Charleston County Public Library

The documentation and preservation plan for the residence at 62 Montagu Street, Charleston, South Carolina, by Katie Lorraine Lawrance

eng

Thesis (M.S.H.P.) -- Clemson University, 2008.

The documentation and preservation plan for the residence at 62 Montagu Street, Charleston, South Carolina

dictionaries

244631261

by Katie Lorraine Lawrance

Abstract: This thesis creates a historic structure report guided by archival research and architectural documentation for the Keating Lewis Simons house, ca. 1853, at 62 Montagu Street in Charleston, South Carolina. Keating Lewis Simons acquired this 0.35 acre corner lot in Harleston Village in 1853, on the northwest corner of Montagu and Gadsden Streets. While there have been no significant additions, alterations, or building campaigns to the main house since its construction, the residence has been vacant for the past fifty years, contributing significantly to the deterioration of the building. The period of construction, 1853-1858, is the most significant architectural period of the main house. During this time, the village of Harleston, which was Charleston's second suburb after Ansonborough, was experiencing a construction boom of residences based on the side-hall, double-parlor plan. The house at 62 Montagu Street follows this formula and is an essentially intact surviving example of the Harleston building boom. The archival research component includes deed history, record of owners, and a compilation of newspaper articles and historic photos of the house. The documentation phase includes measuring the house and site to create architectural drawings of the floor plans, elevations, sections, and site plan to the Historic American Buildings Survey's standards. The design phase includes sensitive integration of new kitchen and bathroom spaces illustrated with architectural drawings. The goal for the design phase is to remain sensitive to the historic fabric, proportions, and detailing guided by the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation. The final report includes the archival research, architectural description, problems of repair, treatment plan, inventory of significant spaces, and designs for new living spaces. This report intends to serve as a model and sets a standard by illustrating how to meticulously record historic building fabric and existing conditions prior to a restoration or renovation project