Charter One Realty

Michael Mark
Three Generations on Carteret Street

story by ERIN WALLACE          photos by JOHN WOLLWERTH

What are two words that come to your mind when you think about Beaufort? For me, it is people and history. You can’t have one without the other, and Charter One Realty’s new office location at 203 Carteret Street is living proof. This extraordinary building has been inhabited by different people and businesses throughout the years, all tied to the same Mark family bloodline. Real Estate Broker Michael Mark currently represents this business right here in the heart of Beaufort. Our community cannot mistake Michael for his family’s legacy as he is a 3rd generation Beaufortonian. It’s the space in Beaufort’s Downtown Historic District where the bubbles used to blow. It graces the unforgettable mural painted on the restaurant side. Charter One Realty recently renovated part of the building and just had its grand opening on July 22.

This building has a deep history. Therefore, ample time and effort went into Charter One preserving the history while making the space their own. Long-term residents are well aware that this building has been in Michael’s family since the 70s. In fact, Michael’s first job out of college was working in his family’s furniture store in this well-loved building. He worked with them full time until 2008, and after that, he left to take on the world of real estate. In 2018, Michael met with Tom Reed, Charter One Realty broker-in-charge, and discussed opening an office in Beaufort. They had become a dominant force in Southern Beaufort County, and this was an obvious move. Michael recalls pride in his voice: “I presented the location to Tom of Charter One, and he fell in love with the location just like my family did back in 1972.” Now their plans are to continue to grow as a real estate company that best serves and gives back to the community.

Michael commented that this new location is a great opportunity for Charter One to occupy a building bursting with such old history. Back in 1990, a mural was approved for the side of the building. This was pivotal — as it took a lot of work to allow such a project on a structure within the historic district. The original mural portrayed figures of Michael’s family members and long-time employees of his family’s furniture store. If you look at that particular side of the building today, you can still see the arches where the figures were attached.

When the family’s furniture store expanded to a larger location on Highway 170, the once-bustling space found itself in search of a new tenant. The location proved perfect for Michael’s sister, Janet, to open Carolina Stamper, a stamp and scrapbook store. Janet was world-renowned and was the one responsible for the notorious bubble machine that was known to blow bubbles out onto traffic. It was her hook: “Where the bubbles blow.”

Now, Charter One’s aim here in Beaufort is to help others better understand the lifestyle and history of Beaufort. A lot of people are moving here, and Michael realizes the weight of what he is selling. Michael states, “Part of what we do when we work with people is help them understand the history. They might not live in a historic home, but they are part of the community; the historic homes, the waterfront park, and all the things that make Beaufort become a part of them.” It is important to Michael that Charter One Realty is recognized as a local company. Beaufort is a town where everyone knows each other by name, and you are almost always bound to run into someone you know. Charter One intentionally chose to be part of downtown Beaufort and deliberately planted itself at the center of where everything happens, right on Carteret Street.

One cannot deny that this landmark building paints a well-known, dense, and rich history in a very historic town. Charter One is now successfully showcasing the life of the building as a whole. During the grand opening at a ribbon-cutting ceremony in July, for the grand opening, a massive turnout showed up to support Charter One Realty and the Mark Family. As you can imagine, Michael was highly encouraged and reminded of the Marks’ impact on the community — one of those full-circle moments.

Simultaneously, the renovations and changes of this building represent an evolving beauty that only comes with time. Through their businesses and standout attractions, it is apparent that the Marks have brought forth a kind of magic in the Beaufort air. Though some can’t be seen today, they have left lasting impressions on residents and tourists alike. This kind of family history is an example of what sets us apart from other towns. With Michael back in this space, there will undoubtedly be more magic shining through as others find a home in our charming town. Michael isn’t selling property — he is welcoming new neighbors into our beautiful community. Now that is some Beaufort magic!