Colin McK. Grant Home for Aged Presbyterians
Historic Property
Alternate Name:
Unknown
Street Address:
581 Meeting St., Charleston, SC (Charleston County)
Site Number:
2810.06
Control Number:
U/19/2810.06
Tax Number:
4631604018
Date Surveyed:
April 4 2003
Category:
Building
Construction Date:
1923
Historic Use:
Residential/Domestic
Current Use:
Residential/Domestic
Historic Core Shape:
L
Architect or Builder:
Hyer, David B. (architect); Worthy, T.W. (builder)
Number of Stories:
2
Construction Method:
frame
Exterior Walls Materials:
Brick Veneer
Foundation Materials:
Brick
Roof Shape:
hip
Roof Materials:
composition shingle
Porch Width:
over 1 bay but less than full façade
Porch Shape:
flat
National Register Determination:
contributes to eligible district;
Signficant Architectural Features:
Gabled projection on south side of the main façade; jack arch window lintels with keystones; 6/6 windows; stone sills; brick post with concrete apron wall on porch balcony; brick arch porch supports with stone springers; rear 2-story porch on south side; rear hipped dormer
Historical Information:
The Colin McK. Grant Home is a charitable organization established for the sole purpose of “conducting a home for indigent Presbyterians.” It was chartered in 1920, and founded by Colin McK. Grant, member of the Second Presbyterian Church. The Grant Home is a row of six identical 2-story white brick buildings located on the southwest corner of Meeting and Huger Streets. Construction did not actually begin on the buildings until August of 1923, two years after his death. The specifications for the home were detailed in Grant’s will and carried out by his wife, Caroline Wilson Grant, and/or the executors of her will. The buildings were designed by well-known local architect, David B. Hyer and constructed by T. W. Worthy. According to Grant’s will the buildings were to only be occupied by “white persons in reduced circumstances, both men and women, who by faith and profession are Presbyterians.” He also specified that occupants must be over the age of 40 and residents of the City of Charleston for at least five years. The home was operated as originally intended from the 1920s through the mid-1970s when the neighborhood started to change and people were no longer willing to live there. In the 1980s the buildings were sold to the Housing Authority of Charleston and now provide housing for low-income families.
Source of Historical Information:
Information from Lissa Felzer, City of Charleston
Quadrangle Name:
Charleston