Court House Square

Court House Square

c. 1956-1957

11/21/2016 (date digital)

Blake Tenements

Back of photograph: "(c) Henry P. Staats / Blake's Tenements / Court House Sq. / Chas." The Blake Tenements were constructed by Daniel Blake who inherited the land which was originally meant for the home of a Quaker governor in what was to be Archdale Square. That was not meant to be however, and Courthouse Square of today replaced it. The Blake Tenements were constructed from 1760 until 1772 with renovations happening circa 1800 and again in the late 20th century. The two large brick tenements or double house of 2 and 4 Courthouse Square were build in conjuncture with necessary outbuildings, a privy, and a garden. The interior of the tenement is known for its beautiful woodworking, while the facade is known for much more. It has a stone staircase, ornate wrought iron railings, and a couple 18th century windows have remained on the sides and at the back. In addition the home is known to be one of the few example of English style bond brickworkings in the city. The less public facade has the English brickwork and the more public has a Flemish style brickwork. In the 1960s the outbuildings were removed to make way for law offices. In 1970 the Blake Tenements were made part of the National Historic Register. References: Poston, J. (1997). The buildings of Charleston: A guide to the city’s architecture. Columbia, University of South Carolina Press. South Carolina Department of Archives and History. National Register Properties in South Carolina, Blake Tenements, Charleston County (2-4 Courthouse Square, Charleston). Retrieved from: http://www.nationalregister.sc.gov/charleston/S10817710019/

visible image 12 x 12 cm

Donated to CLS by Henry P. Staats.

This item is in copyright but can be used for educational purposes. Please contact Charleston Library Society for more information for any use not qualifying as educational use.

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StillImage

Hinson Audio/Visual Collection

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