Bon Haven
National Register Listing
Street Address:
728 N. Church St., Spartanburg, SC (Spartanburg County)
Alternate Name:
Cleveland House
NRHP Nomination
Record Number:
S10817742014
Description and Narrative:
(Cleveland House) Built ca. 1884, Bon Haven is a Second Empire style structure with 1920s Neo-Classical additions. Its builder, John B. Cleveland, played a vital role in the growth of Spartanburg, promoting almost every facet of the town’s development to such a degree that upon his death in 1928 he was heralded as the town’s “first citizen.” Cleveland was a founder and trustee of Converse College, a trustee of Wofford College, and played a role in the establishment of Spartanburg’s city school system. He organized and served as president of Whitney Mills and was instrumental in establishing the town’s first bank, First National Bank of Spartanburg. From 1904 until his death in 1928, Cleveland served as vice president of the South Carolina Historical Society. Between 1878 and 1880, he served in the South Carolina House of Representatives. Bon Haven is architecturally significant due to its solid construction and interesting design. Two stories high and set upon a raised granite basement, the house exemplifies the eclecticism of two ages. The Mansard roof, central tower, and arched window reflect the Second Empire style of architecture; the massive Ionic columns and portico reflect the Neo-Classical revival of the 1920s. To the rear of the structure are brick servant’s quarters, a brick “tea” house, and the remains of a formal garden. Bon Haven was demolished in 2017. Listed in the National Register June 29, 1976. Removed from the National Register February 27, 2020.
Period of Significance:
circa 1884
Level of Significance:
Local
Area of Significance:
Architecture;Education;Social History
National Register Determination:
removed from National Register
Date of Certification:
June 29 1976
Date of Removal from the Register:
February 27 2020
