct a Life Safety Plan (which is very costly).

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​A Life Safety Plan is a detailed document—usually drawn up by a licensed architect or engineer—that shows how a building meets fire, safety, and accessibility codes. It’s essentially a map of all the safety systems in the structure and the measures in place to protect people if there’s an emergency.​

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For historic or commercial properties like the Holliday House, a Life Safety Plan typically includes things such as:

• Locations of exits and stairways

• Exit signage and emergency lighting

• Placement of fire extinguishers and smoke detectors

• Accessibility routes (for ADA compliance)

• Safe occupancy limits for different spaces

• Plans for any required upgrades (ex. rebuilding unsafe stairs or porches)

 

Why Marion, SC is requiring it for the Holliday House:

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It is being required because the Holliday House is open to the public—for tours, events, and investigations—the City must treat it as an assembly/commercial space, not just a private residence. Under South Carolina building and fire codes, any public assembly space must have a documented Life Safety Plan prepared by a licensed professional. This ensures that in the event of a fire, evacuation, or structural emergency, the building meets minimum safety requirements and won’t put guests at risk.​

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That’s why they’re requiring:

• An architect or engineer to draw up the plan

• Installation of extra fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and exit signs

• Structural repairs like rebuilding the back porch and staircase to make sure multiple safe exit routes exist​​

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In short, the City of Marion is requiring it because once a historic home becomes a public venue, it falls under commercial safety regulations. Without the plan, they won’t legally allow public entry.​

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Bottom Line:  The Holliday House Is At Risk​

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Until this is complete, we cannot host tours, events, or investigations.​The required work is costly, and we need to raise a minimum of $10,000 simply to begin the process.​

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If we cannot raise the money to meet the City’s requirements, the Holliday House will be sold. And if that happens, the next owner will likely flip or restructure it—erasing the history we’ve worked so hard to preserve.​This is our last attempt. We have run out of options. 

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Please help us by donating, volunteering skilled labor (construction, HVAC, electricians, plumbers, landscapers, masonry, etc.), or sharing this campaign.​

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Ways you can help:

• Make a donation (all donations are tax-deductible)

• Volunteer your skills: construction, architects, engineers, HVAC, electricians, plumbers, landscapers, masonry, and more

• Share this campaign with others who love history and preservation​

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This is our last attempt to save the Holliday House. Without your support, we will have no choice but to sell, and its history may be lost forever.​​