Charleston County Public Library

"Turning shambles into showcases", Herbert A. DeCosta, Jr's role in the Ansonborough Rehabilitation Project in Charleston, South Carolina, by Alissa Clare Keller

eng

"This thesis examines a portion of the restoration and rehabilitation work Herbert A. DeCosta Jr. and the H.A. DeCosta Company completed in the 1960s and 1970s in Charleston, South Carolina. A third generation, African-American contractor, DeCosta specialized in the restoration of historic structures. A native of the city, he possessed an innate understanding and respect for the city's architectural heritage, and he worked throughout the city and region to promote the preservation of this heritage. Under the direction of Herbert DeCosta, the H.A. DeCosta Company worked with Historic Charleston Foundation on numerous properties in their revolutionary Ansonborough Rehabilitation Project in the 1960s and 1970s. Through an analysis of the type and extent of his work in this neighborhood revitalization effort, as well as through an examination of the quality of his restorations, this thesis explores DeCosta's role in the movement that defined a preservation ethic for Charleston."--Leaf ii

Includes bibliographical references

Thesis (M.S.H.P.)--Clemson University and the College of Charleston, 2011.

"Turning shambles into showcases"

756206939

by Alissa Clare Keller

Herbert A. DeCosta, Jr's role in the Ansonborough Rehabilitation Project in Charleston, South Carolina

Introduction -- Herbert A. DeCosta, Jr.: the man and the company -- Charleston in the 1960s and urban renewal -- Herbert DeCosta and the Ansonborough Rehabilitation Project -- Conclusion -- Appendices: Appendix A. Historic Charleston Foundation: oral history with Herbert A. DeCosta, Jr. ; Appendix B. Herbert A. DeCosta's work in the Ansonborough Rehabilitation Project ; Appendix C. Herbert A. DeCosta & Ansonborough: archival collections summary ; Appendix D. Herbert A. DeCosta, Jr.: restorations/major renovations