Self, James C., House

National Register Listing

Street Address:

595 N. Mathis St., Greenwood, SC (Greenwood County)

Alternate Name:

Self House

---

NRHP Nomination

Record Number:

S10817724013

Description and Narrative:

The James C. Self House is significant for its association with textile magnate and philanthropist James C. Self. The Neo-Classical style mansion is architecturally significant as one of the more ambitious residential projects of Thomas W. Cothran, a prominent local architect of the early twentieth century. Begun in 1917, the house was constructed as a residence for Mr. and Mrs. James C. Self. Self was the president of the Greenwood Cotton Mill and also known as a local philanthropist. The house is a two-story, brick veneer residence with a green Spanish tile hipped roof. It rests on a brick foundation faced with rock face granite blocks. A colossal Ionic portico that projects from the three central bays dominates the façade. The portico has four fluted Ionic columns with Scamozzi capitals and rosette ornamentation. Located to the rear of the house are the smokehouse/wellhouse and the garage. Both buildings are contemporary to the house and have granite foundations, brick walls, and green tile roofs. Cothran also was architect for several Greenwood railroad-related buildings, the Wilson Hall wing of Lander College Old Main Building, and the YMCA Building at Clemson University. The Self House is one of the best-preserved examples of Cothran’s residential work. Listed in the National Register November 20, 1987.

Period of Significance:

1917 – 1918

Level of Significance:

Local

Area of Significance:

Architecture;Industry

National Register Determination:

listed

Date of Certification:

November 20 1987

---