Futuristic isn’t a term that typically applies to Charleston’s architecture. But there’s one building on historic Meeting Street that was truly forward-thinking: the Fireproof Building. Completed in 1827, this building was originally called the Charleston District Record Building before it was renamed to emphasize its most unique feature. Nearly 200 years ago, it was quite rare for a building to prioritize safety, but the Fireproof Building achieved that while retaining its exterior charm.
What Makes Architecture in South Carolina So Unique
South Carolina’s architecture is known for being visually beautiful, haunting, and complicated. Nowhere is that truer than in Charleston, where centuries-old church steeples reach to the sky, and wrought-iron gates protect pastel-colored homes. It’s certainly stunning on the outside, but the city’s story is one of endurance; these buildings have withstood a lot in the way of climate, culture, and change in general. A few years ago, I took a walking tour of Charleston, and to this day, it remains one of the most fascinating city tours I’ve experienced.
The Story Behind the Fireproof Building
The primary purpose of the Fireproof Building was to house state and county records. By 1942, it became the home of the South Carolina Historical Society. The exterior blends in seamlessly with the Charleston cityscape, but there’s something totally unique about its origins. You might even say it’s the strangest building in South Carolina, considering the fact that the builders created the structure to be as fireproof as possible, long before there were specific codes that mandated it. But Charleston had seen its fair share of fires, and the designer of this building wanted to make sure that this one would last.
Though the building has a lovely neoclassical exterior, it’s essentially a fireproof vault. The brick masonry is covered in stucco, giving it a smooth appearance. Plus, other design elements like the portico and columns are made from masonry rather than wood. Lastly, the interior staircase is made of stone. In other words, wood was used very sparingly, which was uncommon for that time period when most buildings were comprised almost entirely of timber.
The first major test came in 1886, and it wasn’t a fire but an earthquake. The 7.0-magnitude earthquake was one of the strongest ever recorded in the region, and while the Fireproof Building certainly sustained some damage, it was nothing compared to the surrounding buildings.
Why This Building Stands Out from the Rest
There’s a final reason why the Fireproof Building is one of the most fascinating buildings in South Carolina: its designer would go on to build one of the most famous structures in the country. Just nine years later, Robert Mills was selected to build the Washington Monument, which would be completed in 1884. It seems that in both designs, Mills prioritized endurance, favoring strength and structural integrity in his creation of these iconic landmarks…