 any of Historic Charleston Foundation's recent preservation initiatives have been focused on the hundreds of antebellum structures in the Elliottborough neighborhood, north of Calhoun Street. By purchasing deserted properties threatened with demolition, restoring their historic character and livability, and then selling them to families with ties to the neighborhood, the Foundation not only stabilizes the neighborhood, but also secures the future of these historic structures.
One example of this Neighborhood Impact Initiative is the James Morrison House, c. 1850, one of three properties on St. Philip Street donated to HCF by the Post and Courier Foundation. The house, at 236 St. Philip Street, had been badly modified over time and vacant for a number of years. The property was restored through a generous gift from the Post and Courier Foundation and an anonymous donor. When completed in the spring of 2003, it was sold to homeowners with ties to the historic neighborhood. As are all buildings sold by HCF under the Neighborhood Impact Initiative, the Morrison House was sold with restrictive covenants that will ensure the protection of its historic fabric, both inside and out.
The Foundation is now undertaking the rehabilitation of 216 and 218 St. Philip Street, the other two properties donated by the Post and Courier Foundation. 218 St. Philip Street is particularly significant as it is the site of the first African-American bank in Charleston. The Peoples Federation Bank was founded in 1920 and served the community throughout the ensuing decade. The bank was established along with several other commercial busiensses in the house, which was built in 1849 by John Hartz, a local grocer who also built the house at 216 St. Philip Street.
|
|
