Charleston, South Carolina — The demolition of a mansion previously owned by master blacksmith Philip Simmons has been denied, but officials now warn maintaining the structure will be pricey.
Simmons, a famed craftsman best known for his ironwork, owned the building at 30 Blake Street. The City of Charleston’s Board of Architectural Review denied the demolition request during a hearing Thursday evening due to the home’s historical and cultural significance.
“We heard a lot last night about how important this building is to the African American community, and you have to consider the building’s history and culture in addition to its architecture,” said Frankie Pinto, the Board of Architectural Review small administrator.
The building’s owner, Simmons’ grandson, is now facing significant costs to restore the historic home.
The board requested that a stabilization plan be provided within 90 days, which will need structural engineers, architects, and specialists and cost thousands of dollars. That will only be the first stage in a long process of repairs.
Officials claim there are resources available to aid with the expenditures.
“In situations like this, everyone has a role to play,” said Anna Catherine Alexander, director of advocacy projects at the Preservation Society of Charleston. “There are two sectors: public and private. These tasks are made possible by utilizing creative thinking to gather the necessary resources to complete the job.”
According to experts, the city, non-profits, and grants may all work together to assist fund projects. Projects like the Philip Simmons house rely significantly on community donations, and organizers are hopeful that the community will band together to save the landmark mansion.
“The great news is while there are a lot of questions about initial steps and the future of this house, this building is the center of public dialogue right now,” Mr. Alexander remarked. “The community is energized and passionate and that is the foundation for productive conversation moving forward.”
