Charleston, South Carolina – A former residence held by a Charleston blacksmith known as “The Keeper of the Gates” will not be demolished for the time being, according to a Thursday Charleston Board of Architectural Review (BAR) hearing.
Phillip Simmons was a talented artisan known for his exquisite ironwork and sculptures, which can be found around the peninsula and in the South Carolina State Museum.
The two-story structure at 30 Blake Street is located in front of Simmons’ former home and workshop. It has now fallen into disrepair following Simmons’ death in 2009.
Simmons’ original home and workshop have been preserved as a museum by the Phillip Simmons Foundation to honor his legacy.
The home, which was erected in 1876 and has stayed in Simmons’ family, is currently held by his grandson, Elmer Gilliam Jr., who asked the city to demolish it immediately after it was pronounced hazardous to enter.
On Tuesday, city BAR members visited the property in the morning before voting to reject the demolition proposal at their meeting in the Gaillard Center later that day.
Many people spoke out against the demolition during tonight’s meeting, and following the denial, Gilliam requested the city’s assistance in preserving the structure.
BAR members opposed the demolition on the condition that a stabilizing plan for the structure be delivered to the city within 90 days.
Gilliam stated that he initially requested the demolition because he believed it was improper for his grandfather’s legacy, considering its deteriorating state. He sought to create something that would benefit the neighborhood and compliment the Phillip Simmons Foundation next door.
